'Frequently asked questions' Anything else you wish to enquire about, please email or call thank you.

What is fusion / fused glass? Visit the studio or book one of our fused glass workshops! alt have a read of the following. . . .

Glass fusing or glass fusion is an old technique first invented hundreds of years ago - the original glass-shaping technique referred to as "fusing" was invented & originally found by Egyptians. Many types of glass or other suitable materials such as inclusions are used in the fusing process to create designs & shapes which are cut to size & then arranged & sometimes stacked while the glass is cold. The designs are then placed carefully in a kiln, which is slowly fired up to temperatures in the range of 900 - 1400 degrees Fahrenheit. At these high temperature's the glass turns to the consistency of toffee & the separate pieces of glass and materials will be fused together. Deborah's work can be in the kiln from 26 to 72hrs with processes added in between firing.

The next stage is to carefully anneal & slowly reduce the temperature of the kiln (the cooling phase). At the final phase you have a single piece of fused glass with the coloured glass design embedded. The next stage would be to slump the single piece of coloured & patterned fused glass into various shapes to form for example, panels, bowl's, sculptures & many more works of art. Great skill, patience & experience are required to create the glass forms into what the artist requires rather then letting the glass do what it wants.

Please note: Deborah doesn't use factory molds. She hand carves each mold from a formulated material, which then brakes down in the firing process. Even though she can replicate designs each one will have it's own unique qualities because of Deborah's ever expanding unique methods.

''it started but with a grain of sand, with colours and shapes bouncing in my mind - sand and ideas that's all it is, but it is one's hands that are the tools that create''

Terms and conditions.

Workshops & classes. Please read our cancellation / refund policy below.

Course booking confirmation is given by Deborah. Confirmation of your booking will be given along with course details & directions to the studio etc once a deposit has been paid. Fees can be paid by cash, cheque or securely by credit card. We accept all major credit cards and have facilities to accept payments via internet, phone or in person at the studio.
The following policy is only to protect you our clients, and course bookings which are important to us & to keep the classes running smoothly.

*For cancellations received 28 days in advance of course date - we offer a full refund or one free date change. Cancellations 14 days in advance will receive a 50% refund or one free date change. If we receive less than 14 days notice we are unable to offer a refund or date change on course places, sorry.  If a date change has been requested we cannot offer a refund on a subsequent cancellation.
If students book after 7 days prior to the course, where a space is still available, then payment in full is due immediately.

All tools & safety equipment necessary for the course are provided by the studio for use during the course. A organic lunch and refreshements are also provided unless otherwise stated.
 
In the unlikely event of a course being cancelled we will give you 7 days notice. You will be offered an alternative date, class or of course a full refund.
  
* Full refund is the deposit or total course fee paid.
 
Please inform the studio if you have any disabilities or special diets & we will do our best to accommodate you. Wheelchair access is able with our ramp by request.
 
*Student work can be collected 5 days after your course day or sometimes sooner! Work can be posted out at a cost of £10. All glass posted is at students own risk & we are not liable for breakage's although we do pack work very well & students are more than welcome to organise their own delivery/collection. Sorry but insurance is very high on glass items.
 
Please remember we are friendly and human and the above policies are only to protect both you and us. Any questions or if you need more information & help please do ask. We have a 100% customer service of which our testimonials testify.

 

Orders

When we receive your order it will be carefully packaged so it reaches you in perfect condition! We aim to get your order to you within 7 days if it is a national delivery. Overseas delivery times will be given on your order confirmation.

If you have a last minute gift to send, please call and request next day delivery. There is a v.small additional charge for this service which will be quoted to you prior to payment. The cut off time for this service is 2pm.We can also include a personalised gift card with your order and post onto the recipient - please give card inscription details and address on ordering.

Worldwide orders

Worldwide orders are invited with pleasure. We ship all over the world, America is a one of the most popular destinations for SZ designs.

Please email the item details your interested in and we will invoice you within 24hrs. Your invoice will inc additional charges for worldwide destinations - but we do keep our p+p charges to a minimum. Thank you.

Commissions and large orders .....p+p will be quoted prior to payment. All commissions, once samples, designs and completion dates have been agreed upon by both parties, will be liable to a  30% non refundable desposit will be due before work commences. Upon the completion date the remaining balance will be due in full on or before delivery or on collection. Any other arrangements must be made in writing by both the artist and client.

We have a 100% record of our items reaching our customers in perfect order.

What if my item arrives broken?

SZ will, with proof of breakage, replace any broken items within 28 days. We aim to give 100% customer satisfaction.

Wall art/sculptures...How can I mount them, and what with?

We always enclose an advice sheet with our work, giving care details as well as mounting tips. All canvases are ready to hang. We can provide professional chrome stand-offs or clips with our glass panels, but if you would like to display our work in any other way please do so but we do not take any responsibility for breakage's.

Remember, although our glass goes through a long computer controlled annealing process it is art glass, & NOT toughened unless stated and care must be taken. Although some designs can be toughened or laminated, so please ask for details.

Payment

Payment can be made by cash, cheque, debit or credit card. We accept card payments by phone or at the studio.

Commissions

We will be happy to discuss your designs however small or large! and answer any queries you may have to ensure that we provide you the best service and to ensure that you receive a beautiful piece of handmade fused glassware. Please call or e-mail with your request.

Returns

In the unlikely event you are not happy with your purchase please contact us within 7 working days. You will be requested to return your purchase in the same condition as you bought it.

Note: Sorry but we do not pay for return postage.

This does not affect your statutory rights

The Silver Zebra aims to give 100% customer satisfaction. We pride ourselves on our reputation.