Scout & Bean, LLC

Lincolnville - Lauren Beveridge of Scout + Bean produces handcrafted rope bowls and baskets from her in-home studio in Lincolnville, Maine.

"I am a maker to my core. I’ve been making things since I can remember. Give me an idea, describe a product you need, show me a sketch of what you're thinking - chances are, I can figure out a way to make it. I am a perfectionist through and through when it comes to stitches, size, shape, and consistency. I strive to create unique, original designs, incorporating elements that no other rope artisans are doing. I make pieces that people can actually use - things that are beautiful, but not so beautiful that you want to set it on the shelf and never use it."

Although she learned to knit and sew as a child, she first started working with cotton rope about three years ago and became inspired by turning this functional product into useful and beautiful pieces. Lauren dyes and sews all of the rope, tags the finished product, and ships everything herself from her Coastal Mountains studio.

"I learned to knit sitting between my great grandmother’s legs when I was six. My mother taught me to sew when I was ten. Growing up, we weren’t poor, but like most Maine families - we were one accident or medical mishap away from being in trouble monetarily. It was always engrained in me that 'we’re not going to buy that, because we can make it ourselves'. Which when you think about it, is so incredibly empowering and self sufficient - to have the ability and confidence to make something yourself, because you can."