Pricing Transparency

I get a lot of questions about why custom stained glass costs what it does, and I want to just be totally open about it. I am not trying to overcharge anyone, and in a perfect world without capitalism, I'd be making my art for free or for trade. But since money is real, let's be transparent. Because honestly, I am usually undercharging! Making glass art the right way is incredibly expensive and it takes a massive amount of time. If you've ever taken a class you'll have a good idea of the work that goes into every single piece, but if you haven't, I'd love for you to take a minute to read this.

Because every single piece I sell is made entirely by hand in my studio. Here is a quick breakdown of what actually goes into the cost of a finished piece.

The Materials

While the glass itself is expensive, it is only a fraction of the story. Between the specialized glass sheets, heavy spools of solder, copper foil tape, flux, patina chemicals, and structural wire, the raw materials alone are a huge upfront investment before I even start charging for my time.

The Labor

This is where the real cost comes in. A custom panel can easily take 10 hours of active, physical labor. There are absolutely no shortcuts in stained glass. I have to draw the pattern, score and snap the glass by hand, grind every single edge smooth so the tape sticks, wrap every piece perfectly in copper foil, solder it all together on both sides, wash it, treat it with patina, and wax it. It takes a toll on the hands and the back!

The Reality

When you buy a piece of my art, you are paying for actual human time, handling hazardous materials safely, and a ton of practice. It is an investment, but I build these panels so they will literally outlive both of us!

Thank you to everyone who understands all of that and supports us anyway!