Elaine Luther
Artist, Writer
Welcome, I’m Elaine.
I make art, write about art and teach people how to teach art. I also give speeches, such as Studio Rules!Find out more about me.
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Improv Quilt in Wool, I Made a Wagga!
Quilting during a Global Pandemic I've long struggled with whether to be a quilter or not, and if yes, what kind. This struggle has mostly looked like not quilting. Partly, this is because my mother-in-law is a prolific quilter, I've seriously lost count of how many...
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What’s Your Pandemic Art Project? Here’s What I’m Making
Art Making During a Pandemic We're sheltering in place during the pandemic; the current state order goes to the end of this month (May 2020), and I fully expect it to be extended, as the peak for the virus is currently predicted to be mid-June. First it was mid-April,...
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That time French Couture Houses Dressed Mini Mannequins
Articles of Interest, a podcast within a podcast on 99% Invisible, tells the story of post WWII France's couture houses all contributing outfits, down to the hats, shoes and handbags. It's a good one! Here's the link to the episode on 99% Invisible The small...
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A Good Old Fashioned Blog Hop of Crafts
Welcome to our Craft Blog Hop! We're excited to share a few projects with you today on our hop that - depending on what you have on hand - can be made from materials you have at home. Before we get started, I'd like to introduce you to everyone sharing a creative...
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How to Get Free Audio Books (Things to do while social distancing)
Sick of TV? A nice 8-12 hour audio book can help kids pass the time, they can listen while they color or fold laundry. Our family loves audio books and has been enjoying them for years, mostly in the car. I thought I'd share some of our favorites. Your library...
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What to do when you are quarantined
Most of us in the U.S. are not officially quarantined, but we are practicing social distancing right now, during the Covid-19 Pandemic, maybe you're looking for ideas on what to do? Journaling and crafts are two terrific activities for when you're stuck at home and...
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New Work: Words and Textiles/Care Work Makes All Work Possible & ERA NOW
Here's an idea that's been bouncing around for a long time that I finally made. I was planning to cut out the letters on my Silhouette electronic cutter, but darn if an operating system (iOS) update didn't break the Silhouette software. Silhouette does not seem to be...
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New Work: Collaboration with Unknown Quilters
In this quilt top, I've combined found quilt blocks from two different and unknown quilters, into one. My creative constraints for this type of project are: No new quilt blocks (well, okay, I had to make just one block in order to make this work, using squares pre-cut...
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Ruth Asawa and the Mythical Basketmaker of Mexico
On the origins of Ruth Asawa’s method for creating her suspended wire sculptures. The Myth There is a myth about Ruth Asawa, the Japanese-American sculptor known for her suspended wire forms. The myth says that she went to Mexico in 1947 (or ‘48) and “a local...
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Creative Reuse Stores and Events in Chicago and the Midwest
What's a creative reuse store? It's a place that keeps good stuff out of landfills. They're often not-for-profits and may specialize in selling home improvement supplies or art and craft supplies that might otherwise end up in the landfill. Many stores offer hands-on...
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