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2023 Arkansas Made Mother's Day Gift Guide: 21 Gifts by Arkansas Artists

Stacey Bowers

On the hunt for an original Mother’s Day gift? Make it extra special this year with something colorful, delightful and handmade locally by an Arkansas artisan. These handmade creations by some of our favorite Arkansas artists and makers are sure to bring a smile to the moms in your life. Each of these Arkansas-made gifts can be found in-store at Bang-Up Betty’s handmade jewelry and gift store, located at 429 Main Street in Argenta.

Spring never ends when you're wearing this cast bronze or sterling silver handmade daffodil necklace or earrings. These necklaces and earrings were designed using the texture of actual petals during the casting process. Atop each flower is a bead of yellow jade to echo the sunshine color of living daffodils. Find the Daffodil Necklace and matching earrings by Bang-Up Betty online here or at our jewelry and gift shop at 429 Main Street in Argenta.

The queen bee deserves a beautiful handmade, framed bee by Little Rock artist Studio Dust Co. Available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

If mom loves to knit or crochet, she’ll adore this handmade yarn bowl or ceramic thimble vase by Fayetteville, Arkansas artist Pyrogenic Arts.

This gorgeous watercolor print of the Old Mill in North Little Rock is a little piece of spring you can keep on your wall year round. Find these prints and many more Arkansas scenes by Bentonville artist Joseph Buchanan in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Sometimes gorgeously simple isn’t as simple as it seems. These monogram initial necklaces are each made from hand-cast bronze and fired in a kiln. Each piece is uniquely handmade. The chain is an elegant paper-clip style chain that’s 14k gold-filled, so it’s hypoallergenic. Find these Monogram Initial Hexagon Paperclip Chain necklaces online here or in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Meow! These incredible wooden cats by North Little Rock artist Paul Milholland have moveable heads so you can position the cat looking at different angles. Find these sculptures in store at Bang-Up Betty.

We love flowers that never die! these gorgeous ceramic floral ring dishes by Hot Springs artist Carla Churchwell are available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Moms and birds go together like birds of a feather. If you’re mom is into birdwatching, be sure to check out our new collection of bird jewelry called the Aviary Collection by Bang-Up Betty. Find it online here or at our store in North Little Rock.

Let mom know how loved she is by so many with this handmade print by North Little Rock artist Chelsea Allen. Prints available in many styles and colors in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Mom’s morning coffee routine needs an upgrade. These gorgeous handmade mugs by Hot Springs artist Carla Churchwell come in loads of different styles and are available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Birthstones are beautiful and meaningful, and if you order one of Bang-Up Betty’s birthstone cluster or strand necklaces in advance we can customize the stones you’d like, so you can mix and match your family’s birthstones. Birthstone necklaces by month are available in store or online here.

Tell mom how much she means to you with a handmade card. These colorful and meaningful greeting cards by Maumelle artist Sherry J. Williamson are available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Have I mentioned how much we love birds? These wire-wrapped bird nest necklaces are available in silver and gold and also with your choice of white or blue pearl eggs. Bird nest necklaces are available in store at Bang-Up Betty or online here.

Elevate the art situation in mom’s house with a stylish triptych of prints by Little Rock artist Banimilk. Find these prints and much more of her work in store at Bang-Up Betty.

What do you get the mom who has everything, including anxiety and too much on her to-do list? A ceramic worry wart by Hot Springs artist Carla Churchwell. You tell it your worries so you can set them free. Find a huge selection of Carla’s worry warts in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Let mom know she is a rainbow with one of these gorgeous handmade macrame wall hangings by Little Rock artist Amy Darragh of Creative Cords. These rainbow macrame hangings are available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Does mom have a generous spirit? Then she’d probably love one of these “shine” necklaces by Bang-Up Betty that benefits Methodist Family Health in Little Rock. Find them in store or online here.

Show mom you love her with a little handmade wooden ring dish created by North Little Rock artist Paul Milholland. Find these gorgeous hearts in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Make mom’s kitchen so much cuter with a one-of-a-kind handmade ceramic spoon rest by Hot Springs artist Carla Churchwell. Find a huge selection of Carla’s spoon rests at Bang-Up Betty.

If mom is into horoscopes, she’ll love one of these gorgeous, colorful hand-printed works of art by Little Rock artist Bri Peterson. We’ve got the entire collection of zodiac prints in store at Bang-Up Betty.

