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Hand-stamped humor and salty threads made with care in Arkansas...

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How to care for your Bang-Up Betty brass, gold and silver stamped jewelry, how to style your jewelry and apparel, what trends are fresh in stamped jewelry, and more.

Filtering by Tag: handmade

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.

Hammered in Arkansas: A Jewelry Maker's Best Moments of 2018

Stacey Bowers

Bang-Up Betty has been stamping handmade jewelry in Arkansas since 2013. Celebrating a 5th anniversary, seeing Julianne Moore wear my jewelry and supporting great charitable causes were among some of the highlights of this Arkansas jewelry maker’s 2…

Bang-Up Betty has been stamping handmade jewelry in Arkansas since 2013. Celebrating a 5th anniversary, seeing Julianne Moore wear my jewelry and supporting great charitable causes were among some of the highlights of this Arkansas jewelry maker’s 2018.

Looking back on the year, especially as all my friends are sharing their “best nine” Instagram posts, I always like to pick and choose my personal “best nine” since photo “likes” sometimes don’t do the right things justice (but are always appreciated and welcome!). 2018 was a banner year at Bang-Up Betty. I celebrated some huge milestones, saw celebrities wear my jewelry, got to raise money for several local causes that are close to my heart, and was recognized in some really amazing ways.

Thank you so much to everyone who brought a piece of Bang-Up Betty handmade jewelry into their lives or gave it to a loved one this year. Thank you to everyone who came to see me at pop-up craft shows and events. Thank you to everyone who shared social media posts and told pals about my jewelry. Thank you to my stockists across the country who brought my jewelry to their cities. Every year I do this is more magical than the last. Every morning I wake up grateful and astounded at the support my home state of Arkansas has given me. Thank you, thank you, thank you again.

Now, for the countdown…

Janelle Monae wore my I Believe in Science pin along with many other makers’ enamel pins during her Today Show performance.

Janelle Monae wore my I Believe in Science pin along with many other makers’ enamel pins during her Today Show performance.

1.) Janelle Monae wore my pin. The Janelle Monae. She wore my pin. My I Believe in Science enamel pin. She wore it in an assortment of feminist and activist pins on her Today Show appearance. I am still in recovery.

That’s my I Believe in Science enamel pin on the right. On Janelle Monae’s outfit for her Today Show appearance.

That’s my I Believe in Science enamel pin on the right. On Janelle Monae’s outfit for her Today Show appearance.

At some point in time I packaged that I Believe in Science pin with my own hands and sent it off and it landed on the lapel of THE. JANELLE. MONAE. I am breathless.

Bang-Up Betty has been making artisan jewelry in Arkansas since 2013 and celebrated five years in 2018 with a pop-up in Little Rock.

Bang-Up Betty has been making artisan jewelry in Arkansas since 2013 and celebrated five years in 2018 with a pop-up in Little Rock.

2.) I had my 5th anniversary. In April of 2018 I celebrated five whole years of making jewelry in Little Rock, Arkansas, and threw a big party complete with this confetti cake that WAS NOT THE ORIGINAL CAKE I MADE. I made a unicorn-shaped cake for the occasion and Betty the cat ATE IT when I wasn’t looking the night before the party. He is a savage.

Betty the cat perches in the Bang-Up Betty handmade jewelry studio. His name and personality inspired the name of the business, and he is a small internet celebrity. Follow him on Instagram at @bettyisaboy.

Betty the cat perches in the Bang-Up Betty handmade jewelry studio. His name and personality inspired the name of the business, and he is a small internet celebrity. Follow him on Instagram at @bettyisaboy.

3.) Betty the cat made the evening news. Anytime I can get Betty the cat in a magazine or on the tv is the best time of my life. In 2018, KARK stopped by my jewelry studio and fell in love with Betty. I think he got more air time than I did and I have no complaints.

Only in Arkansas: Bang-up Betty's creations are not the usual jewelry items.

Arkansas bride: My gleeful expression after saying my vows (that I wrote!) at the Edgemont House in North Little Rock, Arkansas, in September. Photo by Katie Childs.

Arkansas bride: My gleeful expression after saying my vows (that I wrote!) at the Edgemont House in North Little Rock, Arkansas, in September. Photo by Katie Childs.

4.) I got married! This is really number one on the list BUT THE LIST IS OUT OF ORDER. Collin, don’t get mad.

In September 2018, I got hitched to a very wonderful, supportive, encouraging, hilarious, handsome, incredible guy who was totally fine with us having a weird wedding. It was the most fun day of my life and we’ve been keeping the party going ever since we said “I do.” You really can’t stop the party once you buy a six-foot inflatable dancing man for your wedding and can’t return it.

