Today, we had the chance to ask some questions to Alessandro Fargnoli, Crafter from Sassocorvaro in Italy who made all kind of gorgeous furniture from recycled wooden pallets. If you think you deserve to be featured in the next interview, please, drop us an email.

Tell us a little more about you? Who you are? Where are you from?

Hi, my name’s Alessandro Fargnoli, I’m 52 and I’m from Sassocorvaro, a little village in the center of Italy.

Why do you craft?

Really, I’ve always loved crafting. When I was young I used to do house projects on my own or with the help of my wife Adele. In 2000 we bought a house and we did the most part of the finishing works: floors, chimneys, interior decoration, mosaics and a lot more.

How did you learn to do wood crafts?

When I was 14 I worked in in a workshop in which I learned to work on valuable woodwork, then when I moved on from my birthplace (Torino) to Sassocorvaro I’ve been employed in a wood furniture industry for a while now.

How long have you been working with pallets?

3 years! The first time I worked with pallets was in 2014 for my daughter’s shop, I planned out and did the entire décor with EPAL pallets and other recycled materials. Now I’m still working on pallets and wood in general in order to made original pieces of art!

Why did you choose to work with pallets instead of purchased wood?

At the first time I can’t understand how I could work with the strict measures pallets have, but I found the way to create everything I want by taking apart and rebuilding pallets, and by adding materials. My products made me so satisfied!

What are your can’t-live-without essentials?

I can’t live without essentials because our lives are built on essential things, that are the most important in order to create something bigger! But definitely my hand tools!

Are there any brands that are your favorites?

No, not in particular.

How would you describe your crafting style?

It is mine. Unique. It represents my personality and sometimes I don’t listen to anyone’s opinion about my work during execution.

Are there any crafters/artists/designers that you particularly look up to?

No, not in particular.

Where do you do your wood crafts? How would you describe your workspace?

I usually work in an old backyard carport.

How did you make your workspace more functional and/or inspiring?

My “workshop” is placed outside under my house, here I have all my equipment and I can breathe fresh air and see nature.

What types of things inspire you?

I’m inspired by anything I see: nature, my family and my dogs who assist me when I play.

Where do you look for inspiration for a new woodcraft?

Everywhere!

When do you feel the most creative?

At any time!

We live in such a mass-produced, buy-it-now society. Why should people continue to make things by hand?

Because when you have something handmade, you own a piece of the person or crafter who made it.

What is your favorite medium to work in (other than pallets)?

Wood in general, iron and recycled material are my favorite mediums to work with.

What are your tips for people who’d like to start crafting?

Voice yourself! Just jump in and try it!

What are your most important safety tips when woodworking?

Glasses, gloves and a coat! Is important pay attention in any thing you do.

What is your guilty pleasure?

The last production is always the best I make.

What are some of your other hobbies or favorite things to do (other than crafting)?

I love to collect: Coca Cola cans and Swatch.

What are some of your best tips for breaking down, prepping, and cleaning pallets before you build with them?

First I wash pallets and then I plot them.

Have you designed any special tools or jigs for wood crafts?

No, not in particular.

What are some wood working skills you really want to learn?

I learn something every day…now I’m learning to use pyrography!

What is the one project you’re the proudest of so far?

Develop and create the entire furnishing on an entire house.

What else would you like to share with the pallet community?

Passion is the first thing you need to have in order to be a good crafter.

Editor’s Note: Thank you for your time and for sharing your story with us, and with our fellow Crafters. Your work is beautiful and inspiring to all of us, and we truly look forward to more from you in the future! Keep those gorgeous pieces coming!

Thanks Alessandro for this interview 🙂

To find more on Alessandro: