Find the perfect Mother’s Day gift from one of these 7 Birmingham artists and makers

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woman wearing big earrings
Gift mom bold, bright earrings from Exalting in Beauty. Photo via Exalting in Beauty

Mother’s Day is just around the corner on Sunday, May 9. Don’t get caught without a gift for the most special woman in your life! This year, make it personal and unique with a gift from  one of these local Birmingham artists and makers.

1. Evelyn Canne Ceramics

three planters
Handmade ceramic planters by Evelyn Canne Ceramics are perfect for all the moms with green thumbs out there. Photo via Evelyn Canne Ceramics

In my opinion, ceramics are always the perfect gift. They’re utterly unique, artistic and useful. Gifting hand-crafted ceramic pieces like mugs, bowls and planters are sure to thrill any mom who loves to fill her home with beautiful things.

About the artist: Canne Holladay was born and raised in Birmingham, AL. She graduated from Auburn University with a Bachelor of Fine Art and is currently pursuing her Master of Visual Arts Education at UAB. Her artwork is largely inspired by the natural world and our human bodies. Nationwide publications and exhibitions have even showcased her work.

  • Price: $30-$80
  • Where to shop: Find her available pieces here and at local art festivals throughout the summer
  • Website | Instagram | Contact

2. Fringe and Fancy

hanging woven art
Find the woven wall hangings of your dreams from Fringe and Fancy. Photo via Fringe and Fancy

Perfect for the boho-loving mom, a frame loom woven wall hanging made from natural fibers is a colorful and eye-catching gift for Mother’s Day. None of her current pieces on Etsy speaking to you? DM her on Instagram about commissioning some custom fiber art!

3. Element and Vibe

woman sitting cross-legged
Element and Vibe is all about a statement tee. Photo via Element and Vibe

Founded in 2016 by Aisha Taylor, Element and Vibe makes messaged-based t-shirts ideal for the outspoken, activist-minded and fearless mother. I especially love her apt t-shirt design, pictured above, made for all the fiercely protective mamas out there.

4. Abbey Crain

abstract painting of a nude woman
Abbey Crain captures the real, natural essence of womanhood in her nude paintings. Photo via Abbey Crain

A painting of a nude woman might not be the first thing that comes to mind as a gift for Mother’s Day. Yet, Abbey Crain’s abstract-yet-deeply-real paintings of nude—often full-figured—female bodies beam self-assurance and empowerment in the women they portray. Consider pushing your mom out of her comfort zone and consult with Abbey on a commissioned nude portrait.

About the Artist: Abbey Crain is a writer and artist based in Birmingham, AL. Having struggled with body image issues her entire life, Abbey found herself facing her changing body in quarantine. In order to reclaim the love for her own form and the forms of all women, she started painting.

  • Price: 9×12 for $150; 18×24 for $300; custom sizing prices vary
  • Where to shop: email Abbey about commissions and ready-made work
  • Website | Instagram | Contact

5. Exalting in Beauty

pair of earrings
Exalting Beauty specializes in bright, geometric-shaped jewelry. Photo via Exalting Beauty.

Calling all fun moms! Moms who wear bright lipstick, sing karaoke, take trips to Sedona with their girlfriends. Moms who have Lady Gaga set as their ringtone—I found the jewelry for you! Big, bold colors and shapes define Aaliyah Na’imah’s, artist and owner of Exalting in Beauty, jewelry collections, which I know will look fabulous on a lot of Birmingham mamas.

6. Great Bear Wax Co.

lit candle
Great Bear Wax Co. candles smell great and good for the environment, too. Photo via Great Bear Wax Co.

What Mother’s Day (or any) gift guide would be complete without candles? Great Bear Wax Co. makes some of the best-smelling soy wax candles out there while also being eco-conscious.

“We proudly give a portion of all sales to local nonprofits who, through building partnerships, empowering citizens, and advocating for and enforcing sound water policy, protect and restore Alabama’s 132,000 miles of rivers and streams.”

Great Bear Wax Co.

7. Dreamers Supply Co.

man working on leather purse
Find the locally made leather goods of your dreams from Dreamers Supply Co. Photo via Dreamers Supply Co.

Alan and Kaitlin Rose Slattery make up the two halves of the Birmingham maker duo sent from artistic heaven.

Alan focuses on the craft of leatherworking and Kaitlin on whimsical, accessible illustration. While any and every item from their shop would make the perfect gift for Mother’s Day, this petite handbag really takes the cake.

Still haven’t found the perfect gift for Mother’s Day? Check out these local Birmingham businesses and tag @bhamnow on Mother’s Day!

Caroline Barr
Caroline Barr
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