The inflatable dancing man at our wedding at the Edgemont House in North Little Rock, Arkansas, may have been more of a hit than the bride and groom were. Photo by Katie Childs.

The inflatable dancing man at our wedding at the Edgemont House in North Little Rock, Arkansas, may have been more of a hit than the bride and groom were. Photo by Katie Childs.

Read all about our wedding in this blog post I wrote about how crafty I was and how ridiculous our decor was.

Julianne Moore wears a One Tough Mother Necklace by Bang-Up Betty at a Moms Demand Action conference.

Julianne Moore wears a One Tough Mother Necklace by Bang-Up Betty at a Moms Demand Action conference.

5.) Julianne Moore wore my One Tough Mother necklace AND I raised close to $600 for this incredible charity that’s so close to my heart. I had no idea that when one of the loveliest women I know bought a necklace from me, she meant to bring it to the Moms Demand Action conference and give it to Julianne Moore. Julianne Moore then wore it in a PSA for the organization that encouraged people to vote!

One Tough Mother Necklace


Arkansas jewelry designer Bang-Up Betty’s “Stay Gold” collection is inspired by the Golden Girls and features vintage and limited edition pieces. Plus those big Miami colors!

Arkansas jewelry designer Bang-Up Betty’s “Stay Gold” collection is inspired by the Golden Girls and features vintage and limited edition pieces. Plus those big Miami colors!

6.) I made a jewelry collection inspired by The Golden Girls. I had so much fun designing this collection of vintage-inspired jewelry that my husband then photographed for me on our Lanai. Hahahaha. I’m a Dorothy at heart, but the necklace in the image above was inspired by Blanche.

See more of the Stay Gold collection and read more about what inspired it here!

Bang-Up Betty was voted Best Artisan for the fourth year in a row in the Arkansas Times’s Best of Arkansas for jewelry design.

Bang-Up Betty was voted Best Artisan for the fourth year in a row in the Arkansas Times’s Best of Arkansas for jewelry design.

7.) Y’all voted me Best Artisan in the Arkansas Times’s Best of Arkansas issue! For the fourth year in a row! I am so incredibly grateful for the support my fellow Arkansans have given me over the years. Thank you for giving me the courage to keep making jewelry and putting myself out there.

You also voted my jewelry best in Arkansas Handmade Products in AY Magazine’s Best. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Bang-Up Betty jewelry was voted best in Arkansas Handmade Products by AY Magazine readers.

Bang-Up Betty jewelry was voted best in Arkansas Handmade Products by AY Magazine readers.

Bang-Up Betty’s Love is Queer Bracelet 100% benefits Lucie’s Place, a shelter for homeless LGBT in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Bang-Up Betty’s Love is Queer Bracelet 100% benefits Lucie’s Place, a shelter for homeless LGBT in Little Rock, Arkansas.

8.) I got to support Lucie’s Place by making things. Earlier this year, I dedicated this Love is Queer bracelet to Lucie’s Place, donating 100% of the profits to the nonprofit organization that provides shelter for homeless LGBT in Arkansas. I love being able to use my craft to raise money for progressive nonprofits in the state of Arkansas and across the country.

My new Birthstone Cluster Collection features rough, raw and natural gemstones and is inspired by nature. Photo by Collin Buchanan.

My new Birthstone Cluster Collection features rough, raw and natural gemstones and is inspired by nature. Photo by Collin Buchanan.

9.) I released the Birthstone Cluster Collection, which is inspired by nature and features raw, rough-cut and natural gemstones to celebrate the wearer. Happy birthday to you! These necklaces are by far my favorite things to make right now and can be personalized. Grab your custom birthstone necklace, or maybe one celebrating your child or another loved one!


Find Handmade Jewelry and Gifts in Arkansas for the Holidays

Stacey Bowers

A glimpse inside the studio of artisan jewelry designer Bang-Up Betty, who will be stamping jewelry on location at two Little Rock boutiques in December.

A glimpse inside the studio of artisan jewelry designer Bang-Up Betty, who will be stamping jewelry on location at two Little Rock boutiques in December.

Come watch me work this December, and shop local and handmade for the holidays!

Arkansas jewelry designer Stacey Bowers of Bang-Up Betty will be onsite with a huge selection of hilarious and sweet hand-stamped jewelry, enamel pins, koozies, stickers and more at two Little Rock boutiques in December. She'll also be stamping custom orders ONSITE! Pick your phrase, your metal, your charms and watch it happen before your eyes. Whether you need stocking stuffers or that perfect special something, she's got you covered. You could even get your whole gift list knocked out between Bang-Up Betty and the clever, quirky gifts at Moxy and the local art and delicious tea at Abbi’s Teas and Things!

