Maine mama making handmade jewelry from her sunny studio.

I grew up in Maine and made my way back to this lovely place after attending Massachusetts College of Art and Design, where I found and fell in love with jewelry making. I have had a love for art since I was a small girl doing water color paintings with my lovely mother at the kitchen table that my father built. Art was always around me and still is. I wouldn't have it any other way. I now have a beautiful son and daughter and plan to make as much jewelry from home as possible so that I don't have to miss this precious time with them. They are the heart behind Nell Ballard designs.

My love for Maine, Jewelry and being a mother inspires me daily.

When not in my at home jewelers studio with a warm cup of coffee on my bench you will often find me walking the beach (all year long) with my kids , dog and husband. It is here that I find solitude. I love it most on a gray winter day when we are the only ones there. Photography and knitting are two part time hobbies of mine.

My work is simple, classic with a modern twist and everyday wearable. I am inspired by simple lines and shapes that I see around me and often times a beautiful irresistible gemstone. I want to make jewelry that the wearer can wear and love every single day!

Custom work is one of my favorite parts of making jewelry. Working with a customer and seeing their excitement as we work together designing a special piece, then getting to my bench and making it come to life...that is what it is all about for me.

Hand making jewelry is not only a job for me, but also a passion. I plan to make beautiful wearable pieces until I am old and gray.

I hope you enjoy my work as much as I enjoy making it for you!

Follow me on INSTAGRAM @nellballarddesigns to see behind the scene snip-its of my life at the bench and beyond.

Feel free to email me at nellballarddesigns [!at] gmail.com with any questions!