Frequently Asked Questions

In no particular order... click on any question to skip to the answer!

How much does a window cost?
Can I get a window sized differently?
Can I install my window in a door?
Are sidelights and transom windows available?
How do I handle my new stained glass window?
Can I purchase a design to build myself?
Can I take a pattern off the website and build the window?
If I buy the design, can I sell the window I build?
How much does it cost to have a custom window design?
Can you design a window from my photo?
How often do you add new designs?
What type of glass do you use in your stained glass windows?

How much does a window cost?
E ach window varies depending on the type of glass used, but mostly depends on the number of pieces used. The other variable of course, is size. We are not building windows at this time. You can purchase a design print with a detailed materials list for construction in your local area. The title for this window is "Aloe Vera Plant".

Can I get a window sized differently?
Of course. You can have a window completely changed to fit a completely different type or size window. As an example, I have modified the "African Elephant" for a half round window, 4 feet in diameter. As you can see, many changes, including the trees in the background, really added to the changes in this window:

Can I install my window in a door?
Certainly. We reccomend that you have your window thermal paned before instaling in a door, but it isn't necessary.

Are sidelights and transom windows available?
Sure. We would be happy to design additional windows for you, and can even design them to match the main window in the center. As an example, "Black Bear Summer" had sidelight windows created to go with it.

How do I handle my new stained glass window?
Carefully! Any window without a sturdy frame can break. You should always tip up a window by putting your hands toward the center of the window and tilt it up. Never lift it from a corner or from the shorter edge, or the lead may give, and glass will break.

Can I purchase a design to build myself?
Certainly. All designs are available in Glass Eye format. Click here to sample Glass Eye. You can also order a window design print ready to build. Click here for more information on ordering a print from which to work.

Can I take a pattern off the website and build the window?
No, it is a copyright infringement to take designs from my site and build them yourself. Please don't do this. Besides, I am offering great services so that you can build the window you'd like without breaking copyright laws!

If I buy the design, can I sell the window I build?
If you purchase a design, you are allowed to build one window to sell. You can build more than one of a particular design, but you may not sell more than one.

How much does it cost to have a custom window design?
We charge $100 to make a custom design for you. If there are more than three revisions needed to get the window you like, the price may increase based on time involved in completing the design. Your satisfaction with the design is important!

Can you design a window from my photo?
Of course! We would be glad to work from a photo or drawing idea you have to either design a window for you to build, or we can build the window for you. You can fax designs or pictures to 1-775-306-6578 or email pictures to help@swanvalleyglassworks.com.

How often do you add new designs?
We add new designs all the time. There are always several designs in the works. They will not be uploaded until they are perfected! Please contact us if you want something in particular! We may have something for you that has not yet been posted!

What type of glass do you use in your stained glass windows?
We suggest a variety of brands of glass. All glass used to be manufactured in the U.S. but not all are, anymore. Some examples are Spectrum, Bullseye, Kokomo, Uroboros and Youghiogheny (pron. ya-kuh-genny). We use cathedral glass, wispy, and opalescent glass.