All glass is hand-cut, foiled, soldered, and finished at my home studio.

However, stained glass is typically made with materials that contain lead. This is the traditional, common way of connecting glass pieces in art. Most of the pieces at Strangemilk Studio are made with a tin & lead alloy, while objects that are handled often (such as jewelry boxes, vanity trays, etc) are made with lead-free solder (silver, copper/tin alloys, occasionally zinc-based alloys, & etc). Assume pieces contain lead unless otherwise noted. 
 

The use of lead in this process poses very minimal risk to you, as a client, and is not harmful, unless ingested or inhaled. If you are truly worried about the lead content, you can certainly request a piece be made with lead-free solder for an extra fee.

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Glass is fragile and all pieces should be handled with care. Terrariums and vases are recommended for indoor use only.
 

The metals and finishes used in stained glass naturally oxidize over time. Each item is buffed with wax to slow down this process, but this is a natural occurrence and will happen over time. From time to time the solder will oxidize and leave a white substance on its surface. You can easily clean your new treasure with a wet cloth or Q-tip. Carnauba car wax or pledge is a great way to put the luster back into the solder as well. If you have a silver finish, you can use steel wool to clean off oxidation, then use carnauba wax or a silver polish. Do not use steel wool on an object that has been finished with a black or copper patina. This will remove the color.

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To clean the glass, make sure to use a non-ammonia-based household glass cleanser with a soft cloth and wipe gently. Do not clean stained glass with an abrasive material, vinegar, ammonia (Windex), or any acid-based cleanser, as these can destroy the solder that is holding the piece together over time.