These beautiful handmade flower vases by Hot Springs artist Carla Churchwell are the perfect way for mom to bring what she’s growing in her garden indoors to enjoy. Find a wide selection of Carla’s vases in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Bang-Up Betty is snarky, meaningful, well-made jewelry made in North Little Rock, Arkansas. Shop our handmade artisan jewelry alongside clever gifts and local art and crafts at our Argenta storefront located at 429 Main Street in North Little Rock above Ristorante Capeo.

"Shine" Necklace by Arkansas Jewelry Maker Bang-Up Betty to Benefit Methodist Family Health

Stacey Bowers

"Shine" Necklace by Arkansas Jewelry Maker Bang-Up Betty to Benefit Methodist Family Health

NORTH LITTLE ROCK, AR (Sept. 22, 2022) – Bang-Up Betty, the gift shop in downtown North Little Rock featuring humorous hand-stamped and hand-cast jewelry crafted in Arkansas, is offering a new piece, created by Stacey Bowers and benefiting Methodist Family Health. The SHINE necklace will be available for purchase from 5-7 p.m. during the Dogtown Throwdown at Bang-Up Betty’s gift shop at 429 Main St. in North Little Rock on Fri., Oct. 14.

 

The SHINE necklace reflects the nonprofit’s call to action to encourage people to let their light shine so others can be inspired to do the same. Available in bronze and silver, the necklace debuted at Methodist Family Health Foundation’s 9th Annual Southern Stakes fundraiser where it brought in a winning bid of $160. The necklace is available to anyone who would like to let their light shine at Bang-Up Betty’s gift shop in Argenta or online here. Proceeds from the sale of the SHINE necklace will go to Methodist Family Health. The necklace is available in bronze for $58 and sterling silver for $69.

 

Bang-Up Betty’s inventory includes salty t-shirts, stickers, enamel lapel pins and other gifts and apparel are printed locally or sourced consciously and support local women artists. Methodist Family Health’s mission is to provide the best possible care to those who may need our help and serves thousands of Arkansas children and their families who are abandoned, abused, neglected and struggling with psychiatric, behavioral, emotional and spiritual issues. Founded in 1899 as the Arkansas Methodist Orphanage, Methodist Family Health is statewide continuum of care with programs including the Methodist Behavioral Hospital in Maumelle, psychiatric residential treatment facilities, qualified residential treatment programs, a therapeutic day treatment program, outpatient counseling clinics, school-based counseling clinics, a grief center for children and their families, and the Arkansas Center for Addictions Research, Education and Services (Arkansas CARES).

 

For more information about the SHINE necklace or Bang-Up Betty, visithttp://BangUpBetty.com. For more information about Methodist Family Health, call 501-661-0720, email Info@MethodistFamily.org or visit http://MethodistFamily.org.

The Speak Up Collection: Jewelry Featuring Wise Words by Women Icons

Stacey Bowers

So often when we’re at a loss for words, we look to those already spoken by people we admire. This collection of handmade jewelry features inspiring quotes by feminist women we look up to, including Maya Angelou, Michelle Obama, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Laverne Cox and Hillary Rodham Clinton. (A couple of them even have Arkansas ties!) Keep a strong mantra close to your heart with these hand-crafted necklaces that are available in bronze and sterling silver on 14k gold-filled and sterling silver chains.

Which quotes are featured in our Speak Up Collection?

“Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks” … as in leave tracks for others to follow. - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

“Who you are authentically is alright” - Laverne Cox

“Choose people who lift you up” - Michelle Obama

“Women’s right are human rights, and human rights are women’s rights” - Hillary Rodham Clinton

“Nothing will work unless you do” - Maya Angelou

“Change takes courage” - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

I started making this collection in the spring of 2022, before the devastating overturning of Roe v. Wade, and after the news I felt even more the need to hold tokens of strength, hope and change close to me, especially because I live in a state with generally drastically different views from my own, where the legislature is constantly threatening human rights. Above all, in naming this the “speak up” collection, my hope is to start conversations.

Leave Tracks RBG Quote Necklace

“Whatever you choose to do, leave tracks” … as in leave tracks for others to follow your work and built on it. - Ruth Bader Ginsburg

This RBG quote encourages you to let others build on the work you’re doing, and reminds us that change sometimes takes time, but it also makes me think about all the organizations out there who have already been laying the foundation and doing the work to make the change you want to see. Be sure to seek out the effective, grassroots organizations in your area, support them, and follow their tracks before you set out completely from scratch on your own.

This pendant pressed with a powerful RBG quote and a set of footprints measures approximately one inch across and is available in bronze or sterling silver. The chain is 20 inches long and the clasp fastens onto any link in the chain, so you can wear it longer or shorter. Silver chains are sterling silver and gold chains are 14k gold-filled. As with all of our necklaces, we can make them longer with extensions.

Who You Are Authentically Laverne Cox Quote Necklace

“Who you are authentically is alright” - Laverne Cox

The diamond shape of this handmade necklace featuring a powerful quote by trans actress and icon Laverne Cox is complemented by two tiny Herkimer diamonds (double-pointed quartz crystals) on each side, a nod to the adage that diamonds are formed under pressure. This necklace is available in sterling silver with a sterling silver chain or bronze with a 14k gold-filled chain. These necklaces are about 18 inches long, and as with all of our necklaces, we can make them longer with extensions. The pendant part of the necklace measures about 1 inch across.

Nothing Will Work Unless You Do Maya Angelou Quote Necklace

“Nothing will work unless you do” - Maya Angelou

Maya Angelou holds a special place in the heart of Arkansans, as she spent part of her childhood in Stamps, Arkansas. This handmade pendant features an especially motivational Angelou quote to remind us to work hard for the change we want to make and is accented with a floral motif and a bird as a nod to her book of poetry “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” The pendant measures about 1 inch across and is available in bronze or sterling silver on a sterling silver or 14k gold-filled chain. The chain is 20 inches long and the clasp fastens onto any link in the chain, so you can wear it longer or shorter. Silver chains are sterling silver and gold chains are 14k gold-filled. As with all of our necklaces, we can make them longer with extensions.

Choose People Who Lift You Up Michelle Obama Quote Necklace

“Choose people who lift you up” - Michelle Obama

First Lady, author, activist and icon Michelle Obama was speaking of her daughters with this quote encouraging them to choose partners who lift them up rather than drag them down, but this quote spoke to me far beyond the romantic connotations. Even in friendships, work partnerships and family relationships, it’s so important to be there for the people who are there for you— for the people who want more FOR you and don’t stand in the way of who you are authentically, try to control you or use you for personal gain. For me, it’s a personal mantra of self-care to hold close those who hold me close for the right reasons. This handmade necklace features a pendant with Michelle Obama’s words encircled in a twisted, decorative frame like a work of art.

This necklace is available in sterling silver with a sterling silver chain or bronze with a 14k gold-filled chain. The entire necklace is about 18 inches long, and as with all of our necklaces, we can make them longer with extensions.

Change Takes Courage AOC Quote Necklace

“Change takes courage” - Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez

If anyone has the courage to make change, it’s U.S. representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. I’m constantly in awe of her ferocity and strength, which is why I paired her quote with an anatomical heart, the symbolic source of courage and bravery. These pendants measure approximately 3/4 inch across and are available in sterling silver with a sterling silver chain and bronze with a 14k gold-filled chain. Chains are 18 inches long, and as with all of our necklaces, we can add extenders.

Women’s Rights are Human Rights HRC Quote Necklace

“Women’s right are human rights, and human rights are women’s rights” - Hillary Rodham Clinton

I’ve heard this quote said so many times by so many people, and only recently I learned that Hillary Rodham Clinton spoke it in a 1995 speech. Almost 30 years later, it’s still extremely pertinent. With this pendant, I played off the mirror-like effect of the words with a reversible, framed, mirror-shaped pendant, where one side says “women’s rights are human rights” and the backside says “and human rights are women’s rights.” These pendants measures about one inch long and are available in bronze on a 14k gold-filled chain or sterling silver on a sterling silver chain. Chains are 18 inches long, and as with all of our necklaces, we can add extenders.

Bang-Up Betty is snarky, meaningful, well-made jewelry made in North Little Rock, Arkansas, as well as feminist pins, stickers and gifts. Since 2013, Bang-Up Betty has been crafting custom and personalized jewelry and other quirky, nerdy and feminist necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Shop Bang-Up Betty’s unique Arkansas-made jewelry through our “jewelry and stickers” tab, where you can also order custom name necklaces, mantra cuff bracelets, stamped key tags and more. Thank you for voting Bang-Up Betty “Best Artisan” for handmade jewelry in the Arkansas Times’ Best of Arkansas nine years in a row and “Best Gift Shop” in Arkansas in 2022!

Visit our Argenta storefront at 429 Main Street in North Little Rock! We’re located above Ristorante Capeo. Our hours are:

Wednesday - Friday: 11am - 5:30pm

Saturday 11am - 5:00pm

Check back for extended holiday hours.

Bang-Up Betty Voted Best Artisan, Best Gift Shop and Best Jeweler by Arkansas Times Readers

Stacey Bowers

Bang-Up Betty’s jewelry store and gift shop is home to artisan handmade jewelry, Arkansas art, locally made pottery, clever and quirky gifts, and a giant inflatable unicorn named Franny.

Thank you for voting Bang-Up Betty BEST ARTISAN, BEST GIFT SHOP and BEST JEWELER in the Arkansas Times Best of Arkansas 2022! I’m so completely stunned. We’ve only been open 10 whole months in our storefront, and it’s such an honor to be called the “best” when I’ve poured my absolute heart and soul into this space to fill it with joy, sass, color, unicorns and surprises in such a short amount of time. Thank you for entrusting me to make special and sentimental pieces for you over the last nine years. Thank you for sharing your stories with me. Thank you for letting me bring strange, unusual and sometimes just plain pretty creations into the world with my hands every single day. Free unicorn hugs at the shop to celebrate!

Bang-Up Betty’s handmade jewelry includes snarky and feminist styles like the “Ask Me What I’m Reading” necklace, “Nevertheless She Persisted” necklace, “I Dissent” RBG necklace, and “I’ll Cut You” butcher knife necklace.

Bang-Up Betty is snarky, meaningful, well-made jewelry made in North Little Rock, Arkansas, as well as feminist pins, stickers and gifts. Since 2013, Bang-Up Betty has been crafting custom and personalized jewelry and other quirky, nerdy and feminist necklaces, bracelets and earrings. Shop Bang-Up Betty’s unique Arkansas-made jewelry through our “jewelry and stickers” tab, where you can also order custom name necklaces, mantra cuff bracelets, stamped key tags and more. Thank you for voting Bang-Up Betty “Best Artisan” for handmade jewelry in the Arkansas Times’ Best of Arkansas nine years in a row!

Visit our new Argenta storefront at 429 Main Street in North Little Rock! We’re located above Ristorante Capeo. Our hours are:

Wednesday - Friday: 11am - 5:30pm

Saturday 11am - 5:00pm

Check back for extended holiday hours.

Thank you for voting Bang-Up Betty best Gift Shop, best Artisan and best Jeweler in the Arkansas Times Best of Arkansas 2022! Visit us at our centrally located storefront at 429 Main Street in Argenta (downtown North Little Rock. We’re only five blocks from downtown Little Rock!

Opening day at Bang-Up Betty’s storefront! Opened in August 2021, our gift shop and jewelry store offers unique hand-crafted jewelry, Arkansas made products, clever gifts, rainbows, unicorns and joy just across the river from downtown Little Rock in the heart of the Argenta Arts District in North Little Rock.

11 Unique and Amusing Father's Day Gifts

Stacey Bowers

Dads are always the hardest people to shop for, but this guide to 11 unique and amusing Father’s Day gifts gets creative with a mix of Arkansas-made and far out clever gifts to surprise Dad. Each of these excellent gifts, from locally made toffee to “pull my finger” keychains, can be found at Bang-Up Betty’s jewelry and gift store in the Argenta Arts neighborhood of downtown North Little Rock (429 Main Street).

Make Dad laugh out loud with a custom stamped keychain. You can grab one of these “Pull My Finger” or “Don’t Make Me Turn This Car Around” keychains online or in store, and you can also order a custom phrase keychain of your choice.

This clever astronaut bottle opener is the perfect addition to dad’s bar and an excellent conversation piece.

Your outdoorsy dad needs a new handmade mug! These gorgeous one-of-a-kind mugs come with Bigfoot, camping themes, sailboats, fishing themes and more, and they’re made in Arkansas.

Turn grilling out up to 11 with these incredible hot sauces. They’re our absolute favorites at the the shop, and we offer a wide range of heat levels. Just ask us and we’ll help you pick one out!

This ceramic and metal dachshund letter holder is perfect for home and office, and it’s just so clever.

Nature and exquisite craftsmanship merge in artist Paul Milholland’s handmade wooden birds. We especially love the tall birds that have natural movement to them. Each bird is one of a kind. Available in store.

Make dad laugh with his favorite celebrity on a keychain. Our favorite dad picks are The Dude, Ted Lasso, Samuel L. Jackson and Johnny Cash, but we have tons more in store.

If dad loves the open road, he’ll adore this Argenta print featuring our favorite neighborhood drugstore with a biker driving by. Arkansas artist Joseph Buchanan’s North Little Rock watercolors are available in store, with scenes of the Baker House and the Old Mill as well.

Don’t forget the card! We LOVE cards at Bang-Up Betty, and we specialize in funny ones.

Does Dad have a sweet tooth? Look no further than delicious, locally made Deal Family toffee. Available in store unless we eat it all first.

Give politics a softer touch with this Presidential Pets mug that features some of the cutest White House pets and their adorable and ridiculous names.


Mother's Day Gift Guide: 21 Gifts for Moms of All Ages

Stacey Bowers

Cards, candles, jewelry made in Arkansas, and so much more make our Mother’s Day gift guide.

Whether you want to make mom laugh out loud with a “sorry about my teenage years” candle or say “awww” with jewelry made in Arkansas that supports arts education, this Mother’s Day gift guide will help you navigate shopping locally for gifts this Mother’s Day week. Everything on this list is available at Bang-Up Betty’s jewelry and gift store in the Argenta Arts District of North Little Rock, located at 429 Main Street with extended hours this week to take the panic out of last-minute shopping. Stop by Tuesday through Friday from 11-5:30 or Saturday 11-5. We’ve even got a houseplant pop-up in store on Saturday! And if you’re looking for our completely made in Arkansas gift guide, you’ll find it here.

Here are 21 of our favorite gifts for moms of all ages:

These nontoxic, deliciously scented candles come with sweet and hilarious phrases like “sorry about my teenage years,” “hey mom, thanks for the ridiculously good looks,” “hey mom, you’re a badass,” “best mom ever,” and “hey hot mama.” Available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

This charitable necklace made in Arkansas gives back to arts education by supporting Thea Foundation. It’s great for teachers, artists, and art lovers. Available in store at Bang-Up Betty or online.

Give mom a creative project that’s fun and not overwhelming with a colorful DIY embroidery kit. These kits are pre-printed, so you’re never in the dark about where to put your stitches, and with hummingbird, succulent, solar system, feminist librarian and bearded dragon designs, they’re all beautiful. Available in store at Bang-Up Betty or online.

Moms are always picking up the phone, so don’t forget to pick up a card for Mother’s Day! Available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Give mom a Mother’s Day flower that won’t wilt with this made-in-Arkansas sunflower necklace. Available in store at Bang-Up Betty or online. These beautiful mandala ring dishes made in Arkansas pair perfectly with a piece of jewelry and are available in store as well.

Brighten up mom’s home with a colorful Arkansas-made macrame plant hanger, available in store at Bang-Up Betty. If you need a plant to go in it, we’re having a houseplant pop-up this Saturday from 1-4pm.

Thank mom for her unsolicited advice with a funny card. Available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

These Arkansas-made tulip ring dishes pair perfectly with a piece of Arkansas made jewelry, and if you’re getting mom flowers, these flower frogs will help gorgeously display them. Available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Strong women: may we be them, may we know them, may we raise them. Tell mom how strong she is with a “strong as hell” necklace made in Arkansas. Available in store at Bang-Up Betty or online.

What’s better than coffee? Coffee and chocolate! These organic chocolate-covered espresso beans are delightful. Available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Mom needs a gorgeous umbrella upgrade, and these leafy and ocean-patterned clear umbrellas will keep the rain off in style. Available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

A puzzle is ALWAYS a safe gift in my family. Bonus: I get to borrow it when mom is done working it. This Ruth Bader Ginsburg puzzle is one of several beautiful, clever and fun puzzles we have in store at Bang-Up Betty. And if your mom loves RBG as much as many of the moms in my life, you’ll find several shelves FULL of RBG memorabilia waiting for you here.

Mom is a goddess! Make sure she knows it with this “Athena” column vase. Available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

If mom is a force of nature or needs a little empowerment, these Arkansas made hand-stamped mantra cuffs will do the trick! They’re stamped with powerful phrases like “unstoppable,” “actually, I can,” “get outta my way,” “get shit done,” “hustle,” and more. They’re also customizable if you want to order one online to ship or pick up in store using code LOCALPICKUP, but be sure and order it by Friday.

If mom is a bookworm and a fan of classic romance, she’ll love this Jane Austen planter. Available in store at Bang-Up Betty or online. If you need an air plant to go in it, we’re having a houseplant pop-up Saturday from 1-4pm.

These gorgeous flower pots and planters are handmade in Arkansas, and if you need a plant to go in them, we’re having a houseplant pop-up Saturday from 1-4pm. Available in store.

Keep mom on track with a Dolly Parton-themed to-do list that says “pour myself a cup of ambition.” Available in store or online.

This adorable heart hands hook pillow is a cute reminder that you love mom. Grab it in store at Bang-Up Betty or online.

Sometimes justice and casseroles are too hot to handle. This “I Dissent” Ruth Bader Ginsburg oven mitt is available in store at Bang-Up Betty or online.

Honestly, the most valuable gift you can give a parent is unlimited tech support. This hilarious Mother’s Day card is available in store at Bang-Up Betty.com.

Thank you for shopping small and local this Mother’s Day!

2022 Arkansas Made Mother's Day Gift Guide: 14 Locally Made Gifts Mom Will Love

Stacey Bowers

Mid-mod birds, macramé vases, honeybee necklaces, Arkansas-made bath soaks, gorgeous Arkansas art and more make our 2022 Arkansas-made gift guide.

On the hunt for an original Mother’s Day gift? Make it extra special this year with something colorful, delightful and handmade locally by an Arkansas artisan. These handmade creations by some of our favorite Arkansas artists and makers are sure to bring a smile to the moms in your life. Each of these Arkansas-made gifts can be found in-store at Bang-Up Betty’s handmade jewelry and gift store, located at 429 Main Street in Argenta.

North Little Rock woodworker Paul Milholland’s mid century-modern wooden bird sculptures are impeccably made and delightfully fun to display. These birds are one-of-a-kind, so if you see one you need, hurry in before it flies home with someone else! Available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Every piece of jewelry at Bang-Up Betty’s Argenta jewelry store and gift shop is made in-house, including the popular One Tough Mother necklace that’s a hit even when it’s not Mother’s Day. Available in store or online.

Bentonville water-colorist Joseph Buchanan shows North Little Rock’s iconic Old Mill a lot of love with this gorgeous matted print of his original painting. You’ll also find scenes of Argenta along with the Old Mill. Available in store.

Hot Springs ceramicist Carla Churchwell’s unique handmade flower pots are one-of-a-kind. We especially love her mandala flower pots that match her mandala ring dishes. Available in store alongside a huge assortment of Carla’s pottery.

Little Rock artist Kristin Sauer designed these Argenta tea towels especially for Bang-Up Betty. This design is also available in store as a print. Tea towels are available in store and online.

A gorgeous faceted drop of citrine is the honey on this bee necklace by Bang-Up Betty. Find this necklace in store and online along with tons of nature-themed jewelry and gifts.

Abbi’s Teas are hand-blended in Little Rock by Abbi Siler, who hand-crafted this custom “Bang-Up Bettea” tea blend exclusively for Bang-Up Betty. It’s an exciting black tea blend with tropical notes and a dash of edible brew shimmer to make your cup sparkle. Find it in store and online.

Hot Springs ceramicist Carla Churchwell’s flower frogs are always a huge hit, and they make especially great Mother’s Day gifts. Place these floral flower frogs on a jar or glass and slide the flower stems through the holes to keep your flowers perky and upright. Available in store.

These luxurious and creative bath soaks come in three cosmic scents and are made in Bentonville by The Bathing Native. Grab them in store or online.

Little Rock macramé artist Amy Darragh (AKA Creative Cords) made these beautiful macramé vases using upcycled mason jars. They’re perfect for holding Mother’s Day flowers, and they’re available in store.

