Frequently Asked Questions

Flameworking is a technique which uses a torch to melt rods of glass or tubing to form objects (beads, marbles, sculptures, etc).  The technique is sometimes referred to as "lampworking" because in the past the source of the flame was an oil or paraffin lamp with foot-powered bellows.

I use a technique called flameworking.  I use a torch to melt glass rods around a steel rod dipped in a release (to keep the glass from adhering to the steel). Most of my glass rods are from Murano, Italy (Effetre). Each bead is then decorated in the flame with layers of glass, stringers (thin lines of glass), latticinos (twisted glass rods), goldstone, foils, silver mesh, etc. I enjoy capturing these decorations in clear glass (called encasing) to give the design depth. After each bead is embellished, I slowly cool ("anneal") the bead in a computer-controlled kiln to remove the stress in the glass. Then each bead is hand cleaned to remove the bead release and assembled into the designs you see. 

I hear this question the most.  I say it takes more than 15 years  of experience working with glass plus 1/2-1 hour at the torch, plus time to cool (aka anneal) overnight in a kiln, then 15 minutes to remove and clean by hand.  This doesn't include any prep time making twisted cane (aka latticinos) or sliced cane (aka murrine), sandblasting, and other embellishments/techniques to be added. 

I am always looking for ideas and suggestions. If you see anything you'd like, but need it in another color, etc., I would be more than happy to work with you on a custom order. Please note that for custom orders over $30.00, I request a 20% nonrefundable deposit to begin your order to cover material costs. For more information, please contact me. 

I am now offering my items at wholesale prices to businesses. Orders must be 10 items or more.  For more details, please contact me.

I love to teach.  I have taught and demonstrated at The Corning Museum of Glass and various venues.  Currently I do not teach in my studio. However if you would like me to be an instructor/lecturer/etc. at your venue, please contact me. 

All non-custom orders require 2 business days for processing before being scheduled for shipping. Custom orders will be shipped when completed. Standard shipping is available anywhere in the United States via USