Despite the “heavy” traffic headed into Coupeville this weekend, the atmosphere at the Arts and Crafts Festival was relaxed and cheerful. Booths boasted brilliant tiles and cinnamon almonds among hundreds of other trinkets and treasures. Young children marketed their 25-cent cups of lemonade and panting dogs took refuge from the August sun under neighborhood trees.

Many people spent time seated in front of the artist in action tents learning new techniques and mingling with creative minds.

Oil painter Koraley Orritt walked around her tent clad in overalls and bare feet happily chatting with the public.

“I don’t say you have to know how to draw to be good at painting,” Orritt said, “as a matter of fact, you don’t.”

Orritt began seriously studying painting when she was 19. She said her paintings are like people in that each of them represents a significant time in her life.

Textile artist Lisa Harkins spent time educating the public on papermaking. Harkins has been making custom paper for about six years.

“I used to make paper from recycled junk mail, but then I learned about plant fibers,” Harkins said. “I had no idea the range of textures and colors. It’s been fun to try them out.”

On Saturday, Harkins made products from garlic leaves. She dunked them in and out of a bin and laughed as the water splashed around.

“Papermaking is definitely a water sport,” she joked.

Though most of the goods at the Festival were targeted for adults, children were roaming from booth to booth as well, many with dripping ice cream cones.

Pat Hamilton came with her grandchildren, 6-year-old Mackenzine and 9-year-old Jack. They took their time picking out beads for custom bracelets at one of the tents.

“They mostly came down here to shop,” Hamilton said. “They want prizes and toys.”

Juried art show winners

Photography: 1st place: Dan Karvasek, “Over Whidbey Island,” 2nd place: Kelly Kellogg “Sky Water,” 3rd place: William Schumm, “Leaves of Light.” Paintings: 1st place: Margaret Livermore, “Mountain Creek,” 2nd place: Sara Raintree, “Heading Out,” 3rd place: Ruth Nielson “The Rehearsal.” 3-D work: 1st place: T.J. Anderson, “Untitled,” 2nd place: Linnanne Armstrong, “Landmarks of Whidbey,” 3rd place: Gary Leake, “Blue Lagoon.” People’s choice: Jennifer Dohner, “Quiescent.”

Best of Show: Nancy Fulton, “The Granchild.”