by Jennifer Velasquez

As so many of us start to ready our homes for the holidays we are excited to introduce new team member Ashley Aranda of Papyrusaurus. Ashley creates one-of-a-kind, handmade gifts for the geek in all of us. The first product she made was her classic book page ornaments nine years ago and it is still a customer favorite! Learn more about her business and her musings on the upcoming holiday season as a business owner.

NYHC: Tell us about what you make.

Ashley Aranda: Papyrusaurus makes a wide variety of home decor, stationery and accessories, inspired by and made from the stories that inspire us all.

NYHC: Where do you live?

AA: I live and work out of my home studio in Rockville Centre on tropical Long Island.

NYHC: What is unique or different about your process and/or designs?

AA: I work mainly with well-loved copies of books that played a big part in everyone's lives. Being able to give them a second life and seeing folks enjoying their favorite stories in a new form is really wonderful.

NYHC: Do you have any favorite pieces? What makes them special to you?

AA: My Signature Book Page Ornaments are still my favorite, even after 9 years. Watching people pick them up, examine them and then realize that they're made from the actual pages of a beloved book never gets old.

NYHC: What is your favorite tool or supply?

AA: Toss up between micron pens (I use them for illustration work and to help assemble the ornaments) and my heavy duty scissors.

NYHC: Is there a new piece/opportunity/change that you're excited about?

AA: I don't know if excited is the right word, but I'm definitely interested to see how this holiday season plays out. On one hand, the idea of doing all virtual shows and getting to stay in my pajamas with my family on weekends is VERY appealing. But, I know I'm going to miss traveling all over for pop-up markets and seeing all of my maker family.

NYHC: What advice or tips can you share with other makers?

AA: Just try! If you're waffling back and forth on an idea for a project, or anxious about trying a new technique, just jump in. Give it a whirl. Whether it's a huge success or gets taken apart a dozen times, you'll have learned something in the process.