FAQ

Welcome to my online shop – I’m happy you visited.  Hopefully the following frequently asked questions will be useful.  If you have additional questions, please contact me here.

How do I care for my stained glass piece?

Please click here to read my care instructions.

How do I hang my stained glass piece?

• When hanging gently attach a chain, leather cord, ribbon or fishing wire to the hooks, depending on the weight of your piece. Do not hang with fishing line since that will rot in the sun over time.
• Do NOT use suction cups - they are notorious for coming "unstuck" and then your beautiful piece could break. That being said, Griipa Suction cups work for lighter pieces. These hooks are advertised as holding up to 10 lbs, so make sure you clean your window before applying the suction cup.  
• Teacup holder or eye hooks work best, especially for heavier pieces. Nail or screw these hooks securely in at the top of your window sill.

Does my piece contain lead?

Yes, stained glass is made with solder, which contains lead.  Most of the solder I used is 60% tin/40% lead.  There is minimal risk to handling stained glass – it’s only harmful if swallowed or if you breath the fumes when it’s melted – so don’t eat it or melt it!  I don’t recommend eating glass either, but you know that.  Just to be extra safe wash your hands after handling stained glass and keep your pieces away from children.  They may break the piece and being cut by broken glass is a more likely outcome.

How are stained glass pieces made?

Please click here to read about my process.

Can I customize the colors on pieces?

I do customize colors – if you want something different from the standard combinations offered it may require an additional custom fee to develop a color palette that works together with the design, since that takes extra time.  It also may require that I go shopping for glass that isn’t on hand in my studio and the nearest glass shop is a 45-minute drive. Click here for more details.

How long does it take to make a piece?

This is a difficult question to answer, since the complexity of the design impacts the amount of time needed.  A suncatcher with only a handful of pieces can take 1-3 hours.  My pet heart suncatchers and panels involve significantly more effort since I need to design them based on a picture of your pet and work with you on approving that design and the glass selection before construction can begin.

Do you have gift cards?

I’m sorry, at this time I don’t offer them.

Do you do stained glass repairs?

If a piece you purchased from me is damaged contact me and we can discuss repairing it.  In general, I do not repair other pieces at this time.

How long have you been doing stained glass?

I completed my first piece in 1995 after taking a class from a friend.  After that I took several classes at various stained glass studios focusing on developing different skills – the Tiffany Method, lead came panels, lamps, designing, plating, etc. 

Initially I made pieces for family and friends, bridesmaids’ gifts, participated in juried art fairs and sold at a local store. Now I finally have the opportunity to work with glass full-time.  I love the interplay of color and light and how it transforms throughout the day. I also enjoy seeing someone’s face light up when they receive a unique piece of stained glass that will bring joy to them every time they look at it.

Do you offer wholesale?

Sorry, at this time I do not offer items for wholesale.

Can stained glass panels hang outside unprotected?

Yes. Put them in an area where they won't be subjected to strong wind (take them down if there is going to be a severe storm with high winds). Also, wax the panel well before hanging it outdoors.

Can stained glass be tempered?

No, it is not a safety glass and cannot be tempered.

How is the glass used in stained glass made?

Stained glass is made by mixing some form of silica (sand) an alkali (potash or soda) and lime or lead oxide in huge mixers. Adding metallic oxide powders creates the different colors. The glass is melted in a furnace (2500-3000 degrees Fahrenheit) and while it is pliable it is flattened into sheets.  These sheets are cooled in a special furnace called an annealing lehr.  Different textures are produced by changing the roller to one with the desired texture.

Why are red and pink glass more expensive?

Red and pink glass require the most costly of additives – gold – in order to obtain their color. 

Artists Rights

All designs and photos are the property of Anne Herbert / Stained Glass Stitcher, and may not be copied, downloaded, duplicated, or used in any way without the express written consent of Anne Herbert.