BIRMINGHAM INVESTS $45 MILLION IN NEW CAREER CENTER, SCHOOLS, AND STUDENT PROGRAMS Birmingham is making a major investment in its students’ future. Mayor Randall Woodfin and the Birmingham City Council have approved a historic $45 million funding package to support education, workforce development, financial literacy, and school recreation across Birmingham City Schools. “This is one of the most significant investments we’ve made in the future of Birmingham’s children and our city’s economy,” says Mayor Woodfin in a press release. The investment includes $40 million to build the Future Ready Career and Innovation Center, a workforce training campus that will prepare students for high-demand careers in fields like healthcare, skilled trades, IT, and public safety. Additional funding will renovate school basketball courts, support the Junior Achievement McWane Economic Education Center’s programs, and upgrade the playground at James Rushton Early Learning Center. To learn more, visit bhamcityschools.org .
Photo by Magnific
SIMPLY STUFFED BRINGS A MAGICAL BUILD-YOUR-OWN PLUSH EXPERIENCE TO TRUSSVILLE If you grew up going to Build-a-Bear Workshop, you know how special it is to “create” your own stuffed animal, watching it come to life. Trussville now has its own locally owned and operated version called Simply Stuffed. Located in The Pinnacle shopping center (5030 Pinnacle Square, Suite 108, Birmingham) and open Monday–Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., it offers an interactive experience where children (and adults!) can build a plush friend, but with more affordable prices and a simpler process. (Plus, over 75 percent of their plushies are crafted from recycled materials!)
Photo by Simply Stuffed
First, choose your 8-inch or 16-inch stuffed animal, then get to stuffing with one of three options: the stuff machine, the stuff station, and take-home stuffing.
From Avery the Axolotl and Bailey the Butterfly to Dylan the Dragon and more, your child is sure to find a new friend! Prices begin at $15–20 per animal, and every plush includes a heart ceremony, stuffing experience, and a personalized Simply Stuffed Birth Certificate. Then style your plushie with outfits and accessories. They even have bear Auburn and Alabama cheerleaders ready to cheer on your favorite sports team! “At Simply Stuffed, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to create something special,” their team shares. “Our mission is to provide an affordable, interactive experience where families can build memories together while giving each plush a heart, a name, and a story of its own.”To discover all Simply Stuffed offers, call (205) 448-1061 or visit their website, simplystuffedplush.com .
THE PAINTED PURPLE TURTLE BRINGS DIY CRAFTS AND WORKSHOPS TO HOOVER Calling all creatives: There’s a new DIY craft workshop in town! The Painted Purple Turtle just opened in Hoover (3704 Lorna Rd.), and whether you’re looking to make a specific hands-on project or you’re just hoping to stop by their open studio time, it’s worth checking out. “We offer hands-on projects and social experiences designed to help people slow down, connect, and create something meaningful—together,” their website explains. Host your own “turtle party,” and craft a celebration with projects featuring wood, paint, resin, sea glass, and more! “At Painted Purple Turtle, the only limit is your imagination!” their website adds. The process is simple: explore their calendar of upcoming workshops, pick a project that works with your schedule, add the workshop to your cart (or go as a walk-up), and get ready to have fun! They also offer a monthly DIY subscription box delivered straight to your door, with exclusive projects, a virtual craft night, and subscriber-only shop discounts.
To discover your next DIY craft project, stop by, call them (256) 870-9115, or visit thepaintedpurpleturtle.com.
Photo by The Painted Purple Turtle
BIRMINGHAMPARENT.COM | OCTOBER 2026 11
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