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Glassarts
Consultation, Design, Fabrication and Restoration Services
Restoring, repairing, or commissioning stained glass for your church is a meaningful investment—and one we approach with the utmost care. We’re here to guide you through each stage, from first conversation to final installation. Below is a brief overview of our process so you know exactly what to expect. If you have questions at any point, we’re just a call or email away. Our goal is to deliver craftsmanship and service worthy of being called the best in the Midwest.
Consultation and Documentation
Contract & Documentation
Including description of work to be done, specifications for finished windows, process of design acceptance, overall budget and payment schedule, deadlines for submission and selection of designs, cartoons and finished stained glass, and responsibility of final installation.
We meet with you to determine your needs, budget and schedule; including new storm glass, protective glazing, and re-leading of stained glass. We want to make sure the project is to your liking, fits the theme and style of the interior and exterior architecture, structural elements or existing windows to create a well-integrated design.
Window Layout Map
We create an architectural layout that documents the existing windows with a map and photographs of locations.
Stained Glass Restoration Specifics
A detailed list of restoration to be completed, including any framing details for storm glass additions, process for removal and assembly of windows from the church/frames; warranty details; formal contracts; as well as bid proposal.
Window Documentation
We photograph and document all existing windows in the church so you have a reference for the list of work to be done.
Design-Process Review
Before beginning any work, we create a "fire file" folder that shows every window in the church. We create a proposal with a full description of the work to be done along with quotes for pricing.
The above photographs detail pages from the project file.
Fabrication and Restoration
Once a design is selected, the fabrication process begins. We work around your schedule to accommodate worship services and special events. When we arrive at the workplace, we erect our scaffolding and lay down canvas to keep the mess to a minimum. At the end of the project or the end of the day, we clear out and leave no mess behind. After carefully and safely removing and transporting the existing windows to our studio, we can begin to restore them. We are insured and have our own equipment.
Fabrication of stained glass windows include:
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Preparatory sketch is translated into full-size drawings and patterns
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Colors are chosen, glass is cut, any painted glass is kiln fired for permanence
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Pieces of glass are joined together with lead came and soldered after the panels are assembled
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Windows are cemented to provide water-proofing and some internal strength
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Reinforcing bars are bent to follow the lead lines and blend into the window, then attached to the windows to provide extra strength and support for the windows
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