Photo credit: David Glasofer, Image Up Studios

Often at the beginning of the commission process, my clients will ask me, "How long will it take you to make this?"  My answer is that often the longest part of the process is the design phase.  At that point, all the choices are being made-- we start with a black and white sketch to get the lines right.  Then the questions begin: how do the proportions look to you?  Is symmetry important?  Does it feel too busy?  How does the design of the piece look in relation to the style of your home?  After that, the next step is glass selection: what colors do you like? How much light will come through the window? Do the colors look right in this setting?  Should the glass be opaque or transparent?  Do you like texture? Although working through this takes time, it is a critical part of the process for me to be able to create a custom window exactly how you want it.  When the design is approved and the glass has been selected, I begin building the window with the knowledge that what I am making is completely unique for my client.  Every window is the result of a series of personal decisions about what looks best to them and that's what makes this so much fun.  This is the window for the couple in Stone Harbor that I blogged about on September 9 and will be delivering in a few weeks.  I love the design they worked with me to create-- including the painted numbers-- and the glass they chose.  We had sheets of glass spread out all over their kitchen and they were very thoughtful about their selections-- I think it came out beautifully.  I hope they do too!