This website was updated and new items added on:  12-30-12

Check me out on www.etsy.com

New:  Regaliz bracelets in the "leather bracelet" section.  Go to Facebook and "like" Mary Ellen Designs to see even more Regaliz and leather bracelets.

I am very excited about my new line of handmade Regaliz leather bracelets. I love creating new and exciting pieces of jewelry, and I have to admit, these turned out absolutely beautiful!   Plus, I can make these for men.  I have a sample in "leather bracelets".

"Like" Mary Ellen Designs on Facebook to see even more designs of the Regaliz bracelets.  Also, see leather necklaces on FB.  If you "like" Mary Ellen Designs on FB you will see new designs as soon as I post them. 

Please also "share" what I post on FB.  I  would appreciate it.

These style of bracelets have been quite popular in European countries, especially in Spain. The term itself, Regalize, actually has its roots in the Spanish language. It means licorice and that is what the leather looks like, a long strand of licorice. The look of these Regaliz leather bracelets is quite unique.

I can also make these in your school colors.  Fun !!

Gift Certificates available online, or e-mail Mary.

See my hostess program in the "Upcoming Shows" category.

Custom Designed, Hand Crafted Jewelry

A Passion for Beading!  It's not your mother's macrame' !!  Check out my knotted jewelry.

Mary's passion has followed her around the world, to designers and glass blowers in Italy and Ireland.

See the links section of this page.

Come to my home to shop.  Bring an outfit you need accessories for.  If you want, bring some friends along and qualify for free hostess gift jewelry.

"I like the excitement of finding new mediums to use and new colors," she says. The Mary Ellen line has everything from stone to crystal, all with vivid colors and a touch of sass.  I used to teach Macrame' many many years ago (don't ask!).  I use many Macrame' knots in my work.  I  decided I was going to make jewelry that was not your 'mother's macrame'.  I do however, make pieces with just beads."

"I love using the silk cord, satin cord, nylon cord and the Greek leather to take macrame' to a new level.  Macrame' means using a combination of square knots, and chinese knots.  I use these knots when making necklaces and bracelets.  I also like sparkle, so the Swarovski crystals give each piece that pizzaz that I like. (See the earring and bracelet shopping categories). However, I try to keep all the personality styles in mind when I design a piece.  So, I go out of my box and design some things that are more simple, or bigger bulkier beads."  She usually starts with the main bead and then designs the piece from there.

Mary donates $20 from each cross necklace to Gems of Hope, a nonprofit in cedar Rapids who support cancer patients who are undergoing cancer treatment.

She also donates $20 from each necklace made with the paper beads from Uganda, back to Bead For Life, a nonprofit that supports a village in Uganda from the sale of the handmade paper beads.

The site is frequently updated with new custom designed, hand made jewelry and we encourage you to shop our online store for unique, one of a kind jewelry.

Testimonials from happy customers:

“Mary's one a kind creation's always make me feel special, each day I pick the perfect necklace that complements my mood and outfit. Each time I wear one her fabulous pieces, people compliment me on my jewelry and want to know where it came from!”

Stacy Unowsky

“I love Mary's jewelry.  You can't find jewelry like it anywhere and every time I wear something from Mary Ellen Design I get many compliments on the pieces I'm wearing.  Also, she'll design something original for you to dazzle an outfit you have for that special occasion.” Jacki Christenson

Mary Ellen’s jewelry is exquisitely designed with eye-catching beauty.

“Mary Ellen’s creativity and attention to detail brings uniqueness to each piece of beaded jewelry.

Wearing a piece of her jewelry draws admiring glances and compliments along with the question, May I have the name of the designer”?

Connie Langsdorf

“I own several of Mary’s exclusive jewelry that I’ve collected over the last several months. I absolutely love the intricate and elegant details that wonderful leather, silk, beads and crystals from all over the globe can create when they are so passionately combined to make the best collection I have ever

come across. Some of the beads are so unique and so outstanding that they instantly draw anyone’s attention.

It feels special when you are the only wearing something that is so exclusive that no one can find the same design in any store! Every piece of jewelry has a little something that I personally love and call “the Mary’s touch”! She has a great sense of style and amazing sense of colors and how they work together. Jewelry for any occasion, any style, any age.

– Mary’s jewelry is the only stop I recommend to all my friends who I don’t mind sharing the secret of my one-of-a-kind collection! “

Deepa Athena Kurpad

“I love Mary Ellen Designs jewelry.  It is colorful and beautifully put together.  I receive many compliments when wearing it.  It's fun picking out pieces that will match my outfits -- or finding an outfit that will go with what I have already purchased.  Mary is so good about adjusting a piece so it fits properly and she finds the nicest beads whenever she travels.  Each piece is unique and if you need something to match a particular outfit, she will gladly design one for you.”

Marilyn Craig