Q&A with Honeybear: Julia Neumaier
Last year, we didn’t get to post all the Q&As of vendors who participated in the 2007 Crafty Bastards fair, so here they are now!
Honeybear Designs comes straight from the heart. It’s a reference to a fragment of Julia Neumaier’s own childhood poetry, titled ‘My Honny Bare,’ in which she begins: “Where old people cross strets But I see you No Where …” She was 6 years old.
With Honeybear, Julia is well aware of the charm that dwells in the stroke of a pencil. She features her own girlish pencil doodles on a colorful array of soft hand-printed tees. Her jewelry consists of vintage beads such as 1930’s & 40’s Bakelite, 1950’s hand-carved ivory and Japanese molded glass, as well as semiprecious gems such as ruby, quartz and amethyst. According to Julia, she has always loved digging into the past, whether it’s studying history or echoing jewelry styles of the 1940’s and 50’s.
1. How long have you been making things?
Since I can remember.
2. What is your earliest/favorite crafting memory?
This magazine I made when I was little, “The Handy Kitty Work Out.” 4 issues of crafting, like making pinwheels and paper snowflakes. Each issue featured kitties in 1980’s Olivia Newton-John-esque workout gear.
3. Why do you make things?
Because it makes me happy and therapy is expensive.
4. What sort of things do you make?
I hand-print t-shirts of my drawings and design jewelry using vintage beads and findings. I also make paper products, like cards and whatnot.
5. Any success stories you’d care to share?
I got into Crafty Bastards two years in a row and I’ve been self-employed running my own business for many years now. Also, having my jewelry selling in boutiques was a big step.
6. Inspirations?
My t-shirt designs are specifically inspired by childhood, but I find inspiration in lots of things - people, experiences I have, movies, books I’m reading, music, history, etc…
7. Craft supplies you can’t live without?
Pen and paper.
8. Describe your work area (photos please!)
It’s cluttered, it’s a basement and not photo worthy.
9. Family? Pets? Plants?
I have 2 kitties, Scout and Lillie, and a dog named Frannie.
10. Favorite color or pattern?
I like black, grey and red; always been a fan of tartan plaid.
11. Have you been a Crafty Bastard before?
Yes and always a pleasure!
12. Tell us about other crafters you love and your favorite handmade purchases.
A wallet that I got from Handmade Bags of Love. Not only neat looking and functional, but it has held up for three years.
13. What is one thing everyone should know how to do themselves?
Hard to decide on just one thing. How about check your oil - it’s a good starting point and the downfall of many a car. Of course, once you learn to do one thing, you won’t be able to stop.
