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Handcrafted: A Woodworker's Story

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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 UpperHandcrafted 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).

Audiobook

First published September 25, 2018

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Clint Harp

2 books7 followers

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5 stars
270 (33%)
4 stars
292 (36%)
3 stars
191 (23%)
2 stars
36 (4%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Diane.
1,119 reviews3,200 followers
January 30, 2019
This is a charming memoir from the carpenter on the popular HGTV show "Fixer Upper." I'm a fan of that series, and I especially enjoyed hearing how Clint first met Chip and Joanna Gaines and then became a part of the show.

I also liked hearing how Clint got his start in carpentry, which involved a huge leap of faith when he quit his high-paying sales job. He had always been interested in woodwork and dreamed of being able to support his family with carpentry work.

One of the things I appreciate about the "Fixer Upper" show is that they don't go overboard featuring the Gaines' Christianity (but it's openly discussed in their book, "The Magnolia Story"), and similarly, Clint is very open about his Christian faith in "Handcrafted." I'm giving you fair warning if you don't like discussions of religion.

Overall, I enjoyed this book and appreciated Clint's journey toward carpentry (and HGTV fame). Maybe someday I'll visit his shop and buy a Harp Design Co. T-shirt. Recommended.

Opening Passage

In elementary school, my teacher took us outside and asked us all to find a tree. Once we found one, she said, that tree would be ours; we could adopt it as our very own. Although I was born in Atlanta, at that time I lived in Asheville, North Carolina, where beautiful trees were abundant. I was six years old and in the first grade. I found my tree and sat down at its base. My classmates and I just sat there by our trees, quietly getting acquainted with our tall new friends. For all I know, my teacher was at the end of her rope that day, and she came up with this activity as a way to just keep us quiet for a few minutes. I don't know her reasons and never will, but it doesn't matter. For me, the experience was magical. That tree was mine and I loved it. I scratched in the dirt at its base, and then dug a little deeper. I kept digging until I found a little rock. I lifted it from the ground and thought that maybe, just maybe, I was the only one to ever touch that rock -- it had come from the hand of its creator straight to mine, with no one in between. That day, my heart cracked open to life's mysterious possibilities.

Decades later, when I quit my job to pursue a passion to build furniture, in my mind I was once again sitting at the base of that tree. Hidden deep in my heart was an old wooden door, leading to a room full of dreams. For many reasons -- not the least of which were society's ideas about what it means to "grow up" and "get serious" and "be a good provider" -- I had closed that door years before. But now it had been flung open. I had walked back into a world where anything was possible. For you, that door might have opened onto a classroom, a farm, a playing field, a church sanctuary, a medical school, an auto repair shop, an art studio. For me, that door opened onto a woodshop -- my garage, to be exact. Inside that sweltering space was a universe bigger than any I'd ever imagined, one that I had discovered only because I'd found the courage to embrace the journey that had been calling to me for some time.
Profile Image for Literary Redhead.
2,706 reviews692 followers
July 17, 2019
“Handcrafted: A Woodworker's Story” by Clint Harp is the pull ‘em up by the bootstraps bio of Chip and Joanna Gaines’ carpenter from Fixer Upper. Clint tells it true ... the real deal of solopreneurship, as one who leapt free from a good-paying sales job to pursue his dream of being a full-time furniture maker. With his wife and family to feed, the early days proved near disastrous, until Clint’s serendipitous encounter with Chip at a gas station that led to work with the Gaines, airtime on Fixer Upper, and his own show, Wood Work on the DIY Network. Perhaps more than skill, mentorship, or money, we learn that faith and persistence are the most important equipment to have in a carpenter’s toolkit. Highly recommended!

Pub Date 25 Sep 2018

Thanks to Touchstone and NetGalley for the review copy. Opinions are fully mine.

#Handcrafted #NetGalley
44 reviews
September 26, 2018
Interesting story of following your dreams

It was interesting to follow the fixer upper story and understand how fixer upper touched so many lives in Waco, Texas.
Love the show and all the characters!!
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,864 reviews9 followers
December 7, 2018
I'm sure that this book will appeal to people who really love Clint without question. I've always liked him and his designs, but my interest in Fixer Upper remains the Chip-Joanna dynamic. So, I went into this intrigued enough to find out more about him and his life leading up to the show, but not so enamoured that anything he wrote would be taken as gospel. In the end, I was left liking the individual less. I don't think he was a bad person in any way, but I feel that for half of the book or more, he came across as self-indulgent and somewhat self-centred. He admits to this towards the end or at least partially admits to it.

