Arkansas Made Love: 27 Locally Made Valentine Gifts by Arkansas Makers and Artists

Fall in love with locally made! Here are 27 gifts made by Arkansas makers and artists that are sure to make your heart flutter.

Fall in love with locally made! Here are 27 gifts made by Arkansas makers and artists that are sure to make your heart flutter. Heat things up with Arkansas made hot sauce and glittery candles, watch love grow with locally made macrame planters and ceramic vases, adorn your sweetheart in symbolic Arkansas made jewelry, and share your heart in cards by Arkansas artists. Plus, shopping small and local always adds a touch of extra special to any gift. All of these Arkansas gifts can be found at Bang-Up Betty in downtown North Little Rock, located at 429 Main Street in Argenta, where you’ll find tons of clever gifts, local arts and crafts, hundreds of pieces of artisan jewelry, and so much more for every occasion.

What’s better than hearts? Butts shaped like hearts. North Little Rock artist Chelsea Allen makes these clever felted butts, smiles, eyes and more. Find them in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Heat things up with Arkansas made hot sauce! This salsa macha by local food truck Lili’s is absolutely delicious. Find it in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Give the floral gift that keeps on giving with a locally made vase that’ll stay fresh all through flower season. Find these ceramic vases by Carla Churchwell and many more in store at Bang-Up Betty.

This dragonfly necklace will make your love’s heart flutter. Find this dragonfly necklace made by Bang-Up Betty in store at Bang-Up Betty in Argenta or online here.

Don’t forget the Valentine card! Maumelle-based artist Sherry J. Williamson creates these heartfelt greeting cards you can pour your sentiments into. Find these and many more in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Hearts, hearts, hearts! These adorable little handmade ceramic hearts by Hot Springs artist Carla Churchwell come in lots of sizes and are perfect for holding rings and other little trinkets. Find them in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Sweeten things up with locally made toffee by North Little Rock artisans Deal Family Creations. We’re anxiously awaiting their return to the Argenta Farmers Market, but until then you can find their toffee at Bang-Up Betty.

Bang-Up Betty’s Speak Up Collection is jewelry featuring quotes by inspirational women like Michelle Obama, Maya Angelou, Ruth Bader Ginsburg and others, including this “change takes courage” Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez quote anatomical heart necklace. Find the collection online here or in store at Bang-Up Betty.

What’s better than a really good locally made candle? A really good locally made candle with glitter in it! Find these candles by North Little Rock maker Dogtown Scents in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Cheer up your home with a beautiful print by an Arkansas artist. Bang-Up Betty carries prints by several local artists, including these sweet retro mushrooms and “hello sunshine” prints by Sherwood-based Lee Lee Arts + Design.

These lapel pins bring a bit of flair to any outfit. Bang-Up Betty has dozens of designs, including these “cats are my love language,” “dogs are my love language” and “bibliophile” pins available online here or in our Argenta storefront.

Spring and planting season is almost here! Get the green thumb in your life a locally made macrame plant hanger by our favorite macrame genius Creative Cords Macrame. Find bright, beautiful macrame plant hangers in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Did you know that snakes are love symbols? Even Queen Victoria had a snake ring Prince Albert gave her to symbolize their forever love. This modern cuff in Bang-Up Betty’s Creatures of Night Collection is available in bronze and sterling silver in store or online.

Speaking of critters, these handmade mystical cat mugs and vases by Hot Springs pottery artist Carla Churchwell are absolutely perfect and they’re available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Clean up with locally made soap in Arkansas, angry uterus, pride and trans flag styles. These delightfully scented soaps are made in Maumelle by Summit Valley Soaps and are available in store at Bang-Up Betty or online here.

Speaking of bath products, these Arkansas made bath soaks by Northwest Arkansas maker Bathing Native are clever and delightful. Find them in store at Bang-Up Betty.