Looking for a Mother’s Day gift that gives back? These “Elect Women” necklaces by Bang-Up Betty give back to Emerge Arkansas, a grassroots organization working to get progressive women elected to office in Arkansas. Available in store or online.

Sherwood-based artist Ashlee Nobel (AKA Lee Lee Arts) created these colorful llama prints based on her original art. They pair well with a “badass mama llama” card. Available in store.

Maumelle-based artist Sherry J. Williamson is known for her dazzling, colorful paintings that utilize meaningful quotes. This greeting card includes a Mr. Rogers quote we think is extra special for Mother’s Day. Available in store.

Bang-Up Betty’s birthstone jewelry is always a big hit at Mother’s Day, especially these customizable Birthstone Cluster necklaces. Available in store and online. Custom birthstone pendants take a few days to make, so it’s smart to order ahead and use code LOCALPICKUP if you’d like to pick it up in store.

Last-Minute-Without-Seeming-Last-Minute Valentine’s Day Gift Guide

Stacey Bowers

A Valentine card that comes with a cotton candy bath fizz packs a little extra treat. Funny magnets like this “princess of feral cats” one fit perfectly inside Valentine cards. Rainbow cake, but make it socks! Celebrity keychains make great gifts for men, women and teenagers. Uncork the Valentine’s Day wine in style with a gold beetle corkscrew. Custom stamped jewelry like this “love nest” keychain are Bang-Up Betty’s specialty. A feather quill pen adds a touch of fancy to your life. Sea salt is one of the many flavors of chocolate and candy at Bang-Up Betty.

From gorgeous locally made jewelry to Arkansas-made candles to cards that are laugh-out-loud hilarious, the Bang-Up Betty gift shop and jewelry store in Argenta has something special for your Valentine and extended holiday hours to take the panic out if you’re shopping at the last minute. Our unusual, quirky and colorful shop is absolutely filled with handmade jewelry, funny and sweet cards, kid-friendly knick-knacks, donut bath bombs, thoughtful home decor and clever gifts, including lots of local pottery, art, candles, tea and more. Here are some of our favorite Valentine’s Day gift ideas that’ll make your sweetheart never suspect they were last minute.

Handmade jewelry, like this “strong as hell” necklace, is Bang-Up Betty’s specialty. Our store is filled with hundreds of pieces of Arkansas made jewelry, so you’re sure to find something perfect for your sweetheart whether they’re into strong, motivational mantras or sweet honey bees and golden unicorns.

Once you pick out the perfect piece of jewelry (may we suggest this dolphin necklace from Bang-Up Betty’s ocean-themed Seven Seas Collection), make sure you have a jewelry box that’s as special as what it contains. A gorgeous incense holder on the table next to it doesn’t hurt either.

Our shop is known for its hilarious and unique greeting cards, and these lovey-dovey cards come with a bath bomb built into them. They’re fun for kids and grown ups.

Light up your loved one’s heart and their home with a fun, colorful decorative pillow. Bang-Up Betty has lots of unique and well-curated home decor to make any space special. We love the heart hands pillow for Valentine’s Day.

This gift shop has a smorgasbord of fun socks, like these snack-themed ice pop, rainbow cake, sandwich and lollipop socks.

Don’t forget the kids this Valentine’ Day! Our gift shop is filled with kid-friendly knick-knacks and cards, like these super fun donut bath bombs. Looking for more kid gift ideas? Check out this list of 18 fun and affordable Valentine’s Day gifts for kids and kids-at-heart.

Don’t forget your Galentine, too! We’ve got 18 funny and heartfelt gift ideas for Galentine’s Day here, and it includes tons of affordable, fun things like this women authors pencil set.

You can never go wrong with a really good candle, and we pride ourselves on our selection of completely excellent candles, including these non-toxic soy candles that smell incredible and come with precious phrases on them.

Bang-Up Betty is located at 429 Main Street in the Argenta Arts District of North Little Rock. Extended holiday hours through Valentine’s Day are weekdays (including Valentine’s Day) 11-5:30, Saturday 11-5 and Sunday 12-4. Shop online at www.bangupbetty.com and follow them at instagram.com/bangupbetty and facebook.com/bangupbettyjewelry. Email stacey@bangupbetty.com for custom jewelry and other inquiries.