The biggest hurdle for me was his relationship with Kelly. She must be a woman of steel to put up with as much financial hardship and uncertainty. I get that it all meant he ended up where he is now, and that's likely paying off in many different ways, but the decision to leave a lucrative job and throw your family into chaos seemed like such a bad choice. Kelly is an incredible person. Period.

I was also a bit disappointed - although I should have known and my friends told me as much - that he had a co-writer on this because it makes me question whether he held the pen or let someone else do that piece. Ugh. It is well written so kudos to Clint or his "ghost writer."
Profile Image for Dan Ward.
149 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2018
I wanted to like this book because Clint Harp seems like a likeable guy on the Fixer Upper show. I should have stopped reading after the first chapter when he explains that he only became successful because he happened to meet Chip Gaines at a gas station. The rest of the book is a somewhat normal life of struggling with a broken home, too many failed attempts at starting a carpentry business and then finally lucking into celebrity gold.

If you are a huge fan of Fixer Upper maybe this is the story for you. It was tough for me to slog through.

Remember you should always chase your dreams. Just don't go through europe, stop and start making furniture more times than I can count, succeed in medical sales and then move to waco without savings to start a business unless there is someone who can put you on tv and make you famous....
Profile Image for Amy.
3,727 reviews96 followers
February 28, 2019
A good story about the "Carpenter from Fixer Upper," this is Harp's autobiography. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has struggled to get by in the world and given up the good life, to pursue their dream(s).
498 reviews13 followers
September 30, 2018
Clint and Kelly Harp's "backstory" isn't what you'd think.
I really enjoyed the way Clint told his story using the stages of building a table.
The illustrations were simple but beautiful.
Profile Image for Joni Hartman.
53 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2019
As a Fixer Upper fan, I am familiar with their carpenter, Clint Harp, so I have been wanting to read this story about how he came to do what he is doing.
An easy read, I enjoyed the first person telling of Clint’s story. His life has been full of ups and downs, and the prices are woven together well so that the reader can easily follow.
It was interesting to me that a big part of this book is the spiritual journey Clint is on. He began as a follower of Christ on mission for Him, but somewhere along the way began doubting his faith. By the end, it seems he is still searching.
As for his woodworking skills, he was a novice when Chip and Joanna Gaines found him in Waco and asked him to start designing tables for their fixer uppers! He is either a super-confident, optimist, or a total nut-case! Somehow, he was able to use the skills he had developed mostly as a child working with his grandfather to become the woodworker he is today.
I enjoyed the book and gave it 4 stars because this is the kind of story I like, involving some of my favorite people.
I think when you read it, you will relate to Clint’s hardships in some way, be encouraged by his can-do attitude, and be challenged to chase your dreams, even if they seem unattainable.
Profile Image for Ann.
6,016 reviews83 followers
November 1, 2018
Sometimes life seems too good to be true with dreams becoming reality. Clint Hart dreamed of becoming a furniture maker and through a chance meeting with Chip Gaines his achieved success. This book talks about the hard lean time before his furniture was featured on Fixer Upper and his life after success. He now has his own tv show on DIY network. Clint Harp talks about the importance of family and how he learned his craft from his Grandfather. Inspiration to anyone who dreams of starting their own business or pursuing happiness. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Profile Image for Susan.
824 reviews
March 10, 2019
A cute and well written story of a man who stubbornly followed his dream no matter how silly it seemed. At times even he had to admit that his decisions not only seemed irresponsible but also impossible. As an audiobook, Clint's good heart, kind nature and strong-will shine through and you can't help rooting for him to succeed even when at times he seems to just be going in circles. However, I did find the book somewhat confusing as he jumps back and forth in time and would have enjoyed it more had he kept his stories in chronological order.
7 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2018
Great book.

Through years watching Fixer Upper, I always especially enjoyed the parts with Clint. I wanted to know more about him and his family. Now,delightfully, I know more -- much more. This book is VERY interesting. Even though the Harps do not know me, I am just plain proud of them. They have determination and integrity -- a fine example of inspiration.
8 reviews1 follower
July 22, 2019
Enjoyed very much. Not particularly well written but interesting.
671 reviews58 followers
June 8, 2025
Audible credit 6 hours 24 min. Narrated by the author

I am only familiar with Clint Harp through his appearances as the carpenter on HGTV's series Fixer Upper. I am naturally curious about what leads a person to enter a trade like carpentry. Clint Harp is an excellent example of why $50,000 in student debt for a college degree can prove more of a dead weight than a ladder to success.