While your love is enjoying that locally made bath soak, they might love a good book to read. Bang-Up Betty caries several books by local authors, including “Queers on What We Wear” by Megan Volpert. Find it in store at Bang-Up Betty.

How about a creative experience? Get your sweetheart a ticket to a makers night at Bang-Up Betty, like a mushroom jewelry workshop or a mocktails and drink markers class. Browse workshops here.

Among the many prints by local artists at Bang-Up Betty, you’ll find watercolor works by Northwest Arkansas painter Joseph Buchanan, like this one of Victorian Argenta landmark The Baker House, the absolutely incredible boutique bed and breakfast next door to our gift shop. What would be really cute? Getting your love a romantic stay at The Baker House and telling them with this print that they can keep forever to remind them of the experience. Print available at Bang-Up Betty.

Show your love is forever with a handmade infinity symbol necklace by Bang-Up Betty. Each pendant is completely handmade and kiln-fired in our North Little Rock jewelry studio and available online here or in our storefront.

Get your sweetheart a portrait session (how about a boudoir session??) with photographer Katie Childs. Katie’s creativity is endless, and she makes everyone feel and look their brightest. She’ll also be doing mini portrait sessions at our Argenta Art Walk event February 17. Contact Katie Childs here.

These adorably creepy ceramic incense burners by Russellville artist Baby Creep are painted with Valentine candy hearts to make them extra cute. Find them in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Get your sweetheart a little something sweet from Daisy Pastry Shoppe, a 70s-themed mother-daughter baking duo based in North Little Rock. They’ll be our February Third Friday Argenta Art Walk artist at Bang-Up Betty. Order online from them here or catch them at our shop from 5-8pm February 17. Photo by Matthew Lamar. Find more info on this month’s Argenta Art Walk here.

A little something for you, a little something for your person…. This hand-cast bronze necklace set features two heart halves that fit together and each say “my person.” Get them online here or in store at Bang-Up Betty.

A little birdie told me you’re pretty good at picking out Valentine’s Day gifts… like these handmade wooden bird magnets and sculptures by North Little Rock artist Milwerk Modern. Find them in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Looking for just a little something to tell your hot slice what a hot slice they are? These Hot Slice Pizza Stickers by Bang-Up Betty are the perfect little bite to hide inside a Valentine card. Get them online here or in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Say what you wanna say with a custom keychain for your loved one. Choose from dozens of funny already made keychains in store at Bang-Up Betty, or order a custom keychain online here.

Made in Arkansas Gift Guide 2022: 21 Gift Ideas by Local Artisans and Makers

There’s nothing more special than a handmade gift. At Bang-Up Betty, we’re focused on finding and supporting Arkansas artisans and artists who make art and gifts we truly love. Our jewelry and gift store in downtown North Little Rock showcases unique, unusual and excellent Arkansas-made items that you can bet will bring a surprised smile to your loved ones’ faces this holiday season. Not only is every piece of jewelry (and there are hundreds) made here in Arkansas by us, our storefront is stocked with art, pottery, candles, and more by artists all across the state of Arkansas. Here are 20 of our favorite local gifts that you can find at Bang-Up Betty:

Hot Springs ceramicist Carla Churchwell stocks our store with tons of her cute and creative pottery, and we especially love her rainbow and cardinal ornaments for the holidays.

You better believe our fridge at home is stocked with this incredible locally made hot sauce called Opera Sauce. We’re total hot sauce snobs and we give this one two thumbs way up.

If you’ve ever wondered why our store smells so good, it’s because of these candles. Dogtown Scents candles are made in North Little Rock, come in several delightful winter scents, and we’ve even got our own glittery signature Bang-Up Betty scent.

North Little Rock artist Paul Milholland is known for his groovy wooden bird sculptures (which we carry!), and these handmade wooden Arkansas magnets are like collectable pieces of art for your fridge.

Hot Springs pottery maker Carla Churchwell’s little ceramic trees are perfect for building a tiny Christmas village for your holiday decor.

