In typical WOW Hall fashion, live music played on stage while attendees of the inaugural Craftopia interacted with the makers of handmade crafts.
Taking place from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Craftopia was a free event open to anyone interested in viewing some of Eugene’s best craft artists up close.
The event also worked perfectly for anyone looking for that one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day present.
An eclectic mix of styles were on display, from ceramics, jewelry, drawings, paintings and clothing to an assortment of other interesting crafts.
In line with the theme of crafting, every item was handmade.
“I think it’s very cool with the wide variety,” said Elizabeth Vincent, who owns and creates ceramics for Fecund Earth Pottery.
“Something that’s really great about Eugene is the eclectic groupings you get.” Vincent’s own handcrafted pottery was one of the many highlights of the day. Her approach of following third-century Roman and German styles displayed the personal touch that each artist brought to Craftopia.
Across from Vincent’s booth were the enjoyable handmade truffles and other chocolate assortments from Toasted Herbs Kitchen, which specializes in natural food made from scratch. Right next door was the unique craft of Vicki Ash, a Eugene local who makes cuddly hedgehog stuffed animals.
Working as an accountant during the day, Ash created her business, Knotty Girl Designs, as an outlet for her knitting skills.
“I’ve been making the hedgehogs for the last three or four years, but have been knitting for the past 20 years,” Ash said.
Like Ash, most of the crafters have careers outside of their craft. Their booths were filled with things that they created in their free time out of enjoyment.
“I just wear it all the time and people said I should sell it,” said Paris Black, who owns a salon a block away from WOW Hall.
“My New Year’s resolution was to start my own clothing line, and when I heard about this, I thought I’d give myself a deadline. I’m glad to be here.”
Following the theme of other crafters, Black found the transition a comfortable one, because sewing and making clothing is something she has done her entire life.
“I’ve been sewing forever; I made Barbie clothes when I was younger, so now I make them a little bit bigger,” Black said.
Craftopia was Black’s first interaction with a craft event.
“The crowd’s been nice, because it’s older people and younger people,” Black said.
“It’s cool because everything is so eclectic here that it’s nice (that) the people are too.” Alli Ditson, who owns and runs Allihalla clothing, found that the relaxed and upbeat atmosphere was an enjoyable platform for selling crafts. Ditson said she had been to other events where the situations weren’t as enjoyable.
“I had a booth at last Thursday in Portland. I didn’t sell anything because there was a horde of people partying in front of my booth. It’s like, ‘please get drunk enough so you’ll buy some of my stuff, not block it,’” Ditson said. “This is tamer; it is fun hanging out and talking to people.”
The positive environment around Craftopia was highlighted best by crafters not being entirely concerned with selling their stuff and making a lot of money; rather, each artist enjoyed the opportunity to showcase their great crafts.
“It can’t be about the money,” Vincent said.  
“It’s about putting my work out in the world.  Money is nice, but that can’t be the focus.”
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