Clint did one thing right; he married the right woman who would balance his eractic life choices. Another great decision Clint made was to step away from ministry. After all these years, I'm not sure he has a true relationship with the Lord. He admits he's still searching.

I enjoyed Clint's life's story, and I'm sure it was much better because I listened to him tell it. I appreciated the natural analogies he used between life and woodworking throughout his writing.
One thing is certain. Clint is passionate!

Oh, did I mention that I love the smell of sawdust!
51 reviews
August 27, 2020
Unexpected. This book was passed along to me and I honestly thought why would I read it? I knew who Clint was from TV and he seemed like a nice guy but a book on his life? Boy was I wrong. As I said unexpected. He is certainly a talented woodworker but it didn't come easily or naturally. He is definitely an example of a self taught craftsman that really did it the hard way. I was impressed with his honest accounts of his failures and inspired by his don't let it stop me approach. A lot of fun stories and some leave you shaking your head at the lucky circumstances that gave him opportunities. A fun read that I recommend, unexpectedly.
Profile Image for Laurie DelaCruz.
385 reviews9 followers
June 11, 2021
I like memoirs that aren't glossy or pretentious, and this book is thankfully neither. A simple story of a man facing setbacks time and again, yet still pushing through to achieve great success.
68 reviews
March 23, 2020
Didn't really care for the style of writing.
Story just ok.
Feel like her should have wrote more of a debt free journey book.
Profile Image for donna.
29 reviews2 followers
March 9, 2020
If you are a fan of his, you will enjoy reading how he got where he is today. His path is not at all what i pictured.
Profile Image for Hannah Brown.
175 reviews10 followers
June 3, 2019
I've read some articles about the current Jeopardy domination, and something that's stood out to me is someone's ability to risk--money, reputation, livelihood, whatever. Whelp, Harp has done that.

Harp's main theme is that you should take control of your life and step out to achieve your dreams. Don't just passively let life roll by, he says, take control and shape it in the direction you want it to go. The only problem is, he seems to be very passive in the most important area of his life--his faith. It's not that I necessarily disagree with the religious conclusions he reaches, but rather the way he seems to come to them. When he decides that alcohol is okay, it seems to be because, overall, he's drifted from a Baptist, Bible Belt upbringing and he was offered a drink by a fellow Christian so, hey, why not. Clint, that's not taking control of your life, that's passively living it. What does Scripture say about this and many other areas--the Sabbath, going to church, work, family, etc. etc.? As Christians, we can't just passively make decisions based on what we feel like; we have to diligently search the Scriptures, pray, and ask for godly counsel.

So would I recommend this book? Only for avid Fixer Upper fans. But I don't regret reading it; it's good to hear about people who are living by faith. And boy, did God provide for their family.
Profile Image for Paige Gordon.
Author 6 books70 followers
January 3, 2019
Like most others, I know about Clint from watching Fixer Upper so it was fun to get to learn more of his story. The twists and turns his family took to get where they are now make for a really engaging read and I absolutely Love the way that Clint writes - super down to earth and real. His story gives me so much hope for our own story of dream chasing and this is a book I’d definitely recommend reading if you’re at all a fan of Fixer Upper and Clint’s work.

Favorite Quote: “As it goes in life, so it goes with carpentry. While you may start out with an idea and plan for how you’re going to build something, it doesn’t always end up that way. You don’t have the pieces you need. You saw a few boards too short. You’re day doesn’t go as expected and the three hours you thought you’d have to spend in the shop turn out to be less than one. And yet you keep building. Keep hammering. Keep chiseling. Because if you sit around and wait for all the pieces to line up, for all the conditions to be perfect, you won’t make it very far.”
Profile Image for betanine .
441 reviews5 followers
April 7, 2019
I picked this book up by mistake, thinking it was a book of a similar title. I hadn’t heard of Clint Harp before. That being said, I really enjoyed this book.

I admire Harp’s willingness to take a big risk to peruse a dream and to dive into a challenge. In some ways I think that I could never do that and in others I find myself inspired to take on new challenges and take risks because Clint did it and found joy in it.

My favorite part of this book comes in the last chapter when he speculates that God desires us to become the best versions of ourselves. I agree with Clint. Too often I don’t pursue a dream or try something for fear of failing or not being good enough. The fact is that God loves us and is for us, no matter how talented we are or how badly we fail at something. I want to live in that confidence.
Profile Image for Michael Clayton.
13 reviews
January 29, 2019
To be honest, I didn’t know this book existed until my wife gave it to me for Christmas. We are big fans of Fixer Upper (and in 2018, I got Chip’s book for Christmas) and I’ve always loved when Clint would come on screen and be part of the show.

