JG Stained Glass Studio,LLC
blog to frame or not to frame Many pieces, especially sun catcher and ornaments, are not placed in frames beyond what they are built into. However, sometimes the application calls for a wood frame. Glass panels can be placed in existing doors and cabinets, which become the frame. Each situation is different, but my general advice is to frame the piece. Unless it is being installed in an existing door or window, a frame is the finishing touch that should not be skipped. You can have this done at a local framer, or a frame can be added to your order and it will be delivered to you ready to display. care and cleaning All stained glass pieces are fragile and they will all get dirty! Cleaning should be done carefully! Using abrasives could scratch the glass and harsh chemical can permanently stain the glass, leaving it cloudy or hazy. Professional polishing and/or repair may become necessary. Contact me, or a local artisan for guidance on when you can clean and when a professional should step in. For smaller pieces, they can be taken down and washed in the kitchen sink with Dawn dish liquid. Regular dusting minimizies washing frequency. Larger panels that can’t be taken down can be dusted with a dry duster like Swiffer. DO NOT spray dusting products on your glass no matter what it says. Any residue will attract dirt. Only use glass cleaners sparingly, spraying a small amount on a microfiber cloth or Q-tip. Clean carefully, avoid getting chemicals on the solder lines as this can wipe off the wax finish and promote oxidation. If you notice a crack or break in your piece, don’t try to glue or epoxy it. This usually causes an unsightly flaw that you will regret. Artisans can be called on to replace the broken piece or (on rare occassions) repair without replacing. Click the Contact tab to get in touch with me about a repair or professional cleaning! hanging your piece Before you stick that suction cup to your window, read this! Suction cups fail, always. You may prolong the hold by using oil instead of water to initiate the seal, but eventually it fails, the piece falls, and you are left with a mess and a lost treasure. Hanging glass pieces should be done from at least two points for pieces larger than 6-10 inches in diameter. This is because the weight of the glass, solder, and lead are heavy. Hanging from a single point puts undue stress on the joints of the piece and came make it come apart. Always follow recommended hanging, or better yet…have a pro install it for you! inpirations Being a full-time member of the workforce doesn’t allow me as many hours in my studio as I would like. When I have down time, I find myself sifting through websites and pattern books looking for inspiration. Often times it comes from unexpected places, like a wedding invitation or an old photograph. There are many artists out there who are designing gorgeous patterns and I like using them when I can. But sometimes what is available just isn’t quite what I want. An old glass saucer can provide the inspiration and family connection to make a piece truly unique and something you can be proud to display and share with generations. What stories inspire you? Is there an object or family story to be incorporated into a design. There are no rules, so get inspired!! lead came vs copper foil These are two different ways of building stained glass pieces and each has its place and purpose. Lead pieces are “cemented” to be weather resistant. This application is recommended for installation in kitchens and bathrooms that have fluctuating temperatures and humidity that can create condensation. Cementing the lead keeps that moisture out of the piece and prevents cracking. Lead came pieces can be hung outside, but remember it is still glass so bring your pieces in during severe weather to prevent damaging the glass. Copper is a method that is use for pieces that will stay inside and don’t require the extra steps or strength necessary to ensure a piece is going to withstand the elements. Most suncatchers, ornaments, and table decor are made from copper foil. Larger panels that will be installed in a living space not subject to extreme temperatures or moisture can be fabricated with copper foil as well. Reinforcement of larger panels with a zinc frame is recommended before hanging or framing with wood. This increases the strength of larger panels. When discussing your piece and its application I will make recommendations about which fabrication method is best for your situation. JGStainedGlass.com Updated 2021