Sunday, December 2

Moxy Modern Mercantile

1419 Main Street in Little Rock

11 am - 3 pm

Sunday, December 16

Abbi’s Teas and Things

2622 Kavanaugh Boulevard in Hillcrest, Little Rock

2 - 6 pm

December 7- 8

Fayetteville friends, catch Bang-Up Betty jewelry in Fayetteville, Arkansas, December 7-8 at the Nerd Prom and Winter Wonderland hosted by Cattywampus Co-op!

Find funny, sweet and feminist jewelry in our online shop or at one of the several shopping events  held in Arkansas in December, where Bang-Up Betty will be stamping and making jewelry onsite so you can take it home with you right then and there.

Find funny, sweet and feminist jewelry in our online shop or at one of the several shopping events held in Arkansas in December, where Bang-Up Betty will be stamping and making jewelry onsite so you can take it home with you right then and there.

Photography by Katie Childs.

Birthstone Collection Features Raw, Natural and Rough Gemstones in Unique Cluster Settings

Stacey Bowers

My brand new Birthstone Cluster Collection was inspired by nature and the gorgeously imperfect way the world’s gemstones come to us before they’re cut, set and made to look like something completely otherworldly.

I cast theses stones in clear resin, letting them fall from my fingertips into the liquid wherever they land. Over several days, it hardens into a little cluster of gemstones that look like they’re bursting forth. Glowing peridots, moody sapphires, rich rubies, warm citrine crystals… all the colors of the birthstone rainbow.

Read More

Freekend Weekend Pop-Up Brings Together Arkansas Artisans and Food Trucks Aug. 4-5

Stacey Bowers

Hand-Stamped Necklace by artisan jewelry designer Bang-Up Betty, vintage clothing from Crying Weasel Vintage, and handmade leather clutch by O'faolain

Hand-Stamped Necklace by artisan jewelry designer Bang-Up Betty, vintage clothing from Crying Weasel Vintage, and handmade leather clutch by O'faolain

It's a TAX Free-kend Weekend Pop-Up Shop at the Moxy Warehouse! Brought to you by the same crew who brought you the Speakeasy Pop-Ups last year! We are excited to come together again and bring you a few new vendors, some of our new goods, AND at TAX FREE prices! Woohoo! 

We will have a preview party Saturday night with complimentary beer so you can sip and shop and we will be there on Sunday as well with a complimentary self-serve (careful now) mimosa bar!

Freekend Weekend Pop-Up brings together Arkansas artisans with Little Rock food trucks for a shopping weekend that coincides with Arkansas's tax holiday

Freekend Weekend Pop-Up brings together Arkansas artisans with Little Rock food trucks for a shopping weekend that coincides with Arkansas's tax holiday

RSVP on Facebook!
 

Vendors List:
AR-T's
Bang-Up Betty
Crying Weasel Vintage
DOWER
Krystal Bijoux Jewelry
O'Faolain

Food Trucks:
Viva Vegan (Saturday Night 6:00pm-10:00pm)
Philly Phresh Water Ice (Sunday 10:00am-2:00pm)

Wanna know more about tax free weekend? 
Learn what it's all about and what items are tax free at: https://www.dfa.arkansas.gov/images/uploads/exciseTaxOffice/faqsConsumers.pdf

Handmade leather wallet by Dower, Arkansas t-shirt by AR-T's, Glamfestation brooch by Krystal Bijoux Jewelry

Handmade leather wallet by Dower, Arkansas t-shirt by AR-T's, Glamfestation brooch by Krystal Bijoux Jewelry

Badass Babes Unite Bracelet For Women Who Support Women

Stacey Bowers

Badass Babes Unite Bracelet is handmade by Bang-Up Betty Jewelry in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Badass Babes Unite Bracelet is handmade by Bang-Up Betty Jewelry in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

North Little Rock-based jewelry designer Bang-Up Betty has teamed up with Northwest Arkansas-based organization Tribe of Women, which aims to empower women to support each other and fight for gender equity in our personal and professional lives.

This Badass Babes Unite Bracelet is handmade, stamped letter by letter, and serves as a great reminder that women get shit done and we're stronger together. 10% of the proceeds from this bracelet go to Tribe of Women

The Badass Babes Unite bracelet is solid brass or silver aluminum and is made in Arkansas by Bang-Up Betty Jewelry, a designer of salty and feminist handmade jewelry, shirts, stickers, enamel lapel pins and more since 2013. 

Get your Badass Babes Unite handmade bracelet here! 

Bang-Up Betty jewelry is handmade in Arkansas and gives back to many local and national causes. 

Bang-Up Betty jewelry is handmade in Arkansas and gives back to many local and national causes. 

Betty the Cat Makes the News!