The first third of this book was a slow in getting started, but as I continued to read, it picked up the pace. I tore through the last two thirds of the book (once they get back from Paris) in no time... that’s when it got really engaging.

Looking back at the book, I really appreciate the way he structured it and applied the metaphor of woodworking (i.e. the part names: Laborer, Craftsman, Journeyman; and the chapter titles: milled, splintered, rough cuts, varying grits, etc.).

Very well done and a very good (and quick) read.
Profile Image for Sheri S..
1,633 reviews
January 31, 2019
I've watched some of the Fixer Upper shows and remember appearances by Clint Harp, so when my mom gave me this book, I thought it would be fun to read! Harp shares his life story, the hardships he experienced as a boy as well as how he was impacted by many of his family members. He emphasizes the importance that following his dream had on his life, even to the point that he walked away from a financially lucrative job. He acknowledges that pursuing one's dream may not be easy (in fact, he faced numerous challenges) but it's worth the effort. He describes how he became involved in the Fixer Upper show and his appreciation for the Gaines willingness to take a chance on him.
Profile Image for Hannah Steenhoven.
45 reviews2 followers
March 10, 2019
A beautifully written and inspiring story. A down to earth narrative about his journey of life and how fulfilling and rewarding life can be if you follow those dreams that's been resting and waiting at the back of your heart and mind. But also how tough things can be and truly disheartened you can get in the midst of this journey, but in the thick of it, you have the same small voice reminding you, this is what you're made for. To persevere and fight for the dream and hope that you're meant for more than what's expected, what's normal, what's comfortable. You're meant to grow and learn, to pick yourself up and do it again, to put yourself out there and see how wonderful life can truly be.
Profile Image for Terri.
643 reviews
October 18, 2018
I picked this one up because I wanted to know more about Clint Harp, the carpenter from Fixer Upper and Wood Work on HGTV and DIY. This is one of the most inspirational books that I have ever read! If you have ever had a dream of starting your own company, but didn’t know if you should do it, this is the book to read. Clint shares his and his wife’s story and dreams about starting their company and their struggles along the way. I absolutely loved this book, and will be going back to reread this one as I need inspiration again!
348 reviews18 followers
October 20, 2018
Was/am a fan of "Fixer Upper" TV show and appreciated the carpentry skills of Clint Harp. Saw the episode when the renovation of the Harp's home was featured on the show. It was interesting to learn Clint and Kelly's backstory -- of all the ups and downs in his career, the variety of jobs, the influence of his grandfather on his dream to become a furniture maker and how that dream finally became a reality which included it's own ups and downs. My father was a well-respected carpenter/cabinet maker, which made Clint's story even more interesting to me.
Profile Image for Lindsay Wilcox.
802 reviews5 followers
December 8, 2018
This was an interesting story about how Clint Harp became the well-known carpenter he is today, but I didn’t feel like this was super compelling. Sure, he worked hard and put his dream to the test, but his fame was also majorly tied into Chip and Joanna’s fame, so in some ways he just got REALLY lucky. I much preferred Chip and Joanna’s book, because this one read more like a list of chronological events rather than a memoir. Still, I do like Clint Harp and think he deserves the success he’s enjoying.
Profile Image for Jason A. A..
Author 1 book1 follower
January 18, 2019
A good if not great telling of the story behind Clint Harp and the Harp Design Co. that is featured on the TV shows Fixer Upper and Wood Work.

There's enough here to give you background and perhaps a new respect for the Harps and everything they went through before finding success on TV even if the success almost seems accidental. There's not a lot to gleen about business or behind the scenes gossip really but there are a few anecdotes worth reading about. Clint Harp seems like a genuinely good and decent person and I'm happy for his success.
52 reviews
January 4, 2020
I enjoyed read this book. In fact, it only took me slightly over a day.

Mr. Harp brings interesting perspectives to the table. There are tidbits about woodworking. Behind the scenes to the Fixer Upper show, and more.

Ultimately, this is an encouraging read about a man and his family, and their journey. It helps make all of my dreams seem more attainable, with hard work and perseverance.

Additionally, I appreciated his writing style, authenticity and more. This is very well written, I would highly recommend!
Profile Image for Allison.
382 reviews5 followers
December 11, 2018
Although the author is a celebrity of reality television, I did not know that when I picked up this book. I expected a memoir about a life in woodworking. However this is a book not about woodworking, but about risk-taking, being true to oneself, and understanding that a "calling" can take many forms. I expect anyone who is familiar with the author from his tenure on television would thoroughly enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews

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