Woodworking becomes a growing trade
“Using raw material to create something that is timeless is a different type of thrill.”

With sawdust sprinkled in her hair and splintered hands, KC Croucamp has the innate ability to magically bring wood to life, creating enchanting pieces which are functional yet eclectic.
From the age of 12, KC could be found tinkering alongside her dad, Bunny, in the family’s woodwork workshop.
“My dad was in IT, but he found solitude when working with his hands,” said the spunky 20-year-old, who hails from Edenvale.
“Woodwork is his passion. Carving and creating melted the stress of a busy week away. He and I would spend countless hours together.”
In 2019, Bunny took the leap by establishing Passionate Stuff Industries (PSI) in Sebenza, where he now manufactures bespoke wooden furniture.
“I was homeschooled so once my work was done I hastily made my way to the workshop to help my dad,” said KC.
“We would spend hours admiring the hues of every piece of material, studying the grains and calculating how to best incorporate each piece to create something that is chic while, at the same time, highlighting the natural beauty of wood.”
Degree
In September last year, KC dusted her feet, bid farewell to the East Rand and set out to start her studies at the Atlantic Technological University in Ireland.
Located along a stunning coastline in Letterfrack, a small village in the Connemara area of County Galway, KC is in the process of completing her BSC degree in furniture design and manufacturing.
“There is a stigma that the art of woodworking is something that old retired men do to occupy their time,” she said with a giggle.
“When you talk about the trade, people often think artisans merely churn out wooden toys. But woodwork is vast, the possibilities endless and a well-crafted item can be passed on from one generation to the next.”
She added that woodwork extends beyond the craft and relies heavily on science, sprinkled with rich history and cultural influences.
“When you are in the process of designing and creating a piece, time stands still,” she said.

“You need to consider what wood would be best suited for the piece while ensuring that the piece encompasses the personality of the client but carries hints of your signature.”
Of the future of the skill, KC is optimistic that interest in the trade is once again blossoming, taking root among the youth.
“The ‘green movement’ is breathing new life into the woodworking community,” she said.
“People are waking up to the idea that hand-crafted, locally sourced wooden furniture goes a long way in preserving the environment and will stand the test of time.
“It may be quicker and more convenient to purchase a DIY bookshelf from a local retailer or order a dining room set, but when you support local artisans you are contributing to the sustainable and ethical manufacturing. A bonus is that each piece is unique and truly one-of-a-kind.”
If you would like to follow KC’s Irish adventure or have woodworking-related questions follow her on Instagram @kccroucamp.
East Rand Woodworkers Association (ERWA)
To abolish the stigma and encourage the youth to roll up their sleeves and embrace the trade, KC will be the guest speaker at the first East Rand Woodworkers Association (ERWA) meeting for the year.
The meeting will take place at 18:00 on January 15 at the Holy Trinity Church, corner Hospital Road and Aster Street, Northmead and guests are welcome.
For more information contact Zieg Erasmus on 071 897 4769.
Monthly meetings take place every third Wednesday of the month at an annual membership fee of R250.
Also Read: Woodworking at home