To make a stained glass window, you start with a full-sized drawing (cartoon) from which patterns are achieved. Glass pieces are cut to the patterns and treated in a number of ways for special effects. The pieces are assembled with lead, zinc, or copper foil. The window is then soldered, waterproofed, cleaned, and fitted with support bars (if required).

This is all done by hand, and each piece adds minutes to the total hours required to make the window. Since time is money, the more complex the window, the more pieces it will have and therefore it will cost more.

Our windows are made to last for decades, so you may think of them as heirlooms or investments to enjoy for years to come.

Copper foil (a thin strip of adhesive-backed copper) is wrapped around the edge of each piece of glass. Pieces are laid out next to each other and solder is melted over (and to) the copper to join all pieces together. This assembly method is usually used in small windows or hangings.

Lead came is lead extruded into H or U channels (called cames). Glass fits into one channel of the H with more glass into the other channel. Lead is cut to fit the glass with intersections soldered after the entire window is assembled.

Lead came is typically used in larger windows and is generally more structurally sound than copper foil.

Lead is softer than zinc. You can easily make an indentation in lead with a small metal tool. The same test on zinc is like trying to put a hole in a quarter with that tool.

Stained glass windows are typically assembled with either lead came or zinc came (see #2). Zinc is more rigid than lead but is more difficult (and more expensive) to repair if pieces of glass get broken.

Zinc is also harder to bend into complex shapes, so zinc designs tend to have mostly straight lines.

Yes, we can.

Most of our church windows and some of our residential windows have multiple applications of glass paint, fired to permanence. Our glass paints are primarily black or shades of brown and are used to create special effects and shading.

We do not typically add color, as the enamel paints needed do not stand the test of time. We want our windows to last for 50 to 100 years.

Our stained glass windows are waterproof and airtight, but an exterior storm window is advised. This keeps the weather off the stained glass and prolongs its life.

The storm window should be vented to prevent air pressure build-up between the stained glass and storm window. Venting also allows any trapped moisture to escape.

The simple answer is yes.

However, some special skills and common sense are required. We can talk you through the process and allow you to make the final decision.

Metals, minerals, and other materials are added to molten glass, which is then rolled or blown into sheets averaging about 8 square feet.

Once the sheet is cooled, the color is permanently embedded in the glass and does not fade over time.

Over time, lead can be toxic, so in this case we will suggest the window be assembled with either zinc, brass, or copper cames.

Bowing is usually the result of lead (or zinc) came fatigue caused by age, pressure, insufficient support, etc.

The solution is generally window removal, partial or complete releading, soldering broken joints, and re-waterproofing. Broken pieces are replaced during the process.