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A Relentless Curiosity and Drive to Learn

I first discovered mosaics back in 2000, when my mother-in-law invited me to a class. The style we learned was very different from what I do today, but I absolutely loved it — I was hooked from the start. At the time, I was working for an internet company, but when the dot-com crash hit and I was laid off, I saw an opportunity. I was already obsessed with mosaics, spending all my free time on them, so I decided to take the leap and do it full-time. My husband was incredibly supportive, and that decision set me on the path I’m still on today.

From the beginning, I wanted to learn as much as I could. At the time, Sonia King was one of the only one people teaching mosaics in the U.S., so I traveled to Texas to study with her. I also went to Italy a couple of times for workshops, which was such a fun and inspiring experience. But honestly, most of what I’ve learned has come through experimentation and countless hours in the studio: learning what works (and what doesn’t) through hands-on trial and error.

My signature style is very soothing since I’m drawn to symmetry and the calming effect it brings. I call my mirrors “jewelry for your wall” or “sparkling jewel mirrors.” I love working with color, especially palettes that lean toward softness and harmony, and often use colors that sit next to each other on the color wheel. You won’t see a lot of bright or jarring tones in my work; instead, I aim for combinations that invite peace and balance.

Creating Beautiful Spaces That Nurture Well-Being

For me, it’s not just about making art — it’s about creating beautiful spaces. I believe that when a space is beautiful and truly resonates with the person living in it, it can have a real impact on their overall well-being, mental health, and sense of calm. It’s about providing a kind of nourishment, a foundation that helps people feel at ease, and opens up space for their own creativity to flourish. My work becomes part of that larger environment, and that’s something I really cherish. That’s part of what makes this work so meaningful to me.

The Joy of Teaching and Awakening Creativity

One of the most rewarding parts of my practice is teaching. I absolutely love helping people create — whether it’s a mirror, a birdhouse, or one of the other projects I offer. There’s something magical about watching someone walk into my studio saying, “I’m not creative,” and then seeing how moved they are by what they’ve accomplished by the end of class.

What I teach is actually very accessible. Even though the finished pieces can look intricate or intimidating, the process is approachable for people at any experience level. It’s incredibly rewarding to help people tap into their own creativity and walk away with something beautiful they never thought they could make. Every single person is creative, but as a teacher, I know that sometimes it takes a little guidance and encouragement to help them tap into that. In my classes, I help people trust their own intuition and create something that’s not only beautiful, but also deeply personal and meaningful to them. That’s what makes each piece so special — it resonates with the maker.

Expanding Creativity: Galleries, Workshops, and Kits

These days, the majority of my work is sold wholesale to handcrafted galleries across the U.S., as well as specialty online retailers like ArtfulHome.com. Alongside that, I create custom pieces for clients, teach workshops, sell supplies, and offer DIY kits so people can create from home.

Looking ahead, I’m excited to help even more people discover their creativity. This year, I’ll be traveling to teach workshops in Orlando, Austin, Oakland, Portland, and of course, here in Seattle. I also offer DIY mosaic kits that people can complete at home, and I’m launching something new: a Custom Kit Day at my Seattle studio. People can come in, work with me to design a personalized kit, and then take it home to finish on their own. For anyone who isn’t a mosaic artist but wants to explore, my substrates also work beautifully with stained glass and other materials.

When I’m working in the studio, you’ll often hear Taylor Swift or Sara Bareilles playing in the background — their music keeps me company while I work. One of the things I’ve loved most about this career is the flexibility it’s given me to raise my kids, who are now college-aged. It’s been such a gift to grow both as an artist and as a parent over the years.

For me, mosaics are more than just art — they’re a way to help people bring beauty, calm, and a sense of meaning into their lives and spaces. I’m excited to continue creating and sharing that joy with others.

If you’d like to learn more:
• Visit my supply page for a list of substrates (mirror, birdhouse, and picture frames)
• Visit my kit page for a list of mirror and birdhouse kits
• Check out my teaching schedule
• Interested in a Custom Kit Day? Sign up to get a notification email when the date is scheduled

(Members should log in and take a look at Zetamari’s hidden info. on our sponsors page)

Here’s where to find me:

Angie Heinrich
Zetamari Mosaic Artworks
www.zetamari.com
angie@zetamari.com
206-383-2698

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