Custom Stained Glass Art (Commissions de-mystified)

Thinking about ordering a piece of custom stained glass? Let me de-mystify the process and help you by answering some common questions people have asked me over 30 plus years of creating unique pieces for my customers.

If you don’t see the answer to your question here, please feel free to contact me, and I'll get back to you very soon.

What’s it like to commission a stained glass project? 

I love working with clients on special projects and gifts. Your custom piece will be unforgettable and last for generations.

It's a pretty simple 3-step process:

• Share your idea with me and we’ll discuss some general specifications, like the approximate size and what you want the piece to look like.

• Next, I’ll draw a design for you to review. If you want to change certain elements of the design, we will work those in during this step. 
  

• Once you've approved the design, we’ll select colors and I’ll start construction on the piece. 

My first priority is that you’re happy with your new stained glass.

How big or how small can we go?

I can make any size project you want, from simple sun catchers for a special occasion, to large panels to cover windows, or lampshades and sconces to go with the décor of your home.

Tell me your dreams!

How long does it take to make a custom piece?

I am a one-woman shop and I don’t outsource any part of my process. Each design is hand-drawn, and every piece of glass is hand selected, cut, ground, and fit into your panel precisely.

Normal turnaround for commissions smaller than 1 square foot is approximately 30 days – that’s from design to delivery. Of course, larger pieces take longer.

​It’s first come, first serve—so if you have a deadline like an anniversary or birthday coming up, contact me right away so that we can fit you in (If I have any other commissions in the works, they will be on my table first).

Are stained glass commissions expensive?

Three factors are considered in the cost:

1. Design- the cost for my time to render a full-size design that is structurally sound for installation.
   
2. Fabrication- estimated cost per square foot to include the cost of labor and materials to build based on complexity of the design and the type of glass and other materials selected such as hand-rolled vs machine-rolled glass, lead vs zinc, brass or copper came, etc. (Don't worry - I can advise you and guide you to the most bang for your buck)
   
3. Installation- the cost of labor and materials to prepare the space for the glass artwork, as well as to install the piece once it is completed.
   

Traditional stained glass art is an intensively manual craft, the cost per square foot is approximately $350.

It sounds expensive.  How can I tell if it’s worth the investment? How can I even tell good craftsmanship from bad?

There are lots of people out there making stained glass of varying quality. Here are a few ways to be more confident in your purchase of a special custom stained glass piece.

Ask yourself these questions...

1. Can the artist show you examples of work that matches the scale of your idea?
   
2. Examine the craftsmanship...Are the solder lines and seams even and consistent? Do they interrupt the overall design or add to its beauty? Is the piece structurally sound? Are the solder joints clean and smooth? Does the glass fit correctly—tight in the channel? 
   
3. Take a look at the design...Is the design pleasing to your eye? Does the color/type of glass contribute to the beauty of the piece?
   

Good craftsmanship takes skill and technique. Skills are developed over time with experience. Technique is practiced with commitment to detail and quality. I have created hundreds of commissions for happy customers since 1982.

Do you do repairs?

I do repair and restore damaged and antique stained glass. 

When I repair a damaged piece I have to take it apart before I can fix it and this can be very labor intensive. I will go over process and costs with you before starting any work. Contact me to tell me what you need—sending a digital photo of the piece can help me to give you a better estimate of the repair.