While some talented creators turn their love of crafting into vibrant businesses as adults, too many others abandon their childhood hobbies somewhere along the way. Local enthusiasts are seeking to change that by offering fun opportunities to gather and CRAFT! Get reacquainted with your creative side and make new friends through these 10 craft cafes, studios, and clubs around town.
The Craft Room
Neighborhood: West Homewood
More Info: thecraftroom.co
The Craft Room just opened up shop off Oxmoor Road in September. Part secondhand craft supply shop, part maker’s space, and part cozy cafe, The Craft Room offers drop-in craft time, workshops from local makers, and (importantly) coffee. The studio prioritizes sustainability and encourages crafters to bring their unwanted tools and materials to be redistributed, keeping crafting affordable while minimizing waste. Stop by for a cup and a craft, and explore their pre-loved supplies to inspire your next project.
Birmingham Craft Club
Neighborhood: East Avondale
More Info: Instagram
Hosted by The Chasm Co., a local jewelry dealer and charm bar, the Birmingham Craft Club is a monthly pop-up at Cahaba Brewing Co. The club is open to everyone, but is geared towards women in their 20s and 30s, encouraging community building through crafting. They host everything from natural soapmaking to ceramics painting, and always have a charm and bead bar available, too. Over the summer, they hosted a Camp Craft Club, which brought over 350 women together to craft. With that said, the monthly meet-ups are more low-key. If this sounds like your kind of scene, follow the club’s Instagram to stay updated on ticket sales for the next pop-up.
Do It Yourself Crafts
Neighborhood: Homewood
More Info: doityourselfcrafts.com
Since 1999, Do It Yourself Crafts has been a mainstay in Homewood. Pottery painting has been the primary offering for decades, and they recently added a new community clay studio, Clay Side, right next door. There, you’ll find wheel throwing and clay hand-building classes, events, and studio memberships. Whether you’re looking for an impromptu craft on a Saturday afternoon, a fun date night, or a girl’s night out, do it all at Do It Yourself Crafts (though reservations are recommended!).
Knit B’ham
Neighborhood: Forest Park
More Info: knitbham.com
If meetups like “Knitflix and Chill” and “Third Space Fiber Society” sound like your kind of hang, the Knit B’ham community are your people. They’re all about inclusivity, ethically sourced fibers, and slow and sustainable fashion. Bring your project and a snack to the twice-monthly gatherings at their shop in Forest Park on the second and fourth Thursdays of each month.
Studio By The Tracks
Neighborhood: Irondale
More Info: studiobythetracks.org
For over 35 years, Studio By The Tracks has provided a supportive and inclusive art studio for artists with autism. The studio offers a variety of classes and programs for youth and adults, as well as fundraising crafting events for the community. Not only do they provide free studio space, materials, and guidance for their studio artists, but they also support makers by placing pieces into viable marketplaces, earning artists 60% of the sale.
Bib & Tucker Sew-Op
Neighborhood: Crestwood
More Info: bibandtuckersewop.org
Bib and Tucker Sew-Op is for anyone who loves to sew or wants to learn while also making a positive impact in the community. You may be familiar with their popular community programs, such as Recycled Runway, an upcycled sewing and design program for youth, and their QUARK (Quilting Activity Resource Kit) program, which teaches math fundamentals through art. Follow their Instagram for the latest events, including leaf pounding and potato-printing workshops, seasonal hand-knitting projects, and their popular ‘How Does This Thing Work?’ class, which teaches the basics of sewing machines.
Pinspiration
Neighborhood: Inverness
More Info: pinspiration.com
If you love Pinterest, you’ll love Pinspiration. From acrylic pours to string art to candles and wood pieces, if it’s been pinned, chances are you can make it at Pinspiration. Located off Highway 280 in Inverness, they have the original splatter paint room in Alabama, which is a blast for kids, girls’ nights, and date nights. And did we mention there’s a bar?
Art Zone
Neighborhood: Bluff Park
More Info: art-zone.us
Itching to reconnect with your inner artist? Art Zone is a great space for artists of all ages and skill levels to explore their creativity through drawing, painting, and mixed media. Whether you have a project you’re working on or just an idea you want to pursue, you’ll receive expert guidance to hone your skills. They offer memberships and drop-in pricing, as well as classes and art camps for kids.
Painting with a Twist
Neighborhood: Greystone
More Info: paintingwithatwist.com
You’re likely familiar with the artist-led painting classes with a BYOW (bring your own wine) policy at Painting with a Twist, but there are even more ways to craft at the Greystone studio. With pop-in and DIY experiences, you can reserve your own time and choose from their many self-guided crafting projects. Follow a video painting tutorial, make a scented candle, or select from several wood decor projects.
Forstall Art Center
Neighborhood: Downtown
More Info: forstallart.com
Forstall Art Center is a hub for local artists, and their art classes are a great way to develop your skills or pick up a new craft. With regular and ongoing classes in drawing, painting, clay, and more, along with single-session classes exploring everything from color blending to stand-alone crafts, there is something for everyone at Forstall. They also host a non-instructional figure drawing group on the first Tuesdays of the month for just $15.
Happy crafting, Birmingham!
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