FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  • Why are you called "Glass Alive"?

Glass is by nature a rigid and inorganic. I like to transform it into pieces that make it look flexible and alive! I use a varieties of techniques to achieve this, such as curves, 3D assembly, insertion of beads/fossils/gems, and selecting glass that has patterns in its colour that work with my design to suggest a flow.

 

  • Why is it so expensive?

The short answer is: tools, materials and time.

The long answer is that a basic, low quality tool set up costs at least €157, and easily triple or quadruple for good quality tools. And that's before you even get any glass! €5 for a glass cutter, €10 for running pliers, €10 for grozing pliers, €80 for a grinder, €2 for a fid, €50 for a soldering iron (they are specific to stained glass, cheaper electronic ones are unsuitable).

Then you have to add all the consumable materials needed. Materials include: 

      • glass, from €9 to €35 per square foot, depending on colour and type. Red glass is particularly expensive, as the red pigment uses oxidised gold.
      • cutting oil, €10 for a small 100ml bottle
      • foil, €14 per roll (cheaper, low quality foil is a disaster to work with)
      • solder, €38 for 500g
      • flux, €13 for 250ml
      • cleaner, €11 for 200ml
      • wax, €9 for 250g

And time. Have a look at the "how it's made" page to give you an idea of the full process involved. The total time depends on the size and complexity of the design. I don't think it's ever taken me less than 2 hours to complete any item, and that's for a small one with not many glass pieces in it.

One of the most common formulas to calculate the price of a stained glass item is €150 per square foot (30.5 square cm), plus €5 for each separate piece of glass in the design. If you check my prices, you'll notice I charge less than that.

  • Do you take commissions?

Maybe. :D It depends on many factors. Message me with your idea, and we'll talk!

 

  • Where do you ship?

Currently: Ireland, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland, Czechia, Germany, Denmark, Spain, Finland, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Netherlands, Norway, New Zealand, Poland, Portugal, Sweden, United States.

Please note that any customs and duties costs are your responsibility.

 

  • When will I receive my order?

It very much depends on the destination. I will provide you with a tracking number so that you can get the estimate directly from An Post or your country's postal system.

 

  • Will my stained glass break in transit?

I do my utmost so that it does not! Typically, I wrap the item in tissue paper, fabric or bubble wrap, place it in a cardboard box, and put that cardboard box in more bubble wrap or shipping paper/cardboard before putting it in another cardboard box. So far, everything I shipped arrived intact.

 

  • Can I return my item?

I will accept returns within the Consumer Rights Act 2022. 

This means you can return your order within 14 days and get a full refund. You do not have to give a reason for cancelling. The 14 days starts once you physically receive the goods.

I will refund the original shipping costs, but the return costs are your responsibility, unless the item arrived broken or I sent the wrong item.

 

  • What is the best way to display stained glass?

That depends on the item, and your own preferences. 

Glass can look quite different depending on the direction of the light it is exposed to.

 I like to put mine in indirect light, so that the glass lets some light through, but the front of the piece is still well lit. I also have a display area with a white fabric and a backlight.

Have a look at my pictures for inspiration!