Stained Glass in Odesa: Techniques and How to Order

Stained glass in Odesa is ordered in four main techniques: Tiffany, film stained glass, glass painting and fusing. They differ in how they are made, how they look and what they cost. An order starts with discussing the task and a sketch, and the price is given after the sketch is approved and the glass is chosen.

Key points

• The technique determines how the stained glass looks, where it can be installed and how much handwork it takes.
• In Tiffany stained glass every piece is cut from glass by hand, ground, wrapped in copper foil and soldered.
• Film stained glass imitates the Tiffany technique: coloured films and lead strips are applied to a whole sheet of glass.
• In fusing the glass is fused in a kiln, so there are no metal joints between the pieces.
• The exact cost is given after the sketch and the choice of glass; work starts after an advance payment.

What kinds of stained glass are there?

Custom stained glass is made in several techniques, each with its own principle. It determines how the finished piece looks, how much handwork it takes and where it is best installed.

Tiffany stained glass. The classic technique: the artist draws a sketch and a template, and the craftsman cuts each piece from coloured glass, grinds it, wraps it in copper foil and solders it to its neighbours. The more detailed the design, the more pieces and work.

Film stained glass. Coloured decorative films and lead strips imitating solder lines are applied to a single sheet of glass. It looks similar to Tiffany but is not assembled from separate pieces.

Glass painting. The design is painted onto the glass by hand.

Fusing. Pieces of glass are laid on a base and fused in a kiln, so the piece has no metal joints between the glass.

Glass mosaic. The image is assembled from small pieces of glass, as a panel or wall decoration.

Dim Skla is a stained glass and glass workshop in Odesa, Ukraine: an art studio and a glass production facility. The workshop’s art studio works in all of these techniques.

How do the techniques differ?

The main difference is the way they are made, and that determines the look, where they are used and the cost.

In any technique the price depends on the amount of handwork. If the budget is limited, say so at the start: the cost can be reduced by using fewer pieces or replacing some of the glass with a more affordable type. We explain what drives the price of Tiffany stained glass in a separate article.

Where is stained glass used in an interior?

Stained glass is installed where there is light: it comes alive when light passes through the glass. It is most often ordered for these places.

• Windows. Stained glass changes the light in a room and hides the view when needed.
• Doors. An interior door with stained glass becomes a decorative feature in its own right.
• Ceilings. A stained glass ceiling is a large order that is planned together with the structure and lighting.
• Kitchen fronts. Stained or decorative glass in cabinet doors.
• Walls and niches. Glass mosaic and panels.

The workshop’s pieces are installed in public and government buildings, cathedrals, churches and private homes in different parts of Ukraine.

How to choose a technique?

A technique is chosen by answering a few questions: where the stained glass will be, how light will fall on it, what style is needed and what the budget is. It helps to prepare the answers in advance.

1. Location. A window, door, ceiling or wall: this determines the size, structure and fixing method.
2. Conditions. If the piece will be in a humid room or next to a stove, discuss it with the workshop before choosing the technique.
3. Style. A classic interior, art nouveau or modern minimalism: the same technique can look very different depending on the design.
4. Budget. Name it straight away, and the artist will suggest a solution that fits it.
5. Examples. Collect photos of stained glass you like and photograph the place where the piece will go.

If you are not sure, that is fine: the technique is chosen together with the artist once the location, design and budget are clear.

How does a stained glass order work?

An order goes step by step, and the price is given only once the design and glass are clear. The workshop’s process is:

1. Discussing the task; if needed, the artist visits the site.
2. Sketches and approval of the sketch. A sketch takes from a few days to a month depending on complexity.
3. Choosing the glass. The workshop uses glass from European and American manufacturers and its own glass made in a fusing kiln.
4. Cost estimate.
5. Advance payment.
6. Making the stained glass.
7. Acceptance of the work by the client.

Dim Skla ships across Ukraine and abroad, so you can order stained glass without coming to Odesa.

FAQ

How much does custom stained glass cost in Odesa?

There is no fixed price: the cost depends on the technique, size, number of pieces, chosen glass and installation. The exact amount is given after the sketch is approved and the glass is chosen.

Can I order stained glass to my own sketch?

Yes. The workshop makes original stained glass to a sketch for each specific order.

Does the artist visit the site?

If needed, yes: a site visit is part of the workshop’s order process.

Can I order stained glass from another city or country?

Yes. The workshop ships across Ukraine and abroad. For a remote order, prepare the dimensions, photos of the installation site and examples of stained glass you like.

To discuss your stained glass, call +380 67 783 40 89 or message us on WhatsApp. The workshop is in Odesa: Mykolaivska Doroha 253, Prodmash plant. Discuss your order