Find & Keep
by Beci Orpin · Published by Hardie Grant Books
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Meet the Author
Hey there, can you introduce yourself?
HELLO! i'm beci - a designer / illustrator based in melbourne, australia
Tell us a bit about the book?
'Find and Keep' is loosely a book about inspiration, how i find inspiration and what i do with it. It is divided into 3 chapters - "Studio", "Home" and "Out and About", and each chapter has corresponding DIY projects. All the projects are pretty simple - i tried to make them pretty achievable and don't require too many specialised skills or materials.
What was the inspiration behind it?
I was lucky enough to be approached by Hardie Grant to make a book, and we developed the concept together. I love DIY projects but i wanted to develop some more from a design perspective.
Which is your favourite project?
It's pretty hard to choose - i was so happy with how they all turned out! I really love the pegboard cross-stitch because it looks cute but it's functional too.
What is your craft space like?
It's pretty chaotic! My studio is in my house - it's the front room of our house, and it's a nice big space with great light and a lovely view of the park across the road. It's fill to the brim with books, art/craft materials, fabric, sketchbooks and thousands of other bits and pieces (i'm a self-confessed hoarder). It's not very separate from the rest of the house (no doors!) so you will also often find my kids and 2 cats in here as well.
Have you always been creative?
Yes think so. From a very young age i knew i wanted to draw and make things with my hands as a job.
When did you first start crafting?
My mum made clothes for me so we always had a sewing machine out, an my dad is carpenter so he was always tinkering with wood on the weekends; i also had very crafty gran and auntie with amazing craft rooms - so i guess i was surrounded by people making things with their hands so it was a natural thing for me to do. I can't remember the first thing i ever made - but i did a lot of drawings, some of which my mum kept. It's pretty nice to still have them (there are some benefits to hoarding!)
Who are your crafty heroes?
I have a lot of craft books from the 70's - they are full of beautiful colours and motifs. I don't know any specific authors but they have always been a great influence in all of my work. I also love hello sandwich's book and blog, and lust after pretty much any japanese craft books. I also all the books todd oldham has made and everything he does too. Marimekko's craft book "surrur" is genius too! craft victoria is a fantastic organisation here, they have great exhibitions and resources and support so many good makers with their shop too.
Where do you find inspiration?
Everywhere! Seriously its endless - its so easy these days especially with sites like pinterest, but i also like to get out and about for inspiriation too - see exhibitions, visit flea markets and ride my bike as well. They all provide pretty good sources of ideas.
What's next for you?
I'm currently working on a follow-up book to find and keep, then i have some exhibitions in melbourne and sydney later this year, as well as my usual roster of freelance design work for various clients. Plus hopefully a holiday is on the cards too!
Publisher's Description
A stunning craft book filled with unique and fresh ideas and bright, beautiful photography. Sick of all those dowdy, generic craft books? Be inspired with Beci Orpin’s beautiful new book, Find & Keep, with projects that are original, creative, and fresh! People of all ages will appreciate Orpin’s unique taste, and this book features all of her favorite things, from wall murals, such as life-size paper Christmas trees, to embroideries and herb gardens and picnic fare. You will be inspired by the twenty-five bright, fun, and colorful projects, with easy to follow step-by-step instructions and tips for perfecting your craft. Discover where Orpin gets her inspiration from and follow her in her studio, at home, and out and about as she gathers ideas for her projects, which then learn and you can do yourself. Covering a wide range of mediums, from cushions to teacups to T-shirts, both established and aspiring crafters will find something to love and create in Find & Keep. So get inspired, get creative, and go find, make, and keep!
