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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: custom keychain

Handmade, Heartfelt Jewelry for Valentine's Day (And It Won't Break the Bank!)

Stacey Bowers

Each of these tiny puffy heart necklaces is hand-carved and kiln-fired, so they’re as unique as your Valentine. Get one here.

Gifting heartfelt, heart-stopping jewelry for Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to break the bank. Rather than worrying over the size, clarity and price of a diamond this year, choose something unique and handmade by a real person at a small business pouring love into every aspect of each design from start to finish! Your Valentine will appreciate the thoughtfulness of a beautiful, unique piece of jewelry lovingly made by hand and packed with sentiment. Check out this list of perfect Valentine’s Day jewelry ideas that’ll make your Valentine’s heart throb and your wallet happy:

A hand holding a bronze intertwined heart necklace on pink background

Two hearts intertwined… what could be more romantic? Each of these necklaces is made by hand, and each one has the uniqueness to show it. The hearts are hand-shaped and cast in bronze, locked together in kiln fire. The hearts are free-moving like links in a chain on the necklace. Expect them to move and flow within each other, not stay stationary, as is the nature of love. And expect the hearts to not be completely identical to each other. The chains are 14k gold-filled, so the necklace is hypoallergenic. Folks with nickel allergies are safe here! The whole necklace measures about 17.5 inches. Get it here.

A circle of round birthstone pendants in every month on a while background

My 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 these 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. Get yours here.

A silver horizontal bar necklace that says "your text here" on a while background

Say what you wanna say, with custom stamped jewelry made by hand... Up to 15 characters on brass or aluminum. A shorter phrase will go on a 1 inch bar unless specified to prevent empty space. 1 1/2 inch bar shown in main photo. Get your custom bar necklace here.

A Woman in green shirt modeling a gold necklace with a hexagon that says the letter S

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. Chains are 18 inches long, but if you’d prefer a longer necklace you can add an extender here. Because each necklace is handmade to order, please expect 2-4 days before they ship. Get your custom monogram hexagon necklace here.

Doves are symbols of love and peace, often depicted carrying olive branches or tenderly nuzzling each other. They’re expert messengers, domesticated more than 5,000 years ago for correspondence and companionship. Across cultures, doves have symbolized femininity, motherhood and the moon. They’re sacred in Islam and Christianity; legend says that Muhammad trained doves, and the devil in Christianity can shapeshift into many forms except the dove. Our Dove Hoop Earrings feature a pair of doves, one with wings spread and the other at rest. Each earring measures approximately 1.5 inches across. Dove Earrings are available in solid cast bronze or solid sterling silver. Both styles are free of nickel. Each pair of dove earrings comes on a decorate card back with the story of doves. Get your dove earrings here.

A woman in a green dress models a bronze necklace that shows two flamingos touching beaks in a heart shape

The Flamingo, perched precariously on one leg in the shallow water, reminds us to find balance in our own lives. Its whimsical pink coloring makes it stand out among other birds, reminding us to be ourselves, however different we may appear. And its curved neck shapes one half of a heart, forming a whole when it pairs with a mate, which it attracts with its flamboyant dance moves. Our Flamingo Necklace features a pair of flamingos touching beaks to form a heart shape and is topped with two beads of pink rhodochrosite to add a pop of flamingo pink. This necklace is available as a solid bronze pendant on a 14k gold-filled chain or a sterling silver pendant on a sterling silver chain. Necklaces measure approximately 18 inches and can be fastened on any link of the chain, so they may be worn slightly shorter if you prefer. If you’d prefer a longer chain, you may add an extender here. Both styles are free of nickel and come on a decorative card back telling the significance of the flamingo. Get your flamingo necklace here.

Keep yourself motivated to keep being the badass you are with these stamped mantra bracelets. Cuffs are solid brass or solid aluminum, polished so there are no sharp edges, durable and adjustable. Each cuff is hand stamped letter by letter with the mantra of your choice. Choose from our variety of favorite mantras or enter your own at checkout. Get your custom stamped cuff here.

Every summer, local nonprofit Trust Tree uplifts young girls and gender-expansive youth in our community via their music and songwriting camps, and we want to show some love back to Trust Tree by bringing awareness to their organization and raising funds for them with this “Girls Rock” hand-stamped lightning bolt necklace. Each necklace is lovingly hand-stamped letter by letter locally in my North Little Rock studio, and 25% of the sales go to Trust Tree! The little brass lightning bolt is paired with a tiny quartz crystal because it’s Arkansas’s state mineral and it’s just darn pretty. The chain is 18 inches long and 14k gold-filled, so it’s hypoallergenic. If you’d like a longer chain, you may add an extender by clicking here. To learn more about Trust Tree, visit their website here. Get your Girls Rock Necklace here.

A brass circle keychain that says "love shack" and a brass circle keychain that says "livin' in sin" on a pink background

These stamped brass keychains are perfectly customizable, or choose from these hilarious sayings that are sure to raise an eyebrow or two. Solid brass circle key tag measures 2 inches across and is stamped, polished, drilled and assembled by hand. At checkout, you'll be prompted to enter what you'd like your custom keychain to say. Please, enter exactly what you'd like it to say. Get your custom keychain here.

A white shell dish displays a gold necklace with a pendant shaped like a macrame heart knot

This clever heart necklace is a throwback to the romantic symbolism of Celtic knots, made with just one rope, and the playful macramé knot work made popular in the 1970s (inspired by 13th Century Arab weaving and passed down over centuries until it blew up massively in the ‘70s). The rope heart pendant was made using a single piece of rope, then cast in bronze. It’s a substantial, meaningful piece of handmade jewelry that would make a perfect Valentine’s Day, anniversary or wedding gift for a love bird. Get your Macrame Heart Necklace here.