Our handmade Shine Star Necklace comes in bronze and sterling silver and benefits Methodist Family Health in Arkansas. It’s the perfect gift that gives back. Find it in store or online.

Bentonville water-colorist Joseph Buchanan’s beautiful Arkansas landscapes make gorgeous gifts, and this year he’s made holiday cards of scenes like the snowy Old Mill and War Eagle Mill so you can easily mail them to your loved ones who are far away.

Made in North Little Rock, Deal Family toffee is the best toffee we’ve ever tasted. You better come buy it before our staff eats all of it!

These beautiful floral Arkansas keychains by Clever + Tidy let you carry a little Arkansas with you wherever you go.

Made in Maumelle, these colorful Summit Valley Soaps smell as good as they look.

Santa Claus is definitely coming to Dogtown because we’ve been really good this year. These adorable Dogtown ornaments by Heather Reed of Thriftpologie will look perfect on your tree, and the matching reusable cups are great hostess gifts. These will be sold exclusively at Bang-Up Betty starting November 18!

Hot Springs ceramics artist Carla Churchwell’s completely adorable wildlife trinket dishes are always a huge hit when she brings them to the shop. They always go quickly, so hurry in for one!

Sherwood-based illustrator and graphic designer Ashlee Nobel of Lee Lee Arts + Design is one of our crowd favorites, and her new collection of spooky creature prints is beautiful any time of year.

Our custom, hand-stamped mantra cuffs are some of the most popular gifts in our shop. Whether you love a good motivational phrase, have an inside joke, or simply would like a loved one’s name, we can stamp pretty much anything onto one of these bracelets. If you’re looking for more custom jewelry options, we also make custom name necklaces as well as tons of other personalized creations.

The bookworm on your gifting list will love a thoughtful book by a local author. May we recommend From Cotton to Silk: The Magic of Black Hair by artist and writer Crystal C. Mercer or But First, Save 10: The One Simple Money Move That Will Change Your Life by Sarah Catherine Gutierrez? These titles and more are available in store at Bang-Up Betty.

Arkansas artist Studio Dust Co. keeps it creepy crawly yet gorgeous with these handmade, framed works of wooden art.

We gotta love a mug that matches our shop! You can feel like you’re at Bang-Up Betty while you drink your morning coffee in one of these groovy rainbow mugs by CSF Design.

Lapel pins make perfect stocking stuffers. We’ve got dozens of designs at Bang-Up Betty, including these crowd favorites that say “dogs are my love language,” “cats are my love language” and “ask me what I’m reading.”

Maumelle-based painter Sherry J. Williamson is one of our absolute favorites, and you’ll find a huge selection of her colorful, inspirational prints and greeting cards at Bang-Up Betty.

Our handmade jewelry is far out (and our jokes are corny). Our Space Age Collection of space-themed jewelry is perfect for any hopeful cosmonaut. We’ll be wearing the Eclipse Earrings to pump ourselves up for the total solar eclipse coming to Arkansas in 2024. Check out the Space Age Collection in store or online.

We can’t get enough of these handmade ceramic stemless wine glasses by Hot Springs artisan Carla Churchwell. Grab a whole set of them or just one for yourself while supplies last at Bang-Up Betty.

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

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

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

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

Badass Babes Unite Bracelet For Women Who Support Women

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. 

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

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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. 

Spring 2018 Collection

I've been furiously hammering jewelry in my little North Little Rock studio this spring and feeling majorly inspired. Here's what's new at Bang-Up Betty! Flip through the gallery below to see all 15 new styles, including handmade necklaces and bracelets, enamel lapel pins, feminist bumper stickers and more jewelry and apparel made in Arkansas. 

