Ever since taking the alcohol ink jewelry making class last month, I’ve been busy creating pendants – and loving every minute. 🎨




Living the Dream in Retirement
Ever since taking the alcohol ink jewelry making class last month, I’ve been busy creating pendants – and loving every minute. 🎨




I visited my life-long BFF in Traverse City this week and as always, she seeks out new experiences and fun things to do in anticipation of my arrival. On Friday we took an Alcohol Ink Jewelry Class which was perfect as I’ve been painting with Alcohol Ink for five years and she makes stunning jewelry.
The three hour class taught by Julie Tibus included all supplies, was skillfully taught, interactive and so much fun. Julie is not only an extraordinarily talented artist but we agreed, the best instructor we’ve had for an art class. We were thrilled with our final pieces and enjoyed seeing our classmates lovely designs as well.
Julie teaches a variety of art classes and so we’re planning to take more of them – it’s not a matter of if but when! Check out her social media: Julietibus.com and @tibusstudio
Here are my creations:






This post shows a few of the artistic works you see everywhere when in New Mexico.

















In late 2023 I saw a post on Facebook for Mural Mosaic America and was intrigued. To participate you purchase a kit with a specific color palette that includes acrylic paints, brushes and the canvas tile on which to paint. While there were options to do a single tile or multiples, I selected a three pack and was sent Light Turquoise, Dusty Rose and Light Blue palettes for my submissions.
Upon completion the tiles are uploaded with a form showing my name and location. They will size and digitize it before it’s added to the large scale installation with art created by participants of all ages, genders, ethnicities from all over the USA. The installations take 9-18 months to complete, connecting one tile at a time to create a moving mosaic legacy. When my tiles have been placed I’ll be given the location should I wish to visit the completed project. As of now mine are slated for Autumn/Winter 2024 installation. There are already installations in New York, Virginia, Texas, California, Florida and Wisconsin. With my love of painting and to participate in a project with countless others in such a positive collaboration felt like something I was meant to do.
This is not just a US project, rather these installations are already established in Canada, England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales.






This subway tile is unique compared to others I’ve done. I displayed it on an easel on my mantle. Days later after enjoying a blazing fire, I closed the fireplace doors for the night. The tile and easel fell, hitting the hearth and breaking in two. I thought all was lost. I ordered a craft adhesive recommended by my sister’s friends for use on ceramics. It was worth a shot. Â The adhesive was amazing but now there was a visible diagonal break line. What to do? Â I decided to add this leaning tree. While it’s not perfect, it’s salvaged.
Not unlike life, it wears a “scar” now and looks a bit different – but it survived. Â
This winter we’ve had more sunny days than usual. When sunlight streams into my dining room/art studio it beckons me to paint. The gallery below represents my January 2021 paintings using alcohol ink on Yupo paper. I’ve titled a few based on either inspiration or the end results.
The holidays are behind us, cold winter weather has settled in and we’re still in a pandemic. Staying safe at home while staying creative, there’s something soothing about painting these ceramic tiles with alcohol ink.

















During the pandemic with endless days of solitude, I’m increasingly grateful that I discovered a passion for painting. I immerse myself in the vibrant colors and create art that continues to surprise me. Hours melt away….
Clearly I’ve been obsessed with the tiles I’ve been painting with alcohol ink, as evidenced by recent posts. I wanted to share a few of my favorite artistic endeavors in this post; all are alcohol ink on Yupo paper.
Recently I did a post about my first 24 alcohol ink painted ceramic tiles. I love the process and results. It provides me a creative outlet that’s both therapeutic and soothing.
Last week I launched an Instagram account called laurasprettytiles if you’d like to check it out. I’ve already connected with artists across the globe. I feel a kinship with them and am inspired with the beauty they’re creating. Here are my latest tiles:















