Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Source for Handmade Local Art & Gifts
Plum Nelly has been a cornerstone of Chattanooga's creative community since 1972, offering curated collections of handmade crafts, pottery, and artisanal gifts. Founded as an extension of the historic Plum Nelly Clothesline Art Show that began in 1947, our shop has maintained an unbroken legacy of women ownership through four generations. We specialize in showcasing work by local and regional artists, featuring functional ceramics, jewelry, glassware, and home decor that reflect both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.Our commitment to quality remains unwavering, with every piece carefully selected to maintain the standards established by our original founders. As active community participants, we host regular artist events and support local initiatives while preserving 50 years of Chattanooga's cultural heritage. Our knowledgeable staff provides personalized service to help customers find meaningful gifts or treasured additions to their own collections.
Services
Pottery
Jewelry
Glassware
Wall Art
Giftware
Details
- Year established: 1972
Highlights and features
- We've supported local artists for 50+ years with curated collections
- Our fourth-generation women ownership maintains Chattanooga's cultural heritage
- Every item is hand-selected for quality and artistic merit
- We host regular artist events and community-focused exhibitions
- Our staff provides expert guidance for finding perfect gift solutions
What people say
Unique handmade gifts
Supports local artists
Knowledgeable staff
Chattanooga tradition
Beautiful pottery collection
Services
Handmade Pottery
Our collection features wheel-thrown and handbuilt stoneware from regional artisans like Becky Braddock and Dock 6 Pottery. Each piece combines functionality with artistic expression through unique glazing techniques and organic forms. Customers can find dinnerware sets, decorative vessels, and sculptural pieces that bring tactile beauty to everyday use while supporting local makers.
Artisan Jewelry
We showcase contemporary jewelry designs from emerging and established artists across the Southeast. The collection includes recycled material creations, ceramic pendants, and mixed-media pieces that reflect both traditional craftsmanship and modern aesthetics. Each item tells a story through its materials and making process while maintaining wearable functionality.
Glass Artworks
Our curated glassware selection includes both functional and decorative pieces from regional studios. From hand-blown vases to stained glass wall hangings, each item demonstrates technical mastery and artistic vision. The collection balances modern designs with traditional techniques while maintaining practical usability for home environments.
Wall Decor
We offer an eclectic array of wall art featuring local painters, ceramic relief works, and mixed-media compositions. The collection spans multiple styles from abstract expressions to nature-inspired pieces, all carefully selected to complement various interior design schemes while showcasing regional artistic talent.
Gift Curating
Our staff specializes in helping customers find meaningful gifts for any occasion. Through personalized consultations, we match recipients' tastes with artisan creations across multiple categories. This service includes gift wrapping, handwritten notes, and special packaging options to create complete gift experiences from our curated inventory.
People
Catharine Daniels
Owner
Fourth-generation owner of Plum Nelly, Catharine Daniels continues the shop's 50-year tradition of quality craftsmanship and community engagement. She maintains the store's commitment to showcasing regional artists while modernizing operations to meet contemporary customer needs.
Becky Braddock
Featured Artist
East Tennessee native Becky Braddock creates wheel-thrown and handbuilt stoneware pottery inspired by natural forms. Her work featuring birds and fish motifs has been exhibited in galleries across the Southeast, combining functional design with artistic expression.
Lorraine Oerth
Studio Artist
Owner of Lookout Mountain Glass, Lorraine Oerth combines sculpting, printmaking, and painting techniques in her ceramic works. She leads a family-run studio operation that has become known for its signature Giving Hearts and Giving Bowls collections.
Questions
What makes Plum Nelly unique compared to other gift shops?
We're Chattanooga's longest-running women-owned gift boutique with 50 years of history, featuring exclusive collections from over 100 regional artists across multiple mediums.
Do you carry exclusively local products?
While our focus is on Southeastern artists, we also feature select international artisan goods that complement our local collections and maintain our quality standards.
Can I meet the artists whose work you sell?
We host regular artist events and gallery openings where customers can meet featured creators like Becky Braddock and Lorraine Oerth in person.
Do you offer gift wrapping services?
Yes, we provide complimentary gift wrapping with purchase, including specialty paper options and personalized note services for special occasions.
What are your return policies?
We offer 30-day returns on most items with original packaging. Custom orders and sale items are final purchase with exceptions considered on a case-by-case basis.
Reviews (4)
Debbie Wilson
Aug 14, 2021
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I love the beautiful glassware at this shop! Its so unique and makes such a great gift. The owner is so kind and helpful. Really love shopping here!!
Katie Macke
May 15, 2021
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It's not open after 10a per the posted hours on Google. No hours posted at their door. Update:. I found a back door and it was open at 10:07 and had the hours posted. The woman behind the counter didn't acknowledge me and went to unlock the front door. I price checked one overpriced glass piece and left. Should not have wasted time finding this place and parking $ it's just a tourist trap and being on the road earlier to head home would have been so much more productive.
Deb Musser
Sep 03, 2020
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Very nice shop with varied merchandise. The owner came in to answer my questions and had sent me pictures of pottery I am looking for since we came back home. She was very interested in helping me and the same with another customer who was there at the same time. Definitely recommend this store.
Lee Mcgregor
Oct 20, 2018
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Love it. They have so much to see. Did most of my Christmas shopping during one visit. Both out of the ordinary and some more traditional things.
