Two Alabama makers won the top prize in their categories in Garden & Gun's eighth annual Made in the South Awards, the magazine announced Thursday. The awards celebrate Southern craftsmen in six categories: food, drink, style, outdoors, home and crafts.

Alabama Sawyer of Birmingham won in the home category and was named the overall winner of a $10,000 cash prize as well as a feature in the magazine's December 2017/January 2018 issue, on newsstands Nov. 21.

The company's founders, Cliff and Leah Spencer, use Alabama materials and manufacturing in their woodworking projects. Their winning planked table features a minimalist design composed of a locally sourced tree, the hackberry, and wishbone-shaped iron legs cast at Birmingham's historic Sloss Furnaces.

Maho Shades of Orange Beach won in the style category. (Facebook photo)

Maho Shades of Orange Beach won the style category with sunglasses created by Kris and Alex Anderson. Available in 17 styles, the stylish shades are made with durable materials designed for outdoor activities.

Another Birmingham artisan, Tom Beckbe, was recognized in the outdoors category as a runner-up for his Kinsman vest.

"The South has long been an incubator for some of the country's most creative artisans and entrepreneurs, and we are so proud to honor their talent through the Made in the South Awards," said David DiBenedetto, Garden & Gun's senior vice president and editor in chief. "Every year, we see an increase in the level of quality, craftsmanship and creativity in the entries, and this year was the most impressive yet. Our judges were wowed, and we were honored to have the opportunity to review so many wonderful products, and to hear the inspiring stories of their creators."

Judges for the 2017 Made in the South Awards included actress and entrepreneur Reese Witherspoon; Paula Wallace, president and co-founder of the Savannah College of Art and Design; Derek Brown, a partner in the D.C.-based Drink Co.; Mashama Bailey, chef and co-founder of The Grey in Savannah; and interior designer Bunny Williams.

Nearly 1,000 artisans entered the contest, said Elizabeth Hutchison, associate editor, who oversees the annual awards. "I've been a part of these awards since the launch in 2010, and every year I think it can't possibly become more difficult to narrow down the winners--and then it does," she said.