Handcrafted: A Woodworker's Story

Description

A moving and inspirational memoir from the beloved maverick carpenter on HGTV's smash hit Fixer Upper that shows how to turn your hobbies and craft into a career and celebrates the power of meaningful work. Now known to the countless fans of Fixer Upper as Chip and Joanna Gaines's go-to table maker and acclaimed artisan, Clint Harp hasn't always lived the DIY dream we see on the show. Ten years ago, he was dutifully working at a sales job that, while it provided security for his family, did nothing to help him achieve his unfulfilled dreams of building furniture. With the support of his wife, the encouragement of a mentor, and a life full of lessons, he finally took the leap, quitting his job and setting out on the quest to become a carpenter. Without formal training, financing, workspace, or customers, the Harps were quickly on the edge of financial collapse. Then Clint met Chip Gaines at a gas station-a chance encounter that marked the next chapter on a wild ride Clint could never have imagined possible. Spanning Clint's remarkable journey-from a childhood learning carpentry and hard work at his grandfather's knee, through his struggles to balance pursuing his dreams with supporting his family, to his partnership with Chip and Joanna Gaines and the many adventures and misadventures of filming Fixer Upper-Handcrafted is part memoir and part manual for dreamers of all backgrounds. "From the floor of his first shop to the foundations of Habitat for Humanity houses, to building furniture for the world to see, Clint Harp is living a handcrafted life" (President Jimmy Carter).

Clint Harp can be found regularly on HGTV's hit show Fixer Upper as the dumpster-diving, reclaimed wood-loving carpenter and furniture artisan. He and his wife, Kelly, own and operate their business, Harp Design Co. The Harp family lives in Waco, Texas. Handcrafted is Clint's first book.

"A fellow craftsman from Georgia, Clint shows how to live life as an adventure. From the floor of his first shop to the foundations of Habitat for Humanity houses, to building furniture for the world to see, Clint Harp is living a handcrafted life." -President Jimmy Carter "I'm proud of Clint. I'm proud of the husband and father he is, and I'm proud that he's my friend. He's the kind of guy who just bears down and gets stuff done. I'm glad he took the time to put his life story together, and I'm honored to have played a small part. Don't be dumb...read this book!" -Chip Gaines "As Clint crafts the inspiring details of his personal journey from meager means to craftsman to TV personality, he points us to our own stories, and leaves us eager to find and admire the beauty in every reclaimed piece of our own lives, to value all the parts, people, and unlikely moments that have shaped us and nudged us toward our own dreams."-Chris Rice