Wear your heart on the outside with this 3-dimensional anatomical heart necklace complete with faceted teardrop garnet. This anatomical heart pendant was carved completely by hand and measures approximately 1 inch from top to bottom. The stylish paperclip chain measures 18 inches. This heart necklace is available as a bronze pendant on a 14k gold-filled chain or a sterling silver pendant on a sterling silver chain. You can add an extender to your heart necklace here if you like. Get your anatomical heart necklace here.

A hand holds out a greeting card that says "love is patient love is kind it'll do the dishes if you clean the toilet."

Don’t forget the card! Check out the Home + Gift section of my website for a bunch of sweet and funny Valentine’s Day cards to add to your order. Click here to see our cards.

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.


Make Valentine’s Day Fun and Meaningful With These 20 Gifts from Bang-Up Betty

Stacey Bowers

From sweet and sentimental to hilarious and snarky, Bang-Up Betty’s gift shop and handmade jewelry store in Argenta has something to make your Valentine’s Day extra special. Our unusual, quirky and colorful shop is filled with locally made jewelry, funny cards, thoughtful home decor and clever gifts, including lots of Arkansas-made pottery, art, candles, tea and more. Here are some of our favorite Valentine’s Day picks that will make your sweetie swoon:

Heat things up with delicious hot sauces. Or maybe heat up the conversation with this fun card game geared toward couples. Make them laugh with a pair of “trophy husband” socks, or maybe a keychain of their favorite musician will make their heart sing.

Bang-Up Betty is known for their jewelry, pins, stickers and shirts designed in-house: The bronze infinity symbol necklace is the perfect way to say “forever” and the Art Deco Arkansas earrings are timeless. The “Ask Me What I’m Reading” lapel pin and “Bibliophile" sticker are perfect for book lovers. We’re smitten with these celebrity keychains, including stars and characters like Betty White, Ted Lasso and Dolly Parton. These mandala-patterned heart dishes are made in Arkansas by Carla Churchwell. “Romantic comedy” takes on new meaning with this retro Blockbuster-themed card. Chocolates don’t have to be traditional with these key lime pie and pride-themed chocolate bars.

Bang-Up Betty’s greeting card selection is out of this world hilarious, but it’s also filled with gorgeous and sweet cards, like these locally-made cards by Arkansas artist Sherry J. Williamson. We especially love this Johnny Cash card.

Do you have a sentimental something that you say to your sweetheart? Maybe a pet name or a quote? Get it stamped onto one of Bang-Up Betty’s custom mantra cuffs for a super-special personalized gift. Or pick from their list of inspirational mantras to give your Valentine a little loving motivation.

Light up Valentine’s Day with a candle that looks as lovely as it smells. These non-toxic soy phrase candles come in sweet and snarky phrases. Phrases include “You Got This,” “This Must Be The Place,” and many more.

Give the person who has the key to your heart a keychain with the keys to your love shack or your love nest with a custom stamped keychain. If you’ve got a lovey-dovey phrase or an inside joke, we can also stamp those.

Add a sprinkle of love to your home with a colorful throw pillow that will brighten up your decor. We think our new ice cream cone and heart hands pillows make extra sweet Valentine’s Day gifts, but rainbows are always perfect for everything.

Tell them you only want yo be with them using one of the funniest, cutest greeting cards on earth. We’re huge greeting card fans at Bang-Up Betty and we always have a huge supply of cards that will make you laugh, like this Hootie and the Blowfish-inspired card.

If your significant other has a green thumb, get them a beautiful new flower pot for spring. We’ve also got colorful locally-made macrame plant hangers that brighten up any space.

Get the goddess in your life a beautiful, meaningful piece of handmade jewelry from our Greek mythology jewelry collection. The Aphrodite necklace represents the goddess of love and beauty, the Orpheus and Eurydice necklace tells a dark and beautiful love story, and snakes (like the gorgeous ones in our Medusa serpent earrings) have been love symbols for centuries.

Bang-Up Betty is located at 429 Main Street in Argenta. Hours are Thursdays and Fridays 11-5:30 and Saturdays 11-5 with extended Valentine’s Day hours coming soon. 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.

Funny Hand-Stamped Key Tags with Outrageous Sayings

Stacey Bowers

There’s Food At Home Key Tag for those of us who need a gentle reminder that there’s perfectly good gruel at home.

There’s Food At Home Key Tag for those of us who need a gentle reminder that there’s perfectly good gruel at home.

Key tags make the perfect, universal gift for any person. Add a personal or funny touch, and you’ve got the perfect gift they’ll carry with them everywhere.

Getting into the holiday spirit, I just added a ton of new funny key tags to the shop, including ones that say “Did You Turn Off the Stove?” and “There’s Food At Home” for those who need a little help being responsible adults and ones that say “Hang Onto Your Britches, Bitches” and “Get Out of My Way” for the speed demons in your life. Then there’s the “Parallel Parking Extraordinaire” key tag for the extra special talented ones…

I also made it easier to shop the classic keychain phrases all in one place through the “Key Tags” tab of the site. There you can find all the funny key tag phrases you’ve probably seen on our Instagram account: the “My Other Car Is Your Dad” key tag, the “Jesus Take the Wheel” key tag, the “Don’t Make Me Turn This Car Around” key tag and many more.

Tell your dad I said watch out… “Key To Your Mom’s House” Key Tag

Tell your dad I said watch out… “Key To Your Mom’s House” Key Tag

Don’t see a keychain that suits just what you need? You can come up with your own saying and I’ll stamp it for you! Just order a custom key tag here.

Custom key tags are perfect for anyone who has car keys, house keys, apartment keys, dorm keys, keys to your moms house, etc.