About half of my work over the years has been with churches, creating new windows, repairing old ones, and installing protective coverings.

New stained glass windows are a challenging way to make a living. We must meet with committees, collaborate on designs, create sketches, seek approval, find and select suitable materials, and present for final approval.

Designing is the most critical phase of the project. I’m working with a captive audience who will view them for generations, and it bears my name.

Restoration is almost always straightforward. You replace broken glass, solder broken joints, and clean up. For the most part, this is work that I consider boring and dirty.

The easiest method is to clean the stained glass first. The protective covering is precut and tempered, so all we have to do is install it, seal it with silicone, and leave a few places for small vents.

It has always concerned me that we make far more money installing protective coverings than on our new stained glass windows.

As I practice my “see the good” philosophy, I am grateful for the extra income, easy work, and the chance to breathe fresh air. I also feel good about helping preserve old windows and helping the church save on heating and cooling costs.

I’ve learned to see this as a nice balance. I can stay within my expertise, get exposure in my market, and feel good about my contribution to the art.