By Callum Ludwig
For creative locals, Craftopia in Warburton has become a popular community event this year.
The last edition of the year is coming up next month to be held in the usual spot at the Koha Community Space on Sunday 8 October from 11am to 3pm.
Organiser Melanie Bouck said it will still be filled with attendee’s favourite activities.
“There are macrame, kokedama balls, suncatchers, jewellery and beading, paper crafts, learning how to crochet granny squares, Christmas garlands and the most popular, rock painting,” she said.
“People have enjoyed coming and learning a new skill, one lady comes to mind, she took it home and brought her friends around for a coffee and cake and they all learned how to do kokedama balls together and so they got so good at it that now she teaches it.”
While Craftopia is filled with plenty of more well-known crafts and activities, kokedama balls have become a bit of a favourite. Kokedama is a Japanese form of making moss balls, bundling the moss up with soil and string to create a living bauble-shaped ornament.
Ms Bouck started Craftopia in March of last year, since hosting events in May and August 2022, and in March and July already this year.
Ms Bouck said she can’t believe how well it has been received.
“People are asking ‘Are you doing it again?’ and I’ve gotten so busy this year that I haven’t applied for a grant for next year, but I’m going to have to do that because there’s lots of good feels in the feedback book I have,” she said.
“One thing that surprised and pleased me was how many Dads we’ve had, who bring their kids on weekends and sit down and do it, we try not to let them get away with not joining in, though they don’t have to, but they’ve enjoyed it and it’s really good bonding time for them.”
Craftopia is also set to feature in some interactive pop-up crafting sessions at the Warburton Waterwheel throughout October for anyone to try: 11am to 2pm on Saturdays and Sundays during the month, as well as on October 12, 17 and 27.
Ms Bouck said she hopes to grow and improve the event even more next year.
“I would like to do some on weekdays, divide it up, because a lot of people have mentioned that they can’t always come because they work on weekends now and that pushes them out of being able to attend which is a shame,” she said.
“I would also like to take it further afield so other people aren’t missing out, take it on the road really and I would love to have lots more different kinds of craft to teach.”
Craftopia events are free and anyone is welcome to walk in and join in the activities on the day. Feel free to share any ideas for future crafts so they can be taught and incorporated in future events
