GLASS BEADS, JEWELRY & STAINED GLASS WINDOWS
www.GlassArtist.com
by
Ilene Richardson, BFA, MS

Located on the East Coast of Maryland, USA
CUSTOM STAINED GLASS WINDOWS

ORDERING A CUSTOM STAINED GLASS WINDOW
Custom design consultations are arranged through email by appointment, so just send an email from the "EMAIL THE ARTIST" page on this website to inquire about a stained glass window for you.

   Ever dreamed of ordering your own custom design stained glass window?
Read On...
Scroll to the Bottom to Read the Frequently Asked Questions
MY RECENT ADDITION TO THE STUDIO IS "PET PORTRAITS"

New to my glass studio has been stained glass windows created for people of their “member of their family” otherwise known as their dog or other pet. This glass journey all started while creating my own personal window of my dog, Daisy who was a doberman and rottweiler mix dog that I was fortunate to have in my life. When I was working on the drawing for the window and finally printed it out in color, this picture stopped me in my tracks and touched my heart, as if she was right in front of me again! It was an emotional moment more powerful than I ever expected. I knew right at that moment the artwork I had to offer Pet Portraits in Stained Glass to animal lovers everywhere.

 With just a few photographs of your dog or pet, I create a stained glass drawing and design. This is then transferred to my computer where I redraw the design and select particular types of colored stained glass for each piece that will be cut out and I then create out a quick colored print from my inkjet printer to work with before the design becomes a treasured reality in stained glass. It takes over 40 hours to complete a window from the concept drawing to the finished stained glass window. This is the journey I love the most, seeing the pet artistically come alive in glass.

I CAN CREATE A WINDOW OF YOUR PET…THAT YOU WILL CHERISH FOR A LIFETIME!
Custom windows begin with a private consultation by email, phone, webcam or in your home or office. Ideas, colors and designs are explored so the perfect window can begin to be created for you. Sometimes a second consultation takes place. Sketches are created and special stained glass software is used to draw the window and prepare for its creation. Deciding to have a stained glass window created just for you can be a very exciting experience and your life will be enriched when you own a custom designed stained glass window.
YOUR NEW WINDOW CAN BECOME A REALITY!


What normally happens when you decide you want a stained glass window for your home? After the initial contact, (unless you have the exact measurements and already know what you desire) we would meet in your home and discuss the location, position and size of the window you have dreamed about and want created for you. I always have photographs with me of my past work for you to look at. The price is determined by size and mostly by number of pieces depending on how detailed your window may be. Some windows can have hundreds of pieces. The degree of details and choices in glass and any supportive structures that may need to be inserted in the window (usually hidden in the solder seams) are included in the price. Windows normally run anywhere from $400 and up to whatever you can dream. There are many options to choose from which allows us to agree on a price. Actual installation of the window is handled by you or your carpenter/builder, suggestions and options are explored during this time. Most of the time installation is nothing more than a couple of hooks easily installed.


The stained glass windows need installations by either hooks of your choice installed onto the wall, into window framing or held in place in a window by moldings.   People have also displayed my windows sitting on a mantel and various other installations. ( Please note: I do NOT create small glass windows like those found in craft shows that hang with suction cups in front of windows. ) All of my windows are one of a kind, original designs in stained glass, a treasure to last more than a lifetime!


You are provided with a good image of the window designed for you before it is created and of course, the fee for this service is deducted from the cost of the window’s final purchase price. Mainly, it provides for my hours of time in developing the window for you. We then meet again for a second time to explore the drawings, to make changes in colors, shapes, details, etc,  if needed, and then your window begins creation.


THERE ARE A FEW THINGS YOU CAN DO BEFORE WE MEET...


( OPTIONAL & SUGGESTED, BUT NOT REQUIRED. )

Explore online the different types of windows by going on the internet and searching the following types of windows: Edwardian Style Stained Glass, Victorian, Art Deco, Art Nouveau, and even the familiar, Frank Lloyd Wright,... just to name a few. You will find that you are drawn to a particular style and that will help greatly in creating a window for you that you will enjoy for years to come.  I also have books that I can bring with me to help you decide the style of stained glass you are drawn to. If you are already contemplating a special design, please share that with me when we meet as I’m sure your wishes can be accommodated.


Here is an important website link that describes stained glass windows; you may find it interesting and helpful in deciding what you want for your home.   Wikipedia.org is a website that has a great amount of information on different styles of stained glass. My work is created using the Copper Foil style that allows for more shapely and defined. detailed designs. Each piece of glass is selected for its offering of not only color but the correct light and shadows in the particular color that I am seeking. You will truly have a unique piece of artwork.


How long does it take to create your window? My windows are completed in approximately three weeks time however, my life is very diverse and stained glass work is one part of what I do with my creative time. Normally the 40+ hours to complete a window, which is usually two to three weeks time and may depend on how many other windows are being completed.





Lets discuss your stained glass window by phone, email, webcam or in person.

Email me anytime to ask questions and lets arrange to talk so we can begin planning your window!


Working with stained glass for over three decades has been a wonderful experience, which continues to enrich my artistic life and more importantly, the lives of others.


Ilene Richardson, Glass Artist
ANSWERS TO FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

A FEW QUICK THOUGHTS
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW SOME QUICK BASICS ABOUT MY GLASS

Thank you so much for your interest in having your pet portrait in stained glass. The Stained Glass Windows I create are very artistically created and life-like with shadows and realistic colors; (my windows are not the cartoon type window that others offer for sale on the internet).  I use well over a hundred or two hundred pieces of glass in each glass artwork, as if I'm drawing by choosing pieces for their light and their shadows to get a realistic look and then I choose the colors as an artist would choose her paints. There is much drawing and color selections that go into the planning stages of each window, which I why I like to work at the sizes mentioned above, as it allows for a more realistic pet portrait.

The average size is somewhere around 18" x 24" or any combination similar either a bit smaller or almost any size larger.  I have created stained glass windows that were 30" wide which can be seen on the website photo book for stained glass listed as "Two Koi" window which was over 30 inches across, in addition there is another window which is a portrait of a woman playing guitar and measures approximately 32 inches wide. Should you have an area that is already to have a window inserted in it's quite easy in determining sizes. If you're not sure at this point, then let me know where you are thinking of hanging it and what you envision at this time. 

What sets my stained glass pet portraits apart from others, is that I let the colors in the glass do my drawing for me as well as the contrast in colors by often using almost two hundred pieces of glass in each window. This is what sets my windows apart from the cartoon-type windows you'll find online and at craft shows. You inquired about stained glass window prices and they can range from approximately $600 and increase in price depending upon the size of the window you would like.

You may be glad to know that I do take deposits, pre-payments, gift certificate payments or can divide payments into multiple partial payments, if that is easier for you. I accept Paypal which allows you to pay using checking account or credit card.

Feel free to send me some photos of your pet, a picture of your home, a vacation spot or whatever you like and also tell me approximately what size window you are interested in.

Let's talk more to see what we can come up with for you. 
My glass work is something you will treasure forever.

Sincerely,
Ilene Richardson
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