FAQ's

PICK UP

Do you offer free or contact-less pick up?

Yes! Simply email theglassbakery@gmail.com and I will process your order manually! You can pay via email money transfer (E-transfer) or credit card and collect from my studio shop in Mill Cove, Nova Scotia at a convenient time.

 

DELIVERY

How quick will you ship?

Most in stock pieces are shipped out to you within 2-3 business days or less. Any longer and I will email to let you know. For domestic shipping, delivery times via Canada Post and Courier are on average 2-7 days. 

 

GLASS

Will I get the bird/wood in the picture?

Sorry, no. The photos are representative of the bird but not the actual one. I've uploaded several pictures to the website to show some of the variation and uniqueness you can expect.

The birds are unique and handcrafted, and may vary slightly from that pictured. There may be minor variations in size, colour, colour saturation, vibrancy and shape. Please bear in mind too that glass will appear different depending on variables not limited to but including the time of day, how it is photographed, the amount and colour of natural or artificial light available etc.  Be reassured that overall the bird will be very similar to that pictured and you'll receive a unique, special, one of a kind bird! 

What are the small bubbles in my glass?

"Champagne Bubbles" are a common feature of fused glass. While glass artists take steps using production to avoid large bubbles or craters that may be unsightly, distracting or weaken the piece, small bubbles are inherent and can even be desired depending on your taste. Bubbles are also a personal aesthetic choice of the artist, who may also choose to create bubbles using chemical reactions or physical placement of glass components.

Many people find these small bubbles a desirable feature which adds to the uniqueness of the piece. The bubbles (if any) are often more visible on transparent or semi-opaque glass and also when the piece is held up to the light. Champagne Bubbles may not be present on every piece.

 

DRIFTWOOD

All the logs and driftwood perches are collected and cut by myself or family members. The Driftwood is collected from the shore of Atlantic Canada and is cleaned then air dried. The logs are hand-harvested, usually from our property as part of natural pruning and garden maintenance or trail maintenance. The logs are protected using a non-toxic (but not food-grade) preservative.

Driftwood perches are by nature all very different and will likely be different to the one photographed.

 

GLASS IN THE GARDEN

Can I put the birds outdoors?

The glass was designed for indoor use but with common sense, hanging birds and coasters can be used outside. The birds with wire legs and perches are best kept indoors in a wind and motion-free environment.  

Ensure that the glass doesn't receive hard impacts and avoid the glass experiencing rapid temperature extremes either inside or outdoors. Temperature changes need to be gradual or glass can break.

At the studio, my fused glass has been stored outside for many years successfully.

 

GIFT WRAPPING

Do you offer gift wrapping service?

Perched and hanging birds are usually shipped to your home in nests and Kraft Boxes. Branded card pouches are available upon request for hanging birds and from retails.

The birds are securely bundled up for the ride, cozy in their protective packaging! If your bird is a gift and you'd like me to add a personal message, simply add a note to your order. I will write your message on a 2"x2" square bird photo card.

Unless you ask, ordinarily, no receipt will be provided or placed with the order.

 

CUSTOM WORK

Do you create Custom Glass Art?

No. The bird collection is not customizable except for Memorial Glass which includes the addition of Cremated Remains. 

 

STUDIO

Where is the glass made? Can I see where you make the birds?

The birds are created in my home studio and fused in an electric glass kiln. The glass studio itself is not open to the public. However, weather and production schedule permitting, the outdoor studio shop will be open by arrangement and I'm happy to explain how fused glass is made. 

 

DOG FRIENDLY

Are dogs allowed? 

Yes, we're dog friendly! Your dog is welcome to visit the studio shop, though please note that the shop is small. Please also bear in mind that the studio does have two dogs present on site so please check to confirm that our dogs are safely in the house before letting your dog outside your vehicle - thank you!

 

I have a cat and I'm afraid he'll knock the bird over - what do you suggest?

There's a product called Museum Gel that is a clear, removable gel for holding down ornaments. It's great for adding a bit of resistance against clumsy or playful cats, wind motion or fingers! It can be purchased online fairly inexpensively. A little goes a long way and I've found it works well.

 

CARE AND HANDLING

How do I clean the glass?

Fused glass can be cleaned using either glass cleaning spray and a soft cloth, or in a gentle soap and warm water (not hotter than your ungloved hands can withstand). After washing, rinse the glass in lukewarm water. Avoid harsh or abrasive cloths. The birds legs can either air dry or be dried with a soft cloth. 

 

ENVIRONMENTAL CARE

Environmental Policy

The Glass Bakery strives to reduce the environmental footprint of creating birds.

Please visit my "Being Green" page for further information.

 

Charitable Giving

The Glass Bakery gives-back to selected Canadian registered dog charitable organisations through donations from retail sales and preferred payment methods (e-transfer).  There are two ways to participate and help The Glass Bakery fundraise for dogs:

1) purchase glass from either the Giving Back Collection. 

2) pay via E-transfer. When retail customers pay via E-transfer rather than credit card, I pay-it-forward by donating 1% of the pre-tax purchase price to a Canadian Dog Charity. The money is pooled and donated at the end of the year.  

Thank you!