Frequently Asked Questions
SHOULD YOU BE WORRIED ABOUT LEAD?
Stained glass contains lead. The risk is very minimal, but please wash your hands thoroughly after handling as a precaution and hang beyond the reach of children and pets.
HOW SHOULD YOU CARE FOR STAINED GLASS?
Wipe clean with a soft, damp cloth. Harsh chemicals may damage finish. Abrasive materials may scratch glass and metal.
A darkening of metals, or patina, is natural with age. I thoroughly clean and polish each item to slow this process. If so desired, you may carefully polish your stained glass from time to time with pure carnauba wax and a soft cloth. However, you may find it difficult to remove wax buildup from the nooks and crannies.
Use extreme care when wiping clean any piece that has been painted and/or includes decorative wire details.
HOW SHOULD YOU HANG STAINED GLASS?
Most items are ready to hang with an included chain that can hold up to 10 pounds. The chain is easily replaced if you would like to adjust the hanging length. Chain can easily be attached by inserting S-hooks through the wire loops. I do NOT recommend using suction cups or stick-on hooks for hanging. If hanging from a hollow wall or window frame, be sure to use appropriate anchors.
CAN YOU HANG STAINED GLASS OUTSIDE?
All items are designed for indoor use only. Use outdoors at your own risk.
HOW SHOULD YOU CARE FOR FUSED GLASS?
Hand wash with warm water and mild soap. Dry with soft cloth. Fused items are only food safe if specified. Please do not put in dishwasher or microwave.
Thermal shock can occur if exposed to extreme temperature changes such as scooping ice cream into a bowl that has just been washed in very hot water or placing a pot directly from the stove onto glass that has been sitting out on a very cold counter.
HOW DO YOU HANG FUSED GLASS THAT DOESN’T INCLUDE HARDWARE OR HOLES?
There are two great options for displaying fused glass on your wall. Sign stand-offs, also known as stand-off mounts, are sold at most hardware stores in a variety of sizes and finishes. They screw into your wall and hold the glass using tension without damaging it. Wall-mounted decorative plate displays are another option.
ARE FUSED GLASS SENSORY ITEMS APPROPRIATE FOR CHILDREN?
No. Glass sensory strips, shapes, etc. are designed for fidgeting by adults only. They are durable, but glass is glass and should be treated with care.
IS FUSED GLASS THE SAME AS BLOWN GLASS?
Nope. Fused glass is created in a kiln with temperatures between 1200° and 1700°, while blown glass is typically heated to temperatures between 1400° and 2300°. The techniques involved in each process are quite different.
DO I MAKE CUSTOM STAINED GLASS?
Yes and also no. As an artist it can be very difficult to work on projects that don’t speak to my heart and my aesthetic. I am open to considering commissions. Please be aware that large commissions like transoms, windows and door panels can range from $1000 to $20,000+ depending on size, design and materials.
Please contact me regarding the restocking of items that are currently sold out or featured in my gallery.
DO I REPAIR OR RESTORE STAINED GLASS?
I do not currently do repairs or restorations on stained glass from other artists. If you break an item previously purchased from me, I may be able to repair it depending on the extent of the damage and the current availability of the original glass. Many of my items are crafted with vintage glass that cannot be replaced.
HOW DO I “STAIN” THE GLASS?
I don’t! Glass is colored in the manufacturing process using elements such as copper, cobalt, and even gold.
WHY IS STAINED GLASS SO EXPENSIVE?
The stained glass process is a lengthy one that requires a lot of skill and attention to detail. First the glass is “cut.” We use the word “cut,” but in reality the glass is scored to break the surface tension and then broken (hopefully) into the intended shape. Then each piece is further shaped and smoothed with a diamond bit on a glass grinder.
In the copper foil method made famous by Louis Comfort Tiffany, each piece is then delicately wrapped with copper foil tape and soldered together using a combination of lead and tin. In the more traditional lead came method, each piece of glass is placed inside of a channel of pure lead that has been shaped to fit. Most lead came panels require an additional process of puttying to provide stability.
The bare metal finish on both methods can be altered using patina, and both methods require an extensive cleaning process to neutralize any corrosive substances.
The MINIMUM time I spend creating a SMALL (10” x 10”) panel is approximately 6 HOURS.
The glass itself can range widely in cost from $30 for a standard square foot to $300+ for a square foot of pink, purple, dichroic, or mouthblown glass.
WHAT DOES “SECONDS” MEAN?
For fused pieces it just means that the piece didn’t come out of the kiln quite the way I intended or expected. There’s nothing wrong with it - no cracks or other damage - it’s simply not up to the high standard I’ve set for my art and is therefore discounted a bit.
ADDITIONAL NOTES
Glass can have bubbles, lines, waves and other characteristics that are not imperfections but instead a common product of the glassmaking process.
I frequently use vintage glass in my stained glass designs. Some of these pieces may have scratches or other imperfections. In my opinion, their beauty outweighs these blemishes, as stained glass is intended to be viewed from a short distance. Additionally, I am very intentional about utilizing every scrap and creating as little waste as possible.