FAQs
Glass is handmade and will have IMPERFECTIONS.
What you might perceive as defects are actually signs of handmade processes dating back thousands of years. Bubbles, scratches, pits, and streaking are some of the marks that your glass may contain, and in my opinion, lend incredible character to the piece. I make every effort to photograph panels accurately so that you can make an informed decision before purchase.
Solder and Came contain lead.
Please wash your hands after handling your panel and keep it out of the reach of small children and pets.
Hanging your panel.
Using suction cups or Command hooks are not advised. Instead prepare your window by screwing cup hooks into the, preferably, wooden window frame. If you do not have a wooden window frame, please use dry wall anchors and other appropriate measures to ensure that the hooks can hold the weight of your panel. You may use chain, cord, or string to hang your piece from as dictated by your aesthetic. I usually use Jack chain (found at your local hardware store) to hang pieces at Toad Hall as it is easy to open with pliers. Alternately, you may lean your panel in a window.
Cleaning and caring for your panel.
I wash your panel multiple times before the final polish, however it is possible that some chemicals may remain that over time can cause a white crust to form along the solder lines. Not to worry. Take the panel down and place it on a folded towel to cushion the other side. Use the green part of a sponge to gently scrub the area. Wipe with a microfiber cloth and it should be gleaming in no time. Please never use cleaners such as Windex on your piece or anything sharp or abrasive. Strange as it sounds, you can remove dust and dirt that may accumulate over time by applying furniture wax to the glass. Using a spray such as Pledge, hold the bottle high over head to mist the wax onto the glass and then rub with a microfiber cloth.
Shipping your panel.
I ship most items through USPS with insurance and tracking information provided. Please send questions about tracking to USPS as I have no additional information than what I am provided. I make every effort to pack panels with care so they do not arrive damaged. If your piece is broken in transit, please send a picture of the piece so that I can replace or repair the item. I am not responsible for stolen packages and all sales are final.
The elephant in the room.
Why does stained glass cost so much? There are many answers to this question and I will be as transparent as I can.
The raw materials are expensive. Glass that is hand made in the US will cost more than mass produced glass from China. Glass that has any pink, red, or purple in it is made using actual gold to achieve the color. Lead, tin, zinc, and copper are the metals used in the craft and are costly. It is not unusual for a piece of glass to cost $38 a square foot at the shop I frequent.
Waste is part of the process. Unlike cutting something with a pair of scissors, in glass cutting, you have to cut in a relatively straight line. This means that, try as I might, there inevitably is glass that is wasted getting out the piece I need for a project.
Consumables such as flux, patina, wax, and cleaning supplies are additional costs, as well as the tools that must be replaced such as grinder bits.
Other costs to the artist include tent purchase, fair fees, website fees, the fees the credit card and PayPal people take from each sale, and taxes.
It takes a really long time to make each piece. Even on small pieces, the process from start to finish is easily 5 hours and considerably more the more intricate the project.
Stained glass is an art form. Learning, perfecting, and creating quality pieces that will stand the test of time takes dedication, time, and personal sacrifice.
But, what about the pieces I see on Facebook that are like $19.99 for a cute cat or birds on a branch? More than likely those are printed plastic placards or sticker/decals that are mass produced in China and the designs ripped off from actual artists. Please do not support this. When you purchase from toadhallglass, you can be sure that I alone make each and every part of your piece by hand using traditional methods taught to me by master glassers. Also, I do a happy dance when you support me and make my passion possible!
