Where can I find your work?
- We have an online Nutmeg Designs shop
- We have Open Studios a couple times a year. Sign up for our newsletter to get notifications.
How do I commission something not in your shop?
Commissions are a joy! We love the creativity that unfolds when working with our clients. Send us an email, or use our contact form below. Include what you think is important for us to know in addition to factors like
- mosaic or stained glass
- colors
- size
- substrate
- indoor vs. outdoor use
- when you need it by and
- what part of the world you live in.
Or if you just know you want to commission something, just not what, let us know. We are glad to help your vision unfold in conversation with us. Because we have free-range studios, every piece turns out differently. We are glad to do a piece in the style of something we have already created, but each has its own imprint of individuality. After clarifying any questions, we will send you a quote for the project or for a design fee if it’s necessary.
Do I need Margaret or Wayne or both?
We are a Dynamic Duo, but we each have our own body of work as well. If you’ve seen photos of our work, you may know you want
- Margaret Almon Mosaics with the intricate tiny pieces, and many levels
- Wayne Stratz Mosaics with the bigger curving pieces and a smooth surface
- Wayne Stratz is the maker of stained glass.
- Margaret and Wayne collaborative piece such as a House Number, Word or artwork.
How do you ship your work to clients?
- Within the United States, unless otherwise indicated, we use Priority Mail with Delivery Confirmation.
- Outside the US, unless otherwise indicated, we use International First Class.
- We take utmost care in packaging your Nutmeg Designs mosaic or stained glass in order for it to reach you safely. We’ve successfully sent work across the country, had it survive being thrown over a garden gate, and even sent work overseas.
How do I install a house number or outdoor sign?
INSTALLATION:
- Use stainless steel or brass screws, designed for your cladding. Masonry requires anchors.
- Place plaque at the level you wish to see it, and mark inside the holes with a pencil where you plan to drill.
- Drill pilot holes, and insert anchors(if masonry), then line your plaque’s predrilled holes with the pilot ones, and insert screws, hand tightening just until snug, and taking care not to put pressure on the slate. Rubber washers may be used to help cushion the contact points.
- Consult your local hardware store for guidance regarding type of screws, drill bits and rubber washers.
How do I care for my Nutmeg Designs Art?
- We use glass as our main material. Some pieces have multiple levels, and anything sticking up higher than the rest is more vulnerable to being dislodged. The edges on Margaret’s mosaics are fairly smooth by the time a mosaic is grouted, but be aware, as with anything bumpy, that they may catch on things. Wayne’s mosaics are usually a delightfully smooth surface, because of his mad stained glass grinder skills.
- Trivets: Glass is heat hardy, but please be gentle with the wooden frame. Do not submerse in water. Wipe clean with a damp cloth.
- House Numbers: We use water resistant glue, on slate, and the grout is sealed for stain resistance so you can use them outdoors. Of course, all mosaics are happier when sheltered and securely fastened. We strongly recommend that you affix slate numbers using masonry screws through the pre-drilled holes, tightening gently so as not to crack the slate. We can provide a leather strap, but wind is capricious.You can also take the plaque to a framer and then hang with a chain, in which case, if ordering by Etsy, request in the comments field that we leave out the holes, or send us an email. If you need to clean, please use a non-acidic product, but usually, cleaning is not needed.
- Mosaic Mandalas & Panels: Unless specifically commissioned for the outdoors, these are made to be used indoors, or sheltered on a porch. Swipe with a feather duster on occasion.
- Stained glass: Clean with glass cleaner. We recommend hanging from a hook rather than using suction cups, which can be unreliable. If you do opt for suction cups, check the seal regularly.
Do you repair stained glass?
In the Philadelphia suburbs:
Colors of Glass in Audubon, PA
Sources for finding those who repair and restore stained glass:
- Accredited Members of the Stained Glass Association of America
- The Preservation and. Repair of Historic Stained and Leaded Glass. Preservation Brief from the National Park Service
Do you teach classes in mosaic or stained glass?
Here are some places to find classes:
- Workshop Directory via Society of American Mosaic Artists (mostly US)
- Mosaic Artists Yahoo Group (join the group and then look in Links for Classes and Workshops)
- Mosaic Instruction Resource Page via Mosaic Art Supply
- Artists in Stained Glass Class Directory
- Schools and Programs with Glass Education via Glass Art Society
- Stained Glass Lessons at Colors of Glass in Audubon, PA