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14 local ceramic makers + where to make your own in Birmingham
ByChaise Sanders
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Here at Bham Now, we’re all about supporting local businesses and makers. Since many of us are looking to revamp our spaces, why not start with handmade dishware, ceramics and pottery? Check out these 14 local makers throwing it down on the potter’s wheel to bring us beautiful ceramics.
1. Civil Stoneware
Civil Stoneware sells handmade ceramics and pottery that brings visual artistry to your table.
- Where: 1710 2nd Ave N, Birmingham, AL 35203
- Where to shop: Square One Goods and Trove
- Contact: Call | Website | Instagram
2. Susan Gordon Pottery
Known as one of Etsy’s top sellers and the maker of the iconic wavy bowls, Susan Gordon makes timeless creations of handcrafted, modern and refined detail.
3. Green Mountain Ceramics
Fun and colorful contemporary designs on porcelain and stoneware pottery.
- Where to shop: Alabama Goods and Filter Coffee Parlor
- Contact: Facebook | Email: adamsnyder@yahoo.com
4. Michelle Leach Pottery
Michelle Leach is a local potter who creates handmade ceramic wares finished with her own personal glaze recipe. Each piece perfectly imperfect whether that be fingerprints left in the clay, slight variations or wobbly lines.
5. Janna Phillips
Meet Janna—a Birmingham-based painter and ceramic artist. When she’s not busy painting, she creates functional pottery using white stoneware and porcelain clay.
6. Prodigal Pottery
Prodigal Pottery makes beautiful art with a cause. Pieces are handmade by women fleeing homelessness, domestic abuse and sex-trafficking. They work directly with King’s Home, a women’s shelter outside of Birmingham.
- Where: 221 Kings Home Dr, Chelsea, AL 35043
- Where to shop: Alabama Goods, Heidi Elnora Atelier and Mum & Me Mercantile
- Contact: Call | Website | Instagram
7. Evelyn Canne Ceramics
Evelyn Canne Holladay makes pottery with the user in mind. Her work is inspired by different environments, landscapes, architecture and human anatomy.
8. Elemental Designs by Alice
The elements of nature play an integral role in the creation of Alice’s designs with a careful mixture of earth and water, dried by air and solidified with fire to seal the deal.
9. Made by Marika
Marika Austad is a small-batch ceramic artist who enjoys all aspects of ceramics, especially hand thrown pottery. Her latest work focuses on contemporary, functional pottery using organic and geometric shapes.
10. Tena Payne
Tena Payne is the founder of Earthborn Pottery. You may have spotted some of her work in local businesses like Hot and Hot Fish Club, Alabama Power and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Let’s just say her earth-toned, hand-thrown pottery has caught the eye of many.
We recently just shared five different ways Earthborn Pottery’s wheel class will boost your mood. If you’re looking for a creative outlet, there are several classes available during August.
11. Leslie Smith
Leslie Smith has been making pottery for about 20 years. Her pottery uses gorgeous textures and richly-layered colors.
- Contact: Instagram
12. Lee Anne Jones of LAClayworx
Lee Anne Jones makes funky, eclectic and unique handmade creations. Many of her designs are inspired by Spanish heritage and Day of the Dead.
- Contact: Etsy
13. Rachel Letcher
Rachel Letcher makes small-batch ceramics for every part of your home. Whether it’s a pot for your plant, mug for your coffee or a set of new dishes, you can bet she probably makes it.
- Contact: Instagram
14. Mudtown Pottery
Beth Smith of Mudtown Pottery creates handmade, functional pottery for everyday life.
Where to make your own pottery in Birmingham
Now it’s your turn. Hopefully, this article gave you a bit of inspiration to give pottery and ceramic making a try. If you’re ready to let your creative sparks fly, here’s three places to take a pottery class, including:
Who are some of your favorite local ceramic + pottery artists? Let us know on social @BhamNow on Facebook and Instagram, or @Now_Bham on Twitter.
