09/04/2026
Friday Feature: Where you get to meet our creators!
My name is Ilene Bertelsen, and my creative name is Marlene Creations, a name chosen to honor my mother and aunt, who taught me the art of embroidery.
I have been embroidering dish towels since I was a young girl. During the pandemic, I began creating personalized towels for family and friends, choosing designs that represented each person. I would tuck a handmade greeting card into each package and mail them as a surprise.
I enjoy reading, cooking, baking and spending time with family and friends. I especially love making things to share with others—usually giving away most of what I cook or bake.
I have one daughter who lives in Texas and a very spoiled cat who has been my companion for 14 years!
Embroidery is becoming a lost art, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity to keep this tradition alive by adding my handmade embroidery pieces to The Ugly Duckling. Each one is made with care, creativity and a little piece of my heart!
—Ilene Bertelsen
Maylene Creations
