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CZT Family Tree: Katrina Thiebaut

CZT Family Tree: Katrina Thiebaut

We always say that the Zentangle Method attracts really awesome people. We have had the pleasure of working with wonderful Certified Zentangle Teachers (CZT) all over the world and we are excited to share these wonderful people with the entire Zentangle Community. Through our series, CZT Family Tree, we will introduce individual CZTs.




Today, we are excited to introduce Katrina Thiebaut!

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Name: Katrina Thiebaut, CZT 22, 32, and 36


 
Favorite Tangle: Mooka
 
Favorite Place to Tangle: Anywhere and Everywhere
 
How I use Zentangle® Method in my life: Zentangle® Method permeates all of my life.  I use its focus of gratitude and appreciation most of all. One of the things mentioned in The Book of Zentangle is, “Be thankful for this opportunity to treat yourself to this moment of creativity.” I find myself saying this to myself about the moments of my life.  “Be thankful because it is all creativity…the way we view the world, the way we interact with others, the way we can be present in the moment we are in and look for the good in it.” I also like to think of the String as a metaphor.  I might have something planned out or expect others to act a certain way in a situation. When things don’t go as planned, I try to think of the “String,” which is my life and how it is only a guideline. I love the Zentangle® definition of the string being “the elegance of limits.”  It is both safe and full of possibilities for drawing tangles and for living life.
 
Another and equally important way that I use Zentangle Method in my life is to create whimsical drawings of faces with tangled hair. I have drawn over 400 of these. I have called them Zen Kin®. I draw the faces and then use the Zentangle Method of drawing the deconstructed patterns called tangles for drawing the hair.  When I have finished all the steps of the method, I sign my Chop and then I give the drawn character a DOB (Date of Birth) which is the day I draw them, and also a first and middle name.  These Zen Kin have given me great joy and have been known to bring smiles to others. It is wonderful for me to do something that I enjoy so much and then have the bonus of others’ appreciation and enjoyment of it.  I have plans to teach and give permission to interested fellow CZTs how to make Zen Kin Cousins and teach their students. My dream is to have a collection of actual tiles sent to me from all over the world of Zen Kin cousins. I will fill my walls with them with gratitude. I first want to have others experience the joy of creating these cousins as I have enjoyed creating the Zen Kin; and second, I want to foster an even greater sense of community while we experience living during a World-Wide Pandemic. The world is full of cousins and making Zen Kin Cousins with the purpose of connecting makes my heart just sing! I will be providing more information about this on my website.

This winter, I have head fun creating Zen Kin in the snow!



 
Through my experiences as a CZT I have learned: I have learned that CZTs are like family. Family has always been the most important thing in my life. Jason Mraz has a song called “Look for the Good,” and one line stands out to me in that song.  It is, “look for the people who will set your soul free.” I learned that I have a “family” of CZTs that set my soul free. Zentangle is about appreciation and gratitude.  Being part of the CZT family is a safe place for me where others are nurturing, supportive, caring, and they not only are appreciative of my art, but also of others’, and most importantly, of their own. I will forever be grateful to Rick and Maria for making this business what it is and for making their priorities be gratitude and appreciation and the method of drawing beautiful art that is meant to be appreciated and never judged. CZTs all over the world are busy telling people there are no mistakes, only opportunities.  I cherish being among them.
 
If not tangling, you will find me…enjoying my family. 


Mosaic Name:  KatrinaThiebautCZT

Website/Blog: katrinaszenkin.com

Bijou

66 comments

  • Wow! What a beautiful blog post. Your snow tangling had me mesmerized. How clever and creative you are Katrina. Your zen kin are just gorgeous and I would count it a privilege to learn how to create some zen cousins. What fun!

    Liz Gatehouse on

  • Totally FUN! Thanks.

    Rimona Gale on

  • Sending along some love to Katrina and all her beautiful “children.” You are a delight to know.

    Susan Kelley Pundt on

  • The very first time I ever laid eyes on one of Katrina’s ZenKin’s was on my Facebook feed and I thought to myself, OMG what a great idea!! Each one is so mesmerizing and so fun to look at. I think what I like the best about these, is that each one is is so unique and beautiful in it’s own way… just like people!

    Linda Hunter CZT 31 on

  • Well done Katrina! Excellent blogpost! You are amazing. (Laura & Arnie)

    Laura Crabtree Hollenbeck on

  • oh.WOW.

