GLASS OVER TEAKETTLE
Modern Stained Glass
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you have questions about stained glass? Check out our answers to the questions we receive most often!
Do you make the glass?
No. We purchase locally-sourced sheets of beautiful glass created by glass makers such as Oceanside Glass & Tile, Wissmach Glass, or Kokomo (among many others). We then hand cut and break these glass sheets into the shapes we desire. Next, we grind the glass, wrap it in copper foil or lead, and solder it together to create gorgeous works of stained-glass art.
How long does it take to make a stained glass window?
Making stained-glass art is an 8-step process: sketching, cutting, grinding, foiling, soldering, adding patina, cleaning, and polishing. Each individual piece of glass takes approximately 30 minutes (start to finish). So, a 6-piece project takes about three hours to make. A 100-piece project takes about 50 hours. Some factors that impact the overall time are things like the design & shape, the texture of the glass, the level of detail, framing methods, etc.
How much does a custom stained-glass window cost?
The price of stained glass artwork varies depending on several factors such as the fluctuating cost of raw materials, the time involved, and the level of detail in the project. At Glass Over Teakettle, we create one-of-a-kind, modern artwork without using any shortcuts like saws or computer-based creation methods. We hand draw our patterns (everything we make is an original design), we hand cut all of our glass, and we make all the art ourselves, in-house. We do not outsource any step of the process. Our standards are high and our passion and authenticity are showcased in every piece. For our exclusive custom pieces, our prices currently average $500 per square foot.
Do you make stained glass jewelry?
No. We don’t make jewelry in our studio; however, if you are going to purchase stained-glass jewelry, you must be certain that the artist uses lead-free solder and lead-free equipment that has not been cross-contaminated since extended skin exposure to lead can be toxic.
Do you accept requests for custom stained-glass artwork?
Yes! We enjoy doing all kinds of custom work, including: stained-glass windows, business logos, house numbers, bridal bouquets, centerpieces, ornaments, and a variety of wall hangings and sculptures. Please use this link to request a custom piece from Glass Over Teakettle.
How do you clean stained glass?
You should never use Windex on stained glass. Instead, use an ammonia-free cleaner like Sprayway. Stained glass will last forever, but it requires a little love and attention. If your stained-glass artwork starts to look slightly dull or discolored, just apply a little carnauba car wax and gently buff it to restore its shine.