We provide glass solutions to your decorating dilemmas
Text Box: The majority of my stained glass pieces are custom designed to fit a particular window or garden spot.  Colors and design are chosen to reflect the customer's personality, interests and needs -- i.e. decoration, privacy, light control and eye-appeal. 

Questions and Answers

We welcome your questions.  Working on unique design solutions for you is often the best part of my job.
Text Box: What if we move? In most applications I would install your stained glass window inside your current window.  We add some quarter-round trim and it looks like a permanent installation.  But if you decide to move, it is a relatively easy task to take the stained glass window out again.  This method of installation has the added advantage of extra protection from the outside. TurtleCreek Art GlassText Box: What is the design process? We meet and consider your needs first.  How important is privacy in the particular location? How much light will the window get at various times during the day?  Do you want additional colours in your room or do you want to work with various clear glasses? Is your taste traditional or modern? What appeals to you -- flowers, birds, animals or abstract?  I bring along pictures to get you thinking and some samples of various glass. Once I have an idea of the direction you want to go, I'll take some measurements and then go away and prepare a design.  You'll have a chance to ask for modifications and approve the design before I create a full-size pattern.  When the full-size pattern is made I suggest you hang it up in the location for a day or two to see if it feels right.  Of course a white paper pattern doesn't do justice to a stained glass window or hanging, so you'll need a little faith and imagination at this point. When you've signed off on the design, that's when I'll buy the glass and start cutting.  Text Box: What if I want to design my own window or hanging? That's great.  Create your own design and then I'll consult with you on any changes needed to make it structurally viable.  I can also design windows from any pictures you have -- maybe a scene from a special trip or a photo of your dog. You're welcome to come by during the construction phase and see your piece in progress. Some people like to participate in the creative process even more.  If you'd like to hang around the studio while I'm making your piece, I'll put you to work applying foil, even soldering. Text Box: I like stained glass windows, but I want to be able to open my windows? In that case I suggest considering a large oval panel hung in front of your window.  Then when you open the window the air will come in around it. Text Box: What about doors? After your window is created, we can double-glaze it using tempered glass.  Then it is installed as a replacement for your current window unit.  Text Box: I'm afraid to put in a stained glass window in case a panel breaks?  Although repairs aren't my favourite aspect of this business, it is usually possible to remove one broken piece and replace it. Text Box: How are fusion items priced? In calculating the price for fusion items I consider the cost of the glass, the labour involved and the number of times an item is fired in the kiln.  Some pieces require 3 or more firings with each taking 12 hours or more to slowly heat up and slowly cool down.  A sink or countertop may be in the kiln for five days! Text Box: How much does a stained glass window cost? In determining the price we take into consideration the intricacy of the design, the complexity of the project, the number of pieces of glass and the size of the finished piece. Generally the price is between $175 to $275 per square foot.  Special glass, complex designs, bevels and installation costs are additional.  If you are interested, let's discuss your project and I will give you a quote. For large windows, payments are usually made in three instalments – an initial deposit once you've approved the initial design and before the full-size pattern is prepared; then a second deposit to cover the cost of the glass after you've approved the pattern. The final payment is due upon deliver or installation. Text Box: What is meant by custom-designed? Eleanor will design your window to meet your measurements. The inspiration may be a photo, something from nature, some fabric, a standard stained glass design or a previous window she has made. Since she works with a specialized computer program she can e-mail jpg images of the design to you for prior approval. TurtleCreek Art Glass retains the copyright to the design … unless you make prior arrangements to buy it.

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