Stacey Bowers

Betty the boy cat made his evening news debut on KARK4 last week, and the whole thing has gone to his head. KARK's Aaron Nolan stopped by the Bang-Up Betty jewelry studio in North Little Rock, Arkansas, to learn about my handmade jewelry and apparel and, of course, to meet Betty the cat. 

Watch Betty's news appearance above, and be sure to follow him on Instagram (@bettyisaboy) as he posts updates and behind-the-scenes peeks from the studio as he acts a fool and generally tends to mock my handmade jewelry. 

Betty the cat's account behind the scenes and Arkansas jewelry designer Bang-Up Betty's studio.

Betty the cat's account behind the scenes and Arkansas jewelry designer Bang-Up Betty's studio.

Inside the Crafter's Studio: Peek Into a Jewelry Designer's Workshop in Arkansas

Stacey Bowers

Arkansas Jewelry maker Stacey Bowers at work on new jewelry designs in her North Little Rock studio.

Arkansas Jewelry maker Stacey Bowers at work on new jewelry designs in her North Little Rock studio.

I'm about to celebrate one year in my studio space, and what better way to do that than invite y'all over? Consider this your invitation to a virtual visit! 

Brilliant, badass photographer Katie Childs recently stopped by to snap some pics of me at work, and while I'm sad to dispel the rumor that I work in the fires of Mordor, I'm thrilled to show off my newest space. Take a peek at how and where your jewelry gets made. All pics by Katie Childs except for the panorama I took to really show off that wall paint ;-) 

Jewelry designer Stacey Bowers selects a piece of brass to stamp with a hammer in her studio in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Jewelry designer Stacey Bowers selects a piece of brass to stamp with a hammer in her studio in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

North Little Rock jewelry designer Stacey Bowers' studio, where she creates Bang-Up Betty jewelry.

North Little Rock jewelry designer Stacey Bowers' studio, where she creates Bang-Up Betty jewelry.

Arkansas jewelry maker Stacey Bowers at work in her home studio in North Little Rock stamping Bang-Up Betty jewelry.

Arkansas jewelry maker Stacey Bowers at work in her home studio in North Little Rock stamping Bang-Up Betty jewelry.

Arkansas jewelry designer Stacey Bowers stamps brass jewelry and more in her North Little Rock studio.

Arkansas jewelry designer Stacey Bowers stamps brass jewelry and more in her North Little Rock studio.

Nevertheless She Persisted, I'll Cut You, Get Shit Done... a few of the many phrases jewelry Arkansas designer Stacey Bowers stamps onto her line of jewelry, Bang-Up Betty.

Nevertheless She Persisted, I'll Cut You, Get Shit Done... a few of the many phrases jewelry Arkansas designer Stacey Bowers stamps onto her line of jewelry, Bang-Up Betty.

Arkansas jewelry designer Stacey Bowers poses with a giant cut-out of her nationally celebrated Smash the Patriarchy hammer design.

Arkansas jewelry designer Stacey Bowers poses with a giant cut-out of her nationally celebrated Smash the Patriarchy hammer design.

Betty, the boy cat behind the name Bang-Up Betty, an Arkansas handmade jewelry company.

Betty, the boy cat behind the name Bang-Up Betty, an Arkansas handmade jewelry company.

Betty the boy cat poses with necklaces by Arkansas jewelry designer Stacey Bowers of Bang-Up Betty jewelry.

Betty the boy cat poses with necklaces by Arkansas jewelry designer Stacey Bowers of Bang-Up Betty jewelry.

Nasty Woman, Smash the Patriarchy, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Hands Off, Witchy Bitch, I Believe in Science... these are few enamel lapel pins created Bang-Up Betty in Arkansas.

Nasty Woman, Smash the Patriarchy, I Wanna Dance with Somebody, Hands Off, Witchy Bitch, I Believe in Science... these are few enamel lapel pins created Bang-Up Betty in Arkansas.

Smash the Patriarchy, Buzz Off, Food Over Dudes... a few necklaces by Arkansas jewelry maker Stacey Bowers of Bang-Up Betty jewelry.

Smash the Patriarchy, Buzz Off, Food Over Dudes... a few necklaces by Arkansas jewelry maker Stacey Bowers of Bang-Up Betty jewelry.

Arkansas jewelry designer Stacey Bowers holds Betty, the boy cat who inspired the name of her handmade jewelry business, Bang-Up Betty.

Arkansas jewelry designer Stacey Bowers holds Betty, the boy cat who inspired the name of her handmade jewelry business, Bang-Up Betty.

Betty and I are so happy to have your support! Thanks for letting me make keepsakes for you and for letting him sprinkle a little cat hair onto them as they go into the envelope.