BUILDING PROCESS

Custom Window Design and Creation

Westport Trading Company’s custom stained glass windows are created with the traditional process that’s been used to make stained glass for hundreds of years. Stained glass artist Kip Trienens begins with the creation of a “cartoon,” a line drawing that creates a pattern for the design. Kip creates two cartoons, one to use as a master design element and one that is cut up in templates to guide the cutting of the individual glass pieces.

Kip hand cuts each glass piece and places it on the master layout. Working one piece at a time, Kip then begins to add each piece until the entire window is leaded. He then uses a glazing compound between the leading and glass to help strengthen and waterproof the stained glass window.

Depending on the complexity of the design, completion of a hand made stained glass window can take anywhere from a day to several weeks.