6 places in Huntsville + beyond to make unique holiday gifts

candle-making at Embrace Candles in Lowe Mill — Make customized candles at Embrace Candles at Lowe Mill. (Hville Blast)

No doubt a lot of holiday shopping lists are much smaller after last week’s Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday sales.

But what about those folks on your “nice” list who seem to have everything? A custom-made, artful gift is a great solution.

Here are a few spots in and around Huntsville to make unique holiday gifts for your loved ones.

1. Studio 127 in South Huntsville

Aprons hang ready for people to wear for classes at Studio 127, a place to make unique holiday gifts and create art for any occasion. — Studio 127 has several mixed media classes this month. (Courtesy of Studio 127)

Mixed media star ornaments, which are one class offered at Studio 127, a place to make unique holiday gifts in Huntsville. — Studio 127 has several mixed media classes this month. (Courtesy of Studio 127)

Experiment with mixed media to make beautiful journals and more at Studio 127 in the Main Street South Shopping Village.

While the studio hosts its regular open art journaling groups on Dec. 11 + Dec. 14, plus a journal-making class on Dec. 14, here are a couple of additional, holiday-specific classes.

December Creative Latte & Learn

When: Friday, Dec. 13, 2PM-3:30PM
Details: Sip your choice of a latte, cold brew, iced tea or bottled water while making Christmas gift tags.
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Holiday Make & Take Stars

When: Saturday, Dec. 21, 11:30AM-1PM
Details: Make pretty star ornaments at this family-friendly class appropriate for ages 5 and older.
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Studio 127 General Info

Where: 7500 Memorial Pkwy SW #110, Huntsville, AL 35802
When: Hours vary based on class schedule.
Contact: Website | Facebook

2. Pinot’s Palette in Providence

Customer painting at Pinot's Palette classes — Book one of many holiday-themed classes at Pinot’s Palette. (Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

The Providence location of this popular paint-and-sip studio has classes galore to unleash your Christmastime creativity. Classes range from painting snowmen and owls to Northern lights and other wintry scenes.

Pinot’s Palette goes beyond painting, too: This year’s class lineup includes a ceramic gnome workshop and a chunky blanket knitting class. See the website for the full schedule.

Where: Parade Street STE 102, Huntsville, AL 35806
When: Tuesday-Thursday, 5PM-9PM; Friday, 3-9PM; Saturday 11AM-9PM; Sunday 1PM-9PM
Contact: Website | Facebook

3. Huntsville Botanical Garden

Fresh evergreen branches, berries and pinecones are assembled into a holiday garland or wreath at Huntsville Botanical Garden, which offers classes on how to make unique holiday gifts like these decor pieces. — Learn to make garlands and wreaths at Huntsville Botanical Garden and return later for Galaxy of Lights. (Garland and Galaxy of Lights courtesy of Huntsville Botanical Garden; Exterior by Lacey Muenstermann / Hville Blast)

While most folks know about Huntsville Botanical Garden’s nationally recognized Galaxy of Lights display, you can bring some of that magic home with a couple of holiday classes.

It’s up to you whether you keep or gift the beautiful wreath or table garland you create.

Make Your Own! Fresh Wreaths: What to Grow and How to Make Them

When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 9:30AM-12:30PM
Details: Use materials harvested at Huntsville Botanical Garden to make an 18-inch wreath while learning how to grow these plants in your own home landscape.
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Make Your Own! Holiday Table Garlands

When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 9:30AM-12:30PM
Details: Bring your pruners and gloves to select and assemble materials harvested at the garden to make a 6-foot table garland.
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Galaxy of Lights

When: Through Dec. 31, see the info link below for more details
Details: This annual light display offers options for walking and driving tours, plus special nights to bring your pups.
More Info

Huntsville Botanical Garden General Info

Where: 4747 Bob Wallace Ave SW, Huntsville, AL 35805
When: Monday-Saturday, 9AM-3PM; Sunday, 11AM-3PM
Contact: Website | Facebook

4. Embrace Candles at Lowe Mill

Candle making at Embrace Candles at Lowe Mill in Huntsville, Alabama — Our team recently enjoyed a candle-making class at Embrace Candles at Lowe Mill. (Hville Blast)

A finished candle at Embrace Candles in Lowe MIll. — Our team recently enjoyed a candle-making class at Embrace Candles at Lowe Mill. (Hville Blast)

To some, gifting a candle may seem like an afterthought, yet the opposite is true when you make it yourself!

The Hville Blast team had a fun, creative experience making candles at Embrace Candles at Lowe Mill. Check the shop’s booking calendar below to book individual seats or schedule a private class for a group.

Where: 2211 Seminole Dr SW #121, Huntsville, AL 35805
When: Thursday-Saturday, 11AM-7PM
Contact: Website | Facebook

5. The Vessel at Gas Light Alley

The Vessel at the Stovehouse's Gas Light Alley has pottery pieces for sale alongside a studio, where you can take pottery classes to make unique holiday gifts. — The Vessel at Stovehouse’s Gas Light Alley has a few spots left in its December class schedule. (Lisa Battles / Hville Blast)

Browse the small gift shop at The Vessel and you’ll want to learn how to make some of the beautiful pieces yourself in the adjacent studio.

Besides ongoing multi-week courses for people of all skill levels, the community ceramic studio has a few openings in its popular one-time classes this month. Check the studio website for availability.

Where: 3414 Governors Dr SW ste 440, Huntsville, AL 35805
When: Monday-Saturday, 10AM-8PM; Sunday, Noon-6PM
Contact: Website | Facebook

6. Keramos Ceramics in Hartselle

A painted decorative Christmas tree at Keramos Ceramics in Hartselle, Alabama, which offers classes to make unique holiday gifts and decor. — Keramos Ceramics in downtown Hartselle has holiday-themed classes throughout December. (Courtesy of Keramos Ceramics)

A child's small, painted decorative Christmas tree at Keramos Ceramics in Hartselle, Alabama, which offers classes to make unique holiday gifts and decor. — Keramos Ceramics in downtown Hartselle has holiday-themed classes throughout December. (Courtesy of Keramos Ceramics)

Make and paint Christmas trees, a custom mug or a beautiful holiday bowl at Keramos Ceramics in downtown Hartselle. The shop offers classes for all ages.

Important: It takes a few weeks for the Keramos team to dry, fire, glaze and glaze fire pieces. That means the pieces you create are not guaranteed to be ready for this year’s gift-giving. Still, you’ll enjoy them for many seasons to come!

December Kids Day

When: Saturday, Dec. 7, 10AM
Details: Kids will make cute Christmas tree keepsakes.
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Project Class: Mugs

When: Monday, Dec. 9, 6PM
Details: This adult class teaches how to make a hand-built, standard-sized mug.
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Christmas Tree Painting

When: Saturday, Dec. 14, 10AM
Details: This adult class teaches how to make a hand-built, standard-sized mug.
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Project Class: Holiday Bowl

When: Monday, Dec.16, 6PM
Details: This adult class teaches how to make a hand-built, standard-sized mug.
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Keramos Ceramics General Info

Where: 110 Sparkman St SW, Hartselle, AL 35640
When: Wednesday, Noon-4PM; Thursday-Friday Noon-6PM; Saturday 9AM-2PM
Contact: Facebook

What’s your favorite place to make unique holiday gifts? We’d love to hear about your experiences exploring your creative side this season.

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