JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers TERMITE BUFFET- Thousand Oaks resident Brady Andresen displays several handmade wooden items, including bowls, toys and storage units, all made by members of the Conejo Valley Woodworkers Association. Brady Andresen's hobby and profession are the same- woodworking.

The Thousand Oaks resident makes wood furniture for his home and runs a millwork supplier in Oxnard that makes entry doors, crown molding and other wood items. He is also the immediate past president of the Conejo Valley Woodworkers Association, a club of 160 members who come from the Conejo Valley, Simi Valley and surrounding communities.

"Starting off with a rough piece of wood and turning it into a beautiful product that will be around for many, many years is very rewarding," Andresen said. "There are endless designs and patterns in each piece of wood- each is a little different."

The woodworkers group meets monthly at Redwood Middle School in Thousand Oaks to share their craft, participate in hands-on workshops and listen to presenters that include tool manufacturers discussing the latest gadgets and wellknown woodworkers showcasing their skills.

A portion of the club makes wood toys year-round to donate to Interface Children Family Services in Camarillo. Others make furniture and cabinetry or do wood turning, creating wood art pieces such as vases, bowls, platters and boxes.

Although the group is primarily made up of men there are about a dozen women members, Andresen said. Woodworking is a hobby that is growing with an influx of retiring baby boomers, he added.

"The majority are serious hobbyists, but there a few professionals who are making a living at it," said Andresen, who built Morris chairs, doors, crown molding and a Craftsman-style bed with nightstands for his new home. He also designs custom pool cues from exotic woods that he sells to the public.

Member Dave Blackburn presented his wood boxes to the group during its May meeting. The Ventura resident's colorful creations are made using a variety of rare woods from various countries, including Africa. The top of the boxes are decorated with materials like deer antler, gems, glass, crystal and bone that Blackburn described as edgy and abstract. His boxes have won several awards at the San Diego County Fair in Del Mar, Ventura County Fair and California State Fair, and were featured in two national woodworking magazines. Blackburn's work is sold in a number of galleries.

Blackburn may spend anywhere from five to 40 hours or more on a box. He also creates vases, lamps, wall hangings and small cabinetry.

"It gets somewhat intricate depending on how I embellish the interiors and if I incorporate dividers and drawers," Blackburn said.

Blackburn worked in residential and commercial construction for more than 20 years and helped build A.C. Stelle Middle School in Calabasas. Now 60, he works at a local estate making repairs, and he supplements his income by selling his wood creations.

"I've been building things since I was 5 years old," Blackburn said. "I am fascinated with the possibilities of both the complexity and fluidity of wood burls, the infinite combinations of geometric patterns and vivid contrasts afforded, especially by exotic woods."

The Conejo Valley Woodworkers meet the first Thursday of the month. Guests are welcome. For more information, visit www.cvwa.org.