FAQs

How is my piece of stained glass made?

Each piece is handmade in my home studio in Toronto. I use the Tiffany method, also known as the copper foil method. 

First, I create the design, and then choose which glass to use for each piece of the pattern. Then, I carefully cut and grind each piece so they fit together perfectly. Next, I wrap the edges of each piece of glass in a copper foil tape and burnish it firmly to make sure it is firmly stuck down. With each piece foiled, I then solder them together by melting a lead/tin metal onto the foil. I will sometimes add a frame to the piece as well, depending on the size and shape. After quite a few rounds of washing and polishing, the stained glass piece is ready to be hung and loved!

Stained glass sheets often contain bubbles, swirls and bumps; this uniqueness adds to the character of glass as a medium and it what makes it one-of-a-kind.

How do I care for my glass art?

I build each piece of stained glass to be as strong as possible, but glass is still fragile. Handle your stained glass carefully, and ensure it is hung securely with hooks or nails directly in the window frame. I don’t recommend window suction cups – they inevitably become unstuck. If the piece isn’t too heavy, you could probably get away with using a Command Strip hook.

Occasionally, you may notice the metals oxidizing (this manifests as a white film around the edges of the solder). To give your glass a little love, you can gently buff it with a carnauba wax (standard car wax) or use a Q-tip to wipe away the white oxidation. Don’t use Windex or other harsh chemicals - they can affect the solder.

Are stained glass pieces safe to handle?

Finished stained glass pieces contain products with lead, so it is best not to handle them more than necessary. Lead is only dangerous when ingested, so holding or touching stained glass pieces is not harmful. After handling, just wash your hands with soap and water prior to touching your mouth or any food/drink. It’s also best to keep your stained glass piece out of the reach of small children.