I receive lots of questions about my glass and work. Have a scroll here to see if you can find an answer to your question or click a link to jump to a specific answer. Don’t see the answer you’re looking for? Drop me an email at divein@deepwatersglass.co.uk or via my Contact page and I’ll do my best to answer your query.

Ordering
How long does it take to make my order?
Do you take commissions?
Do you do memorial work with ashes?
Can you personalise my piece?
I want to buy something as a gift, can you send it directly to the recipient?

Looking after your glass
How do I care for my glass?
Can my glass go outside?
Will my glass fade?
I’ve broken my glass, what now?

Returning glass
I don’t like my glass, can I return it?
What should I do if my glass arrives broken?

Other services
Do you teach workshops?
Do you have a shop? can I come to your studio?
I have a vase/bowl/ornament that is broken, can you mend it?

I’m curious…
How long does glass need to be in the kiln?
How big are your kilns?
How did you learn to fuse glass?
Do you cut yourself?

Ordering

How long does it take to make my order?
This all depends on what you are having made, what processes it needs and how much other work is moving through the kilns. Estimated lead times are stated on the website but I will advise should this be different at time of ordering. 

Do you take commissions?
Yes, absolutely! Get in touch with your ideas and we’ll take it from there. I will provide sketches, a quote and pictures through the making process if you choose to go ahead. 

Do you do memorial work with ashes?
Yes I do. I work with both human and pet cremation ashes. As a widow and pet owner of many years I know just how hard these times can be. I only need a tiny amount of ashes to work with which you can send to me in a ziplock bag. I have a special place in my studio where I keep your treasured remains safe when they are with me and I return them to you when your piece is ready. 

I will work closely with you to ensure your piece is just as you want it. My main memorial items are glass landscapes and Rainbow Bridges, however, almost any piece can be adapted. Just get in touch. 

Can you personalise my piece?
Many items can be personalised, either with engraving or enamels. Please get in touch to discuss your requirements and costs. Please note there are no refunds on personalised pieces, see full personalisation Terms and Conditions. 

I want to buy something as a gift, can you send it directly to the recipient?
Yes I can. Please just get in touch with your requirements. 

Looking after your glass

How do I care for my glass?
Most pieces can be washed in warm soapy water or with a soft duster. Some tack fused pieces with copper may not be suitable to submerge but you will be advised upon purchase. Do not use abrasives. 

Can my glass go outside?
Absolutely, yes! I’ve had pieces outside through all weathers and they can look stunning with the sun shining through them. I do advise to bring them in if it’s particularly windy or icy. Glass doesn’t fade so is a perfect medium to be outside and brightens any space; courtyard, balcony, garden, etc.

Will my glass fade?
No! That’s the beauty of this medium. You can place it anywhere you like and the colours will still be as vibrant in 10yrs as they are the day you receive it. 

I’ve broken my glass, what now?
Do send me some pictures. I may be able to offer a mending service for a fee or advise on solutions. 

Returning glass

I don’t like my glass, can I return it?
I’d like to think you will love your glass but buying online does mean you haven’t seen your item in real life until it arrives. If you do not wish to keep your item simply return it to me within 14 days of receipt. Please read my full return and refund policy here, including broken items, sale items and bespoke or commissioned items.  

What should I do if my glass arrives broken?
In the rare instance an item arrives with you broken or damaged please contact me immediately by email. A replacement item or full refund will be arranged for you as soon as I have received the item back with me. Replacements are offered subject to availability. You will be responsible for the cost of return postage but I will refund you in full once I have received the item back. Please obtain proof of postage.

Other services

Do you teach workshops?
I offer occasional classes, taster sessions and workshops. My studio is too small to accommodate students so these sessions are hosted externally. You can check the Kits and Classes page of my website for any available dates. Alternatively, why not try a make at home kit if you can’t make it to a session.

Do you have a shop? Can I come to your studio?
I don’t have a physical shop. I carry a few items in stock and you are welcome to arrange a visit to my studio. I warn you, it is very small.

I have a vase/bowl/ornament that is broken, can you mend it?
I’m afraid I cannot mend other glass pieces in my kiln. They may have been made with a different method or using glass incompatible with the glass I use. I can suggest some excellent adhesives depending on application required if you wish. 

I’m curious…

How long does glass need to be in the kiln?
This is a bit of a complicated one and depends on the type of finish I want from the glass, how thick it is, which kiln I’m using, outside room temperature and more.

The simplest schedule is a full fuse, all glass melts together into a smooth whole. In my smaller kiln this takes approx 15-18hrs.
A simple tack fuse where lots of lovely texture is retained takes approx 20hrs.
A slump fuse to bend into shape into or over a mould is a bit longer.
A complex tack fuse of several layers and varying thicknesses can take 36hrs or even 48hrs+.
Some pieces may be a one and done, while others might need to go in the kiln 2, 3 or 4 times. 

How big are your kilns?
Bertha was my first kiln. Her shelf is 33x33cm. She’s about 50cm square but has legs extending far out the back to counterbalance the heavy lid when open.
Mavis is my larger kiln. Her shelf is 39x49cm. She’s approx 60x80cm.
Both kilns need a clearance of approx 30cm all around from any other surfaces, walls, etc. 

How did you learn to fuse glass?
You can read about my journey into glass making here.

Do you cut yourself?
Sometimes. I wear latex gloves most of the time and this guards against most nicks from small slivers on my workbench. I’m most likely to cut myself when cleaning glass so I wear cut proof gloves at these times.