Handcrafted - by Clint Harp (Paperback)

About the Book

"Clint Harp, maverick carpenter on HGTV's smash hit Fixer Upper and the star of Wood Work on the DIY Network, presents his inspirational memoir that celebrates meaningful work, turning your craft into a career, and recognizing the importance of the journey itself. While Clint Harp is now known as Chip and Joanna Gaines's go-to table maker on Fixer Upper and a nationally acclaimed artisan, his life has not always been the DIY dream we see on the show. Ten years ago, he played the role of what he thought was a good husband, father, and provider, dutifully working at a sales job that came with a healthy paycheck. Yet he kept coming back to his dream of building furniture. With the support of his wife, Kelly, and the encouragement of a mentor, he finally took the leap, quit his job, and set out on a quest to become a carpenter. Without formal training, financing, work space, 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 and Kelly wouldn't have imagined possible. Spanning Clint's remarkable iourney--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--[this book] is part memoir and part manual for dreamers. Clint provides unvarnished, thoughtful reflections on a path that is possible for anyone bold enough to pursue it."--Jacket.

Book Synopsis

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).

Review Quotes

"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

"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

"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