Many of our customers learn about us through art shows and associations. At shows I frequently see someone return to my booth, stand directly in front of a displayed piece of art and announce, “This piece is talking to me.” The same thing happens when we do custom work for your home, office, business. We want our artwork to talk to you, and the way we do that is to ensure a good fit. We do that through our methods. Here’s how:
♦ Discovery
It all begins with a phone call or email. If you like how things go during our initial contact, we’ll meet in your home, office, or business. We observe the architecture, style, setting, your artistic and decorating tastes, color preferences, and find out if the artwork will be a centerpiece or complement the existing environment.
Many times our customers may not know what they want and say, “I’ll know what I want when I see it.” We bring samples, pictures and a drawing pad to create that image so you can visualize what the final product will look like in your environment. Frequently our customers apologize for what they think is indecisiveness when it’s really creativity kicking in.
We discuss your budget to ensure we can work within your means and expectations.
We take initial measurements and check openings to see how square and level they are – very important for tight fitting panels.
We discuss if you want to move ahead with designing the artwork. If so, we’ll agree on timelines and take pictures for reference and referring back to your environment during the design phase.
♦ Design
This is the part where we take the first crack at drawing out what the artwork will look like. We’ll return and present preliminary sketches depicting the various ideas we discussed when we originally met. When we leave, you’ll have a good idea of what the finished artwork will look like. This is when you get excited!
Reviewing the design with you is an extension of the discovery phase – only with sketches and drawings of what you may actually choose. In this phase you select the glass type, color, the use of bevels and/or bevel clusters, border color and style, framing and rejuvenation of window openings as needed.
We discuss timelines, responsibilities, and outline what you can expect during the fabrication process.
Depending upon the design you select, we provide a low and high estimate during the discussion or shortly thereafter.
Then we are ready to proceed! We may request a deposit and then schedule your project.
♦ Fabrication
Depending upon the scope of the project, the fabrication process can be more than merely returning to the studio and building a wondrous work of art. During this phase, we will send you tantalizing pictures showing you progress. We invite you to stop by our studio to visit your project and/or show it to others.
If the artwork will fit snugly in a window opening or replace existing glass, we may make templates or have to take the cabinet door, window or door to our studio. If this is part of the plan, we will schedule construction so that there is minimal disruption to your environment. Any opening left overnight will be covered with wood or construction plastic. Any in-home or office construction will be sectioned off with construction plastic for dust management. And we clean up after ourselves.
♦ Delivery and Installation
If installation is part of your project, costs will be included in your estimate. In some installations, we prefer to schedule a “hanging party” to install hooks or fasteners before delivering the finished artwork. We never know what’s behind that wall which could require additional prep time, and that would be a disappointment to you if we had to reschedule the artwork installation.
♦ Shipping
Live far away? Allow us to crate or prepare your artwork for shipping. Depending upon the delivery location, we can even be your shipper.
♦ Celebration
Artwork never “just appears.” It requires a festive unveiling and celebration.
♦ Price and Payment
We will give you a low and high estimate for the project. We do this to build in an “OOPS!” margin to accommodate unanticipated changes in material costs and the occasional use of outside services. If a change of scope impacts price, we discuss any additional costs before proceeding.
Some aspects of the project are totally unknown – such as what might be hiding behind that wall (installation) or the cost of shipping. In these cases, parts of our quote may be on a time and material basis.
Depending upon the size of the project, we may request a materials deposit before beginning a project.
We accept checks, cash, and credit card through Square.com and ask for final payment at the time of delivery and/or installation.
♦ Contact us
Please call, write, email or text us if you’d like to discuss commissioning us for custom stained glass work or repair. Click here for contact info.
