Under the Southern Oak is a mobile workshop business rooted in Baldwin County, Alabama, founded by Michelle Smedley, a homeschooling mother to an energetic six-year-old daughter. Through her homeschooling journey, Michelle connected with a community of creative mothers who shared a passion for crafting, creativity, and gathering together—an experience that inspired the creation of Under the Southern Oak.

Under the Southern Oak is more than a workshop business—it’s a creative village. We are a group of women dedicated to providing meaningful, hands-on experiences for anyone who simply wants to create and enjoy the company of friends, family, and neighbors. From pop-up community gatherings to private workshops and youth programs, each experience is thoughtfully designed to bring people closer together through creativity.

We invite you to slow down, gather around the table, and rediscover the joy of making something by hand—together. Our hope is that every workshop inspires connection, sparks imagination, and leaves you feeling deeply rooted in community.

our roots

Under the branches of the Southern oak, creativity grows, friendships flourish, and community gathers.

Michelle, founder and owner of Under the Southern Oak, was raised in a world where creativity was simply part of everyday life. Growing up, she was surrounded by women who were always making something—each one passing down skills, inspiration, and a deep love for creating by hand.

Her earliest influence was her grandmother, who crocheted intricate doilies and timeless handmade pieces. Michelle’s mother nurtured her creativity, teaching her to crochet, knit, sew, quilt, and explore a wide range of fiber and paper arts. Her sisters added even more inspiration—introducing scrapbooking, card making, die cutting, and serving as constant creative sounding boards.

Over the years, Michelle shared her creations on social media, never imagining where it might lead. Friends soon began reaching out, asking if she would teach a craft in their homes for them and their friends. Those gatherings—filled with creativity, laughter, and connection—sparked something special.

Michelle first began hosting craft nights through Craft Along with Michelle while living in Colorado, bringing friends and neighbors together for creative evenings at home. Those gatherings quickly grew into something more than just crafting—they became a space for connection, laughter, and shared creativity. Today, that same spirit has grown into Under the Southern Oak, an expanded vision where creativity continues to bring people together.

Michelle

Founder/Owner

Whether we’re walking cobblestone streets in Paris or standing barefoot in a lavender field, I approach each session with presence, calm, and intention. I believe in soft direction over stiff posing, organic movement over perfection, and thoughtful edits that preserve the mood of the moment.

Each gallery I deliver is crafted not just for now, but for the years ahead—for the day you forget the way your partner looked at you mid-laugh, or the way your child’s hand fit into yours.

Amber

artist

Whether we’re walking cobblestone streets in Paris or standing barefoot in a lavender field, I approach each session with presence, calm, and intention. I believe in soft direction over stiff posing, organic movement over perfection, and thoughtful edits that preserve the mood of the moment.

Each gallery I deliver is crafted not just for now, but for the years ahead—for the day you forget the way your partner looked at you mid-laugh, or the way your child’s hand fit into yours.