How Long Does It Take?
The Evolution of a Stained Glass Project
We're often asked, "Why does it take so long to create a panel?" Well, more accurately, what we're often asked is "Why can't I get a panel in time for my mother's birthday next week?" So here's a quick look at the process by which we transform your photo of a beloved pet into a unique, custom-designed, hand-crafted work of stained glass art.
- Step One: You send your photos.
- Please send 3-4 photos by e-mail. For best results, photos should be 300 dpi and at least 400K in size. Photos taken with a cell phone are usually not adequate. Remember that these photos need to be enlarged to many times their original size!
- Step Two: I prepare 2-3 preliminary panel designs.
- Using your photo(s) and a program called "GlassEye," I will create two or three design sketches for you to look at. These will be sent to you by e-mail.
- Step Three: We work together to create exactly the panel you want.
- By e-mail and/or phone, we discuss designs until we've developed just the right panel for you. We discuss your ideas, preferences, memories and suggestions to get the design just right. This stage can take several days (or longer, depending on the promptness of your replies).
- At this time we will also discuss colors and types of glass to use in your panel. The preliminary sketches will have sample colors, but these are for example only; the final glass will be much more vivid than the computer samples!
- Step Four: We agree on a design, glass and colors; you place a deposit.
- At this point we ask for a one-third, non-refundable deposit (by check or PayPal) toward the final price of the panel. This is when your project actually goes into the queue, and we are able to give you a more accurate estimate of exactly how long it will take to complete, based on how many other commissions are in the queue ahead of you. Each panel takes from 2-4 weeks to complete, based on its design complexity; thus, if there are ten commissions ahead of you, your panel could take 2-3 months to complete.
- Please note: We do not offer "rush orders" for a higher rate. We know that every one of our clients is grieving a beloved pet, or trying to comfort a grieving friend or loved one--thus we don't feel it's fair to make some clients wait longer for a panel just because they can't afford to pay a "rush rate."
- Step Five: The glass is cut and assembled.
- Assembling a panel is not a quick process! First the pattern is printed out on a large sheet of paper called a "cartoon." A second copy of the pattern is printed out and cut apart into the individual pieces. Most projects involve 150-300 pieces. These pieces are then traced onto the glass, cut out by hand, ground to the exact requirements of the sketch, and fitted together.
- Once all the pieces fit together correctly, each piece has adhesive-backed copper foil applied to all edges. This usually involves a bit more grinding and fitting for last-minute adjustments to the taped edges. Small details may be added with foil overlays, which is time-consuming but can add a great deal of realism to the panel.
- Step Six: The pieces are soldered into place.
- Once everything fits perfectly, solder is applied to all the copper surfaces on both sides of the panel. This is a two-step process: First, a flat solder cover is applied over the copper; then a second smooth, raised "bead" of solder is applied to every line.
- Details too small to render in glass or foil are applied with glass paint (including the name of the pet).
- A zinc frame is added and soldered to each solder line that touches it. Hangers are applied to the corners and a chain is added to hang the panel.
- Step Seven: The panel is cleaned and polished.
- After soldering, the panel is thoroughly cleaned to remove all residues. A coat of glass polish is applied to remove any solder tarnish and to make the piece shine.
- Step Eight: Time for shipping!
- Once the panel is complete, I will e-mail you to let you know that it is finished and to confirm the shipping address. I usually ship the panel the day after I receive your confirmation. I ship by UPS, which normally takes 3-5 business days. Expedited shipping is also available. Once I have shipped the panel, I will send you an e-mail with the UPS tracking number and an invoice for the balance due, including shipping cost. Payment can be made by check or PayPal.
- Step Nine: Enjoy!
- Your panel is a permanent tribute to a beloved companion who spent years enriching your life. We hope that it will be a loving reminder of a precious memory!
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