You may recognize Ellen Ljung’s name from her vibrant glasswork, her deep community involvement, her published writings, or the thoughtful artist profiles that regularly appear in Tri-Cities Central. 

Behind that byline is a multi-passionate creative whose life’s work blends storytelling, design, and service.

An author, artist, and volunteer, Ljung partners with her husband of 57 years to create and sell art glass. Her wearable art garments have appeared in galleries and on runway shows, and she remains deeply committed to giving back to her community.

Let’s dive into her story.

Now retired, Ljung began designing and selling jewelry as a hobby while she was still working. 

Dichroic pendants she had purchased at an early art show to use as components were such a hit that she and her husband, Don, decided to learn how to make their own. A class at Fine Line Creative Arts Center in St. Charles led to the purchase of a nine-inch kiln, and soon she was selling glass jewelry at art shows.

Before long, Ellen and Don wanted to work with larger pieces. They purchased two additional kilns and expanded into serving pieces and wall art. In 2009, they spent two weeks in residency at Corning Glass Studios in New York, developing their casting and coldworking processes. 

Their work has earned awards at art shows, including First Place in Glass at the Stone Arch show in Minnesota. They later added large outdoor sculptures, competed in national shows, and won both Best of Show and People’s Choice awards.

Avid paddlers who have kayaked on five continents, they often draw inspiration from the colors and abstract imagery of their travels. Ljung’s passion for color and design drives their experimentation, while her husband has mastered the technical aspects of cold-working and kiln-firing. 

Don taught Ellen to keep a log and create preliminary sketches, while she encouraged him to try designs he once thought impossible. When they host groups in their studio, they often say, “Together we make a whole person!”

All of their work uses glass controlled for coefficient of expansion, meaning it expands and contracts at the same rate with temperature changes. They begin by discussing and sketching a design, choosing the glass, cutting the pieces, and firing them in a kiln. Any piece thicker than two sheets of glass requires a mold they build using fire bricks and fiber paper. 

Pieces are initially fired flat. If they require shaping, they are slumped in a mold during a second firing (the duration of which depends on the volume and thickness). Their curved, thick tabletop sculptures require three days for the two firings combined. Once fully cooled, the glass is coldworked using diamond wheels, diamond pads, and a lathe to achieve a smooth, polished finish.

Their work can be found in galleries such as Skidmore Gallery in Galena and Proud Fox in Geneva. They will also have a piece on display at the Geneva Public Library’s community art show this spring, with an artists’ reception on March 19 from 6 to 7:30 PM, and at the Geneva Art Explosion on May 2. 

Visit their website at www.donellendesigns.com to see more examples of their work.

Ljung fell in love with writing when she was pulled out of math for a special creative writing group in middle school, then saw her work in print for the first time in a booklet her teacher created for participants. 

An Illinois Master Teacher, she wrote dozens of professional articles and two textbooks about teaching writing with computers when they were still new to classrooms. In her side work as a storyteller at libraries and festivals, she shared stories about her adventures — and misadventures — in the classroom. 

In 2022, she published those stories in a collection titled “Tales Told Out of School: Lessons Learned by the Teacher.” She said the book launch led to meaningful reunions and renewed communication with former students.

After publishing a researched and cited education blog for nine years, Ljung wrote and published her first novel in 2025.

“I really struggle with the micromanagement of teachers today in so many states,” Ellen said. “Researching what’s happening in Texas and Florida kept me up at night. Soon a character emerged in my subconscious, pestering me in my dreams, in the shower, in the car…” 

Those subconscious thoughts and dreams became the story that led to her novel, “Caught in the Crossfire.”

Ljung continues to write and is the author of the artist and author profiles you see featured in Tri-Cities Central. Her blog can be found at blog.imwriter.com, and her recent books are available at Harvey’s Tales in Geneva.

When she was engaged to a “starving graduate student,” Ljung’s mother — who couldn’t even sew on a button — gave her a Singer sewing machine. 

“How do I use it?” Ljung asked. 

“I have no idea,” her mother replied, “but you should figure it out because you won’t be able to indulge your passion for fashion for a long time otherwise!”

Figure it out she did. In the early years of their marriage, Ljung made all her own clothes, some clothing for her family, and all of the drapes and curtains for the homes they lived in.

Teaching full time while raising young children put her sewing on hold, but eventually she returned to it, channeling her love for unique wearable art by designing and making her own garments. She showed her work in runway shows and boutiques, winning a People’s Choice award in her final show. 

Today, Ljung sews only for herself, though she admits her fabric stash will likely outlast her. “Sewing lets me indulge my love for color and texture, and I never look just like someone else,” she says.

Giving back is in the Ljungs’ DNA. 

Ellen’s parents were activists, and she began her civic involvement at age 12 as President of Young Dems for JFK. Her safe schools work while she was still teaching led to her co-chairing GLSEN Chicago, a chapter of the national Gay, Lesbian & Straight Education Network. 

She helped guide its transition into the Illinois Safe Schools Alliance, which has since become a national model. 

“I learned and gained far more from our youth than I ever could give them,” she says.

Ljung was active at Fine Line Creative Arts Center for many years, serving as Board President and chairing multiple committees. She continues to take garment design classes there, and the Fine Line glass studio is named in honor of her and her husband.

In 2021, Ljung trained with CASA Kane County to become a CASA/GAL (Court-Appointed Special Advocate/Guardian ad Litem), working with youth in foster care. 

“CASA has been a real gift in my life,” she said. “Sometimes the work is hard, but not only do I have the chance to try to help kids, but I’ve also found my tribe, met my heroes, and continued learning about kids and about myself.” 

Currently on her fourth case, she also mentors new CASAs.

For creative, passionate spirits like Ellen, the urge to do everything can feel overwhelming. The trick is figuring out how to focus on what truly lights you up.

Make sure to keep an eye out for future artist profiles — written by Ellen Ljung to spotlight local makers and creatives — featured right here in Tri-Cities Central.

Please feel free to reach out to [email protected] with questions or comments.

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