Meet the Macellaros!

Jules Macellaro

How I started:
I've always loved building things, and Carly and I have had a blast working on projects together. When Carly decided to start recording our projects for YouTube, I wasn't too keen on being on camera, so I stepped back a bit.

Everything changed on one of our trips to the Rockler store. Wandering the aisles, I stumbled upon the lathe section. Initially, I had zero interest in turning pens, but then I saw items like pizza cutters, garden tools, and bottle openers—things I would actually use! My excitement skyrocketed. Not only could I create these from wood, but acrylic offered endless color possibilities.

A seasoned Rockler employee, who had been turning for over 60 years, answered my questions and shared his enthusiasm for lathe projects. Inspired, Carly and I signed up for a bowl-turning class and loved it so much that we bought a lathe that very day.

P.S. I was totally wrong about pens—they're a blast to make! Now, I often find myself crafting pens and pencils. The lesson? You never really know until you try it!

Carly Macellaro

How I started:
When we were planning our wedding, we refused to shell out a fortune for a single day that could financially set us back for years. Determined to cut costs and reduce stress, we tackled everything ourselves. One major need? Tables and chairs for our guests. Instead of renting, I decided to craft DIY wedding tables out of pallets. I added wood skirts and sanded the tops to ensure they were smooth and nail-free.

I had an absolute blast making 19 dinner tables from pallets, along with coffee tables, high-top cocktail tables, a 16-foot head table with lights, and various signage. Our outdoor wedding at my parents' beautiful farm was perfect with these rustic creations, and the pallet tables paired perfectly with hay-bale chairs. Check out the Carly Tackles Gallery for images

After that, my woodworking journey took off. I built all sorts of things, including a "Catio"—yes, a patio for cats! It's a screened-in outdoor space where our cats can safely enjoy the outdoors through a window in the house. Jules encouraged me to share our DIY adventures on YouTube, inspiring others to build what they need and love. Explore more of our creations in the Carly Tackles Gallery.