You can find the entire new collection of handmade jewelry in the shop now, or zip right to the sparkly you want by clicking the links below: 

Buzz Off Bee Necklace

I Wanna Dance with Somebody Enamel Pin

I Don't Care / No Fucks Given Necklaces

Let Me Grow Necklace

Love is Queer Bracelet Benefiting Lucie's Place

Don't Need a Man Necklace

Tough Titties Necklace

Maid of Dishonor Necklace

Not your Maid Mermaid Necklace

Crafty Bitch Necklace

One Tough Mother Necklace

Freewheelin' Necklace

Large Smash the Patriarchy Sticker

Cat Whisperer Necklace

Food Over Dudes Necklace

Mother's Day Gift Guide

Mother's Day is about a month away. What are you going to give the woman who would lift a small car off of you if she had to? Here are a few suggestions of superb, locally made and sourced gifts to remind mom that you're her favorite child. 

DIY Cactus Course by Dani Ives

Mom needs a new hobby. Buy her a "seat" at one of fiber artist Dani Ives's online courses, and Dani will teach her how to create adorable felt cacti. Tip: You should do the course with her! 

Get it here. 

Houseplants and Hot Sauce by Sally Nixon

Make sure mom's got a good pair of reading glasses, because she's not going to want to put down this seek-and-find book for grown-ups. I'm a cat mom, and I have tested and approved this. 

Get it locally at Domestic Domestic or Moxy Modern Mercantile. 

Don't Make Me Turn this Car Around Keychain by Bang-Up Betty

Make mom laugh out loud with this hand-stamped keychain that commemorates all the times she threatened to turn this car around STOP TEASING YOUR SISTER!!

Get it here. 

I Love Jesus (But I Cuss a Little) Candle by Wick Sip Donate

Because your mom is funny as H-E-double-hockey-sticks. When she's done burning the candle, she can sip wine in the glass if she drinks a little, too. And with every purchase, Wick Sip Donate gives to animal rescue charities. 

Get it here. 

Fern Card by May We Fly

Don't forget the card! Make mom proud that you included a great card. Cards are everything. And if she likes these a lot (she will), you can order her a whole set of them.

Get it here. 

Renaissance Club by Thea Foundation

Mom loves to help kids. Feed her generous spirit by signing her up for Thea Foundation's Renaissance Club. Thea Foundation advocates the arts in Arkansas schools, and their new monthly or annual giving program comes with great perks, like these paintbrush pens and free entrance to art exhibitions. 

Get it here.

Mama Bear Necklace by Bang-Up Betty

Because she fiercely protected her cubs. Mom will love this funny, adorable little nod her to strength. And c'mon... she had to be reallllllly tough to raise you. 

Get it here.

Plant Lab by Electric Ghost 

Feed mom's nurturing spirit with a pretty plant she can cherish and care for. And give it your personal touch. Head to Electric Ghost in downtown Little Rock, and you can choose your plant and your pot and build something beautiful right there with the expertise of their staff. 

Get it here. 

Oatmeal Cream Pies by Loblolly Creamery

Have you tasted these yet? You haven't? Then what are you doing with your life? Get thee to Loblolly immediately and order one of these massive, amazing, oatmeal cream pies. And get some for mom. She will somehow love you more than she already does. 

Get it here.

Bath Products by Bathhouse Soapery & Caldarium

I've been buying Bathhouse Soapery soaps, scrubs, lotions and more for years. There is a reason why this bath shop is opening new locations right and left. Everything owner Charlene Simon makes is pure, bubbly gold. My go-to is the Bathhouse Couture scent. Again, cat mom tested and approved. 

Get it here.

Glamfestation Brooch by Krystal Bijoux

Let mom show off her wild side with a handmade "glamfestation" brooch by Krystal Bijoux. Krystal Bijoux has literally HUNDREDS of brooches and other sparkly things on her Etsy page right now. Fly over there! 

Get it here. 

Monster Shirt by Electric Ghost

For the new(ish) mom and her little monster. At least tantrums will be kind of funny when they're wearing this shirt. 

Get it here.