Claire Barnett
Mosaic Studio Owner

Seattle Mosaic Arts

Websites:

• http://www.seattlemosaicarts.com

I am opening Seattle Mosaic Arts. We will be a mosaic art studio where you can come and create your own beautiful mosaics. We offer a full spectrum of choices - you can choose to simply come in, design your individual mosaic onto the sticky paper for temporary placement, all the "glory work" as we say, and then simply leave your project for us to do the messy parts (cementing and grouting) or you can learn the whole process. Once you have learned the steps, you can become a member and have full use of the studio space to create your own mosaics with an endless array of possibilities. We also teach classes and sell tiles/glass and mosaic supplies. I also focus on helping bereaved people design and create mosaics in remembrance of those they have lost. This is done in the studio by appointment.

I can help anyone make a beautiful mosaic. It is very easy, and very satisfying and it is my hope that the studio space makes it even easier to work with this versatile craft. My other personal focus and skills are in working with bereaved people. As a bereaved mother myself with many years experience making mosaics in memory of my daughters, I have come to understand the value of simply breaking apart the glass, then putting the pieces together again, over and over. I am hoping to offer a space for grieving people to work creatively with meaning in a safe environment.

I am completely new to business. I am a family doctor by training, and still working part-time as I start this fledgling business. I need lots of advice re: start-up issues - ie what type of cash register to get? accounting software? inventory tracking?

Medicine: Brown University undergraduate and medical school Family Practice Residency, Swedish Hospital

Mosaics: mostly self taught Studied traditional mosaics in Ravenna Italy

8 years personal experience doing mosaics in groups out of my home. Ready now to start offering it out into the community!