How to Start the Process with

River City Glassworks

It all starts with an idea, an inspiration, a need that can only be fulfilled by customized stained glass.

Choose your artist. Kathryn and Sondra each work independently and offer decades of experience and unique talents. You can visit each artist’s page, scroll through their past work, and choose your style.

Contact us. We’ll ask a few questions to help us clarify your goals, then, if necessary, we’ll arrange a site visit. It is very important for us, as your artists, to get to know you, your colors, your design style, and to have accurate measurements for the new window or panel. The initial site visit is $65.

We only need a $100 (non-refundable) design fee to get started. We’ll then take the process into the studio and make some concept sketches. We’ll add color to help you visualize how it all works together, then we’ll begin the process of tailoring the design to your specifications. You may absolutely love our first concept (yay!) or you may have an idea for improvement. Either way, we’re here to make sure that you’re happy.

Once you and your chosen artist have a design that you love, we’ll provide a timeframe for completion and accept a 50% deposit. When the piece is completed and either delivered, installed, or picked up by you, the remainder of the invoice is due.

Got questions? Drop us a line! We’re here to answer any questions you may have. Let’s make some glass!

Step 1 - establish a budget

When establishing a budget, it is helpful to understand some of the costs of stained glass:

  • Site visits for measurement and consultation

  • Complexity of design

  • Inclusion of bevels or other specialized design elements

  • Labor involved in building the piece

  • Delivery and installation

step 2 - choose an artist

Peruse each artist’s online gallery and ask yourself this questions: do their online examples speak to you? Give them a call or email to establish rapport. It’s important to have a genuine connection with your glass artist! You should feel comfortable asking as many questions as you like, as well as asking for references.

step 3 - design phase

Now the fun begins! Be able to communicate with your chosen artist such factors as:

Function: privacy, view control, home improvement, beauty, ecumenical

Size and shape: square, rectangle, circle, arch. Will the piece be permanently installed or will it hang in front of an existing window?

Style and Complexity: contemporary, traditional, Victorian, ecumenical, mission. Simple or complex.

Budget: How much would you like to spend?

Based on your input, your glass artist will produce scaled drawings for you to review. “Old-school” artists (like River City Glassworks) use paper and colored pencils or watercolors to render their designs. Remember that painted or computer-generated colors are merely representations of the true glass colors. Feel free to express your opinions and request design changes.

Once you and your glass artist have settled on a design, a deposit will be requested to begin work. Throughout the project, you may check in on the progress, but should also remember that your artist may have other projects ahead of yours. Stained glass is a unique and collaborative artform, and your chosen artist is a professional who has a wealth of knowledge and experience to guide her.

step 4 - construction

At this point your window is finished and you get to see the first light shine through! When you either have the piece delivered and installed or you pick it up from the studio yourself, be sure to inspect carefully and sign off to indicate your acceptance of the piece.

step 5 - delivery and/or installation

step 6 - enjoy!

The collaboration between you and your glass artist is finished, and your vision is realized and interpreted by the expertise and dedication of a skilled stained glass artistan. It’s an heirloom to be treasured by future generations!