    Didi Teufel on

  • This was so much fun to watch! And it must’ve been a lot of fun to draw, too. I love her idea of Zen Kins… Since she gave us permission, I think I will start making some of those to give to friends. Thanks Katrina!

    Ruth Osborn, CZT36 on

  • Holy smokes! Not only are your Zen Kin amazing but your snow Kin is beyond belief! Wll done and thanks for sharing

    Sue Forti on

  • Oh what a delight! Her whimsy, and talent, really make me smile! Watching the Zen Kin appear in the snow was a bit of magic! Thanks Katrina for sharing your little gifts of happiness!

    Liz Strekal on

  • Katrina, you are a jewel! I have many of your ZenKin, pins, earrings, picture tiles and more and love them all. They are a wonderful way to express your love of Zentangle and what it means to you. I look forward to taking one of your classes! Thank you, my friend!

    Terri Young, CZT 16 on

  • What a great snow zen kin!! I love your kin, such lovely faces and fantastic hair!! Thank you for another way to enjoy this wonderful art!!

    Pam Dean on

  • What a great story and video. I have seen many of Katrina’s Zen Kin on FB and always “liked” her posts. They brought a smile to my face. Loved the earrings! Keep bringing joy to your viewers Katrina!

    Carol Roenbaugh on

  • Katrina!
    I love that you took your ZenKins to the snow…they are magical. I treasure the ZenKin pin I got from you at the first zenAgain.

    Your sentiments about what you have learned being a CZT are exactly what I feel. We have a special family as there is no judgment. There is only kindness, love and sharing of creativity. The best kind of family there is!

    Kim Kohler CZT16 on

  • These are wonderfully unique!

    Darcie Frohardt on

  • What a pleasure to watch Katrina create a Zen Kin in the snow with child-like abandon. Love her artistic expression!

    Bev on

  • Great message and I love the Zen Kids. The video made my day!!!

    Joyce Rosenberger on

  • Thank you for your beautiful art. I have a Zen kid hanging on my board in front of my Zentangle supplies. (CZT32) Your art is truly an inspiration. And a gift to all of us. thank you!

    Susie Powell on

  • I am just in tears here with senitmentality and joy. Thank you, Zentangle® for featuring me in this Blog. Thank you to all who taken the time to read it and to watch my video. Thank you so much for the humbling and heartwarming comments. You have made my day even more bright by your voices! Warm hugs to all who appreciate this wonderful Zentangle® method of drawing. I am forever grateful. To those of you who will participate in my Zen Kin® Cousin project, I will announce the project details on February 15. I look forward to this wonderful opportunity to spread joy.

    Katrina on

  • I met Katrina at ZenAgain in RI and was blown away by her generosity of letting each participant have a Zen Kin to wear. Unfortunately she doesn’t live with me in AZ any more. She moved to MT with one of my granddaughters. She is well loved and well travelled. I’ll certainly be one of the CZTs who’ll be pleased to teach a Zen Kin Cousins class for my students. Katrina, you are the BEST, and your video blew me away! Peace and Happiness to all! Hugs Gale

    Gale Sherman on

  • Meeting you at CZT32 in Providence stands out as one of my fondest memories of that time! I’m so grateful to have one of your ZenKin necklaces which you so generously gave to everyone. It is such a pleasure to see your posts of new members of the family and to see your sense of humor reflected in them. Your expressions of what Zentangle means to you in this post surely confirms what Rick and Maria have created for so many!

    Mary Lindeblad on

  • Congratulations these amazing créations!! I do love all these Zenkins and of course thé snow dance!!

    Françoise PAWLICK on

  • What fun! I can see Zen Kins published as a family. I know I would purchase the book. Thanks for sharing them with us and bringing a huge smile to my face!

    Karen on

  • I had the pleasure of meeting Katrina in person at the last ZenAgain where she generously brought ZenKin necklaces for everyone. I have mine hanging at my desk. Then I was honored by her in making two ZenKins in my name & my deceased daughters name. Katrina has such a beautiful, kind & compassionate soul. I’m so happy to call her my friend. I love her idea of having ZenCousins & I would be honored to participate in this special project. Love you Katrina! 💜♥️❤️💙

    Leslee Feiwus on

  • What a delight to see Katrina tangling Zen Kin in the snow! I’m fortunate to have been gifted with some of those cousins and love that I’ve gotten to spend time with Katrina at various seminars and retreats. Love her sweet spirit!

    Sandy Kelley-Jones CZT on

  • Your snow kin is absolutely fabulous. It’s not easy to be on the ground and draw something so large. Well done!

    Jane Osborne on

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