POCATELLO — A local woodworker heading to the Pocatello Spring Fair later this month has a simple philosophy — every tree has a story and every customer gets a one-of-a-kind piece.

Ryan Nelson, owner of Naughty Pines Woodworking, launched the business a year and a half ago with his wife. What started as a favor for friends and family — a toy box for one of his children, a table for a friend — has grown into an operation with a waiting list, a half-dozen active projects and, as of this week, his full-time job.

"This is my first week doing this full time, which comes with a lot of pressure when you don't have a regular 9-5 to rely on," Nelson said. "My full source of income is right over there on the table curing for the next few days or lined up on the wall over there."

Nelson specializes in epoxy tables — furniture that combines wooden slabs with hardened polymer resin — but also makes countertops, charcuterie boards and has built at least one custom front door.

"People's imaginations are the only limitation," Nelson said. "We can do quite a bit of things."

Most of his wood is locally sourced, though Nelson has several contacts — including one in California — who supply more exotic varieties such as coastal redwood and live-edge burls. His current inventory includes American Elm, Honey Locust, Siberian Elm, Russian Olive and Black Locust.

"I could tell you where they come from," Nelson said. "Every tree has a story behind it."

Raw slabs range from $20-$30 for cutting board and charcuterie-sized pieces to $200-$700 for coffee table-sized slabs. Larger cuts suitable for decks, countertops and conference tables run $1,000-$5,000 depending on the wood. Finished epoxy pieces start around $1,800 for a coffee table and can reach $15,000 for a large black walnut conference table.

"Everyone wants one, but it's a luxury item at the end of the day," Nelson said.

He has completed about 15 epoxy tables so far, with customers across the region and as far away as Utah and California. A recent appearance at the Pocatello Home Show at the MEC netted roughly a dozen new clients and more than 300 business cards handed out.

Woodworking is also therapeutic for Nelson, who previously drove trucks full time.

"It's more rewarding to build something than it is to drive down the road every day," he said. "With all the planning and waiting, it's all worth it. We put lots of hours into making them as perfect as we can, and seeing their reaction makes it better."

Beyond finished pieces, Nelson aims to become a local dealer of wooden slabs for customers who want to complete their own projects. His workshop — lined wall-to-wall with massive slabs, several pouring and curing stations at its center and woodworking tools throughout — is at Suite 18 in the Westwood Mall, 1800 Garrett Way.

Nelson can be reached through Facebook or by calling or texting 208-380-0094. Customers can also visit the shop to select materials.

"If they want, I can source exotic woods if they're looking for something no one else has," Nelson said.

The Spring Fair, billed as the premier home and garden showcase in Southeast Idaho, runs March 26-28 at Idaho State University's ICCU Dome. Hours are noon to 9 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday.

Admission is $5 and children 12 and under are free with a paid adult. The event draws thousands of attendees and features more than 200 vendors.