Monday 4 March 2013

Yo Mama! An Interview with Beci Orpin



I've renamed Beci Orpin - Beci Awesome.

Matt and I spent a joyful afternoon together, lying on the bed (don't get any ideas), reading her new book 'Find and Keep'. It's full to overflowing with colour, inspiration, and pure joy. I keep it by my bedside because as soon as I look at it, it buoys me. It's like happiness in print.

I've long been an avid fan of Beci Awesome. Since her Princess Tina days, when I'd avidly await her new releases, to recently when I met her at a flower bombing class at The School and rushed over to her and introduced myself (I am SUCH a nerd burger). I was so thrilled to be breathing in the same air as her. In a non-creepy way.

Beci is one of those rare creatures that constantly creates - and wins with her colourful and enchanting ways - plus she's super humble. And to add to that she has an equally awesome sister, Emily.

So without further ado, let's get down to why we're here - let's talk hear from the woman herself.

PMM: Beci Orpin.

Beci Orpin: YES hello!

In your book 'Find and Keep' you thank your parents for encouraging a creative childhood. Tell us about what growing up in the Orpin household was like.

Well actually I grew up across two different households for most of the time, as my parents got divorced when I was three and my sister (this is her) was one. We used to live with my mum during the week and spend weekends at dad's house. We lived in a commune with my mum for a while and that was super fun. She was all feminist theory and no TV and whole foods, but my dad let us occasionally eat junk food and Hubba Bubba and hire as many beta videos as we wanted. I think it was a good balance. In between both of them they read us lots of books, took us to lots of different classes (classical ballet, jazz ballet, flute, improv theatre, basket weaving, judo) and took us on fun holidays and outings. And of course they always encouraged us to do stuff, rather than sit on the couch.I think that was a biggie in how we both turned out.

 

You have two sons - how do you manage to keep active boys active, and your professional life thriving?

Honestly it's a constant struggle, but i have i've learnt a few tricks with boys (might apply to all kids but I have only had boys so I'm not sure) - keep them fed and take them out for a run - just like a puppy. My boys also thrive if you are able to give them one on one attention - which can be hard when you work from home and are an obsessive compulsive email-checker. But I find if I do the one-on-one thing, whether it be a bit of Lego building or reading books or drawing or talking about their day then that keeps them happy. I have also learnt that it's unfair to expect them to amuse themselves while I work. Neither of us ends up happy doing that. So I hang out with them when they get home from school and until after dinner and bed is done, and then go back to work when they sleep.

It was hard going to develop this kind of working routine for a while but now I am quite used to it, and even look forward to my night time sessions - it's really quiet and free from distractions. It almost disguises itself as "me time"! And it won't be like that forever. In the not-too-distant future they will be thinking I am completely uncool, so I'm going to lap up their demanding-ness while it's still happening.


Colour is so much a part of the Beci Orpin we know and love. Does it apply to all facets of your life?

YES for sure. Even without me noticing I find myself obsessing over what colour plates should go on that green table cloth, or an arrangement of scraps of colour paper on my desk. It can be quiet distracting really.


What's your favourite part of your job?

Without wanting to sound too sucky - almost every part. I do really like the beginnings of projects, getting all the bits together and experimenting. Subsequently I can suck at finishing things. I get it done eventually though. And variety. I like that I get to work on lots of different things.


And the best part of your day?

After we drop the kids off, Raph and I usually get coffee together. Even if it's just take-away we can talk in the car (his work is just around the corner). We are so busy independently, and Raph often works nights and weekends, and goes to bed early, so it can be hard to see each other aside from the daily routine. So coffee feels like a nice treat. I feel lucky we get to do things like that.

Do your children love creating too?

Ari definitely has the drawing gene - he creates literally hundreds of drawings without any prompting from me, or he is always asking to do painting or make something. Tyke is a bit older now (almost 10) and interested in different things - but he is creative in other ways - like writing stories, and of course Lego/minecraft creations. His mind is far more technical than mine will ever be.


How do you re-charge your batteries? What's time out look like for you?

I do have to work a lot so my "me" time has to be pretty well planned. I see a personal trainer once a week and have been doing that for almost three years - I never thought I would love exercise as much as I do! So much that this year i'm also doing bootcamp with some school mums! But the ultimate me time is riding my bike - I love it because it can fit into my day - I can ride to meetings and it feels like a bit of meditation on the way. We also go on a family holiday every year. That has become a pretty important ritual to us all now.


Juggling work and parenting is a crazy, crazy thing. What's your best tip to share?

YES IT IS. There are no tricks - it's hard work that's for sure. My tip is allocate kid time and working time and try not to overlap the both. As I said I try and hang out with my kids when they get home, and if I can't or need to go somewhere at night I tell them in advance so they don't get bummed out too much when I can't be there. Routine is kind of important to us - especially Monday to Friday - knowing what is going on in advance makes everything easier for everyone. Being organised is good too - but actually we are pretty crap at that. I can see how it would make our working/kid life much easier though. Getting organised is deinftely on my "to do" list.


What's coming up next for Beci Orpin?

Another crazy year - just how I like it. I'm working on one or two new books (can't say what or with whom just yet), and I have an exhibition planned for April with the amazing Kat Macleod, and a few other exhibitions later in the year too. Raph and I are also working on a new project for him - an exciting one which should launch in June. I'm trying to squeeze in bit more blogging, but most likely I will be wasting time on Instagram, Pinterest and Etsy instead. And then of course freelance work and my other usual follies.

In my dreams we will renovate our house this year - we even have the plans drawn up - but I think we will be too busy with everything else. So I might have to blow all our budget on a HUGE 40th birthday party (or series of parties). Yes that birthday is happening for me this year too! At first I was scared of it, but now I'm all BRING ON THE 40! Can't wait!


Want even more good news? The very good folk at Hardie Grant - together with Beci are kindly giving away three very awesome copies of 'Find and Keep'. 

To enter, all you have to do is comment on this post, and tell me why you need 'Find and Keep' in your life. 


Terms and conditions: 
- Open to Australian residents only.  
- Entries are open from Monday 4th March - closing Sunday 10th March 2013 at midnight. Three winners will be announced on Monday 11th March.
- One entry per person
- If you have trouble leaving a comment on my blog, please try a different browser. If problems persist, please let me know.
- You must leave your email address on your comment. I'm not Sherlock Holmes.


This is the sixth interview in my Yo Mama! series. Interviews with creative working mamas. Look out for them weekly. 

images courtesy of Beci's website and via Save the Children website.

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Jen at Interiors Addict said...

Love this interview, Lexi! I would love Beci's book because I have always been a words person and I would like to embrace more craft and creativity in my life :)

julie @ tractorgirl said...

OH! Find and Keep would be the bees knees in my life because I am such a collector of things and starter of projects.

Beci is such a wonderful inspiration - she sounds a lot like me, mixing children with work, having lots of projects on the go, and not quite ever getting around to finish it all.... However, she has still managed to do such awesome things!

Sam said...

I still have all my Princess Tina earrings, and I have this awesome tooth purse that I used to take out when I went clubbing, it was always such a conversation starter.

I need this book because I am housebound with 3 little kids, and in desperate need of learning new crafts and creations.

Beci has been inspirational for so long, I can still remember seeing all her amazing pieces of jewellery at Genki in Melbourne on my 1st trip there when I was 19. Such great memories.

x

Lauren Seeman said...

Beci's work is amazing and always makes me smile! Would love to own this book!

Yvonne said...

I have recently moved to Melbourne from Toronto, Canada and I need "Find and Keep" in my new life so I have some crafty projects to do in our new home. I saw Beci once in IKEA on one of my visits and I was too shy to say "hi" so I tried to walk around her so she could see the wooden pin of hers on my bag. I'm sure she is used to seeing lots of ppl with her things though!

Paige Stimpson said...

What a fab interview. I met Beci at a recent pop up market in Brunswick and think she is divine. I would dearly love to win a copy of this book for some inspiration to create some gifts for family and friends.

Bec Lee said...

Who wouldn't need a bit of Beci in their life?! As a fellow retro hoarder, market scrounger and woman who's name contains Bec in it, I feel that this book should be sitting on my desk! I'm currently needing some inspiration on decorating a coffee/book shop and I know Beci will provide me with gorgeous photos and crafts to kick my crafty side into action.

Felic said...

I have given two copies of this book to two of my fave crafty friends, secretly hoping each time that they would tell me they already had it so I'd have to keep their copy for myself.
Alas, no.
They have kept said awesomeness and I am left empty handed!
Winning one would be the ultimate reward for my patience.... wouldn't it?

Rachel McKenzie said...

What a fabulous interview - i've only just discovered Beci and love her style and inspiration. Owning her book would mean the world to me and i would treasure.

Hailey Murray said...

I need 'Find and Keep' as I need some inspiration and direction in my messy mummy land. Plus I dying to create something beautiful! :D
haileym_79@hotmail.com

Kieran said...

I need ever more craft inspiration! As a new Mumma I have more time to potter on homely things... and a list of projects to use up some of the materials collected over the past decade for 'someday' would truly be a dream!! Plus, Beci is rad.

Sarah said...

I stumbled upon Beci's range of bedware for Urban Outfitters - so I bought up big! Find & Keep would come in handy as now I'm wanting to deck out the rest of my room.
Beci's projects have also inspired annual craftanoon workshops with my mates at my place!

Simone said...

I NEED "Find & Keep" in my life because my eyes are sad, and tired, of looking at all my jars of ribbon, buttons and yards of fabric waiting, waiting, waiting to be turned into something cool. Help me. Help these uninspired eyes of mine. Please.

Lindsey said...

Great interview. I love that you asked some motherhood questions!
I think I need Find and Keep because I need a little treat. That's all.

Veggie Mama said...

Because I was born without a creativity gene. I need people to explain to me, step-by-step, how to make pretty things and put those pretty things in my home!

Laura said...

I've seen Beci give two talks, and been instantly inspired, not only by her design aesthetic but also her story and creative process. As someone who is in the process of bringing ideas together to write, design and illustrate my own book, it would be amazing to see how Beci has done it (and look at the pretty pictures too!).
fizzle_schmizzle@hotmail.com

Corinne Liesfield said...

Isn't Beci awesome? So much talent in one little lady. She's an inspiration!

Lisette Muratore said...

Need me some Find & Keep to FIND inspiration and KEEP creative block out of my life!
...See what I did there? :D

Lisette Muratore said...

Also my email is lisettemuratore@gmail.com, forgot to put that in! Pick me!

Anonymous said...

Inspiring to read about Beci...having 2 children and working from home and juggling it all. I would love her book as I am also a crafter and love colourful ideas, I think her book would be beautiful...just like Beci!
angiekettle@gmail.com

stuffandwhatnot said...

I need Find and Keep in my life to keep me inspired to be creative everyday with my girls. To give me colour inspiration to get me out of my safe red/black/grey palette

stuffandwhatnot said...

Oops. Stuffandwhatnot (at) gmail.com

Yvonne said...

and my email is supervonbon@hotmail.com

Karmen Williams said...

"Find and Keep" reminds me of my Mums sewing room! From a young age she encouraged us to use her sewing machine, material scraps and bits and pieces from her sewing box!

evie said...

Fantastic interview! How do I not already have this book in my life?
That really is quite embarrassing to admit. I held out with Christmas
and a birthday following it's release but obviously wasn't dropping big
enough hints. Now I need this book in my life so I can stop feeling like
a bookless loser! Plus I just cleaned my desk, it's ready to get messy again with those 26 projects.

evie said...

Fantastic interview! How do I not already have this book in my life?
That really is quite embarrassing to admit. I held out with Christmas
and a birthday following it's release but obviously wasn't dropping big
enough hints. Now I need this book in my life so I can stop feeling like
a bookless loser! Plus I just cleaned my desk, it's ready to get messy again with those 26 projects.

Candy said...

Always a big fan of DIY and anything by Beci is always as awesome as. Would love to win this book and pass on some craft ideas to friends who have kids! Thank you for the opportunity!

Caylie said...

I met Beci awesome (love that btw) at a lecture at Uni, she really is the most AWESOME person.

Karen said...

Such a beautiful happy book for daily inspiration. I would love to have this book on display on our treasure table to inspire family and friends to remember the simple beautiful things we are surrounded by. Karen.

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Lea-Ann Leonard said...

I run a playgroup one day per week and am always looking for inspiration, would love a copy of this amazing book.

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Julie said...

I need find and keep as my six year old daughter is extremely creative and I would love to foster this in her. She makes clothes for herself out of paper and sticy tape. And I turn the big 40 tomorroe 5/3/73. it would make a great birthday present. email is martin.harris1@bigpond.com

mamashabs said...

This looks like such a fabulous book and right up my alley! I grew up constantly making things with my beautiful grandmother and now I love doing the same with my own gorgeous daughter- in fact in the same house and even the same kitchen table as I did all those years ago with my Nana. We never buy anything we can make and I aspire to have a completely creative working life as Beci does. Thank you for being such an inspiration Beci x

shani rare pear said...

swoon...swoon..swoon...because these things make my heart go thump..thumpa..thumpa....my insides go all fizzy...and my whole love affair with colour, collecting, making...just needs this to remind me of the validity of my pursuits!

Small Catalogue said...

I need a sprinkle of AWESOME in my life; it's all a big foggy grey mess at the moment. I know that Find and Keep would perk me right up.
small catalogue {at} gmail {dot} com

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Stefanie said...

I'd love to find AND keep some sparkle for my imagination. Nothing better than a bit of help to get the imagination sparkling. Sounds super to me! mark.stef@optusnet.com.au

Megan said...

I really feel like I'm in a bit of a rut at the moment. Need some creative loveliness to give me a inspired again. Looks like an awesome book

Rebecca said...

I have wanted a copy of this book ever since it was released, sadly in my world at the moment it is considered a luxury and finances dictate I feed my 3 children instead of procuring a copy of this beyond-awesome book. Perhaps my luck will change...I would love it to x
krisandbec@internode.on.net

rachael @ mogantosh said...

Wonderful interview. I love the story of the coffee meet-ups in the morning, and the childhood descriptions are glorious. Me, I love to add colour and beauty to everyday life where I can find it and inspiration is key. Would love to read more of this interesting woman's work.

lisa warner said...

I need it for inspiration right at my desk, instead of on the net. Something I can look through at my leisure, dog ear the pages, get the creative juices flowing.

Zahra said...

Because I love her work and I love books! Yes please!

Jodie Noonan said...

oh I need this in my life to ensure I stay creative with my little ones

Jenn :: The Blissful Brush said...

Because my imagination needs a good old spark at the moment to use up all the *find* that I have hoarded so I can *keep* it. Help!!!!

Bec said...

Viewing Beci's blog and website lifted me out of the creative slump I've been in wallowing in. The colour, the shapes, the textures, the drive it takes to create such delicious things ~ I'd love more of that in my life. For me and my daughter!

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Diana O said...

For a new perspective on old things.

karina w said...

I need some ideas on how to re-use my crap in a creative way.

Theressa Membrey said...

With a mathematical mind,i struggle with creativity, color, craft and decorating to say the least. My 3 little girls would love mum to have this beautiful book to support their creativity, and to work on her own! Thank you.

Lil Sparrow said...

Who doesn't love a beautiful, creative and inspiring book? I know I do, either way it's a beautiful giveaway, loving that I may have a slim chance ;)

Kasey Evans said...

I need this book so I can incorporate it into ME time & have to fun doing inspirational projects whilst bring out the creative side of me!

jodi mollard said...

I would love this book for inspiration to spend time crafting and creating with my 14 year old daughter so we can make lots of presents and decorate our house with handmade goodies!

Melissa puli said...

I am desperate to win a copy of Find and Keep... I need ME time... I need CRAFTS... I NEED FIND AND KEEP!!

Kristy Plowright said...

Because it would make me smile, and Beci Orpin makes me smile too!! And I reckon I deserve a little extra happiness ;) don't we all x

Megan.K. said...

I have had this book on my wish list since it came out. Love Beci's work and love crafting.
Great interview!

malea bedford said...

I need this book in my life because i'm a nerd burger too & would love nothing more than to try some Beci Orpin craftiness!

Tash Olde said...

I need this book in my life to keep my arty daughter quiet. It's been on her booklist since she first saw it on Beci's blog. She's turning fourteen next month... nice surprise birthday present?

Ginny said...

To make something special by hand with love for all my gal pals, especially my bestfriend who is AMAZING at crafting and always spoils me with beautifully crafted gifts. It's about time I did the same!

Cathie Avraam said...

I have been wanting this ever since I saw it! I would love some crafty inspiration!

Mrs Sabbatical said...

Because creating and seeing others create make me so happy....... and Crazy has decided she want's to craft too so the more craftspiration the better!

Jess @ myheartisyourhome said...

I need this in my life no more than the next person but I would certainly treasure it and put it to good use! I have just finished putting up a confetti wall in my baby-to-be's nursery after seeing Beci's wall. There are so many more projects that I would love to try and this would be just the inspiration I need! x

vanessa said...

How amazing are you Beci? Awesome fits you well. You inspire me, thank you.

Nalika said...

Thank you for this great interview of the most awesome Beci Orpin. Would love to get more ideas on ways to use all my coloured scrap paper, buttons, threads etc. I am really keen to create a "come play corner" at my work. A world would be a better place if we all took time to imagine, create and play.

Lexi Kentmann said...

The good news is:: You've won a copy of 'Find and Keep'. Hoorah! Please email me your postal address. x

Lexi Kentmann said...

Congratulations Julie! You've won a copy of 'Find and Keep'. I've emailed you for your postal address. Thank you for entering.

Lexi Kentmann said...

Hi Hailey! Congratulations, you've won a copy of 'Find and Keep'. Please email me your postal address and I'll get it sent out to you!

Julie said...

Thank you so much Lexi. My little girl and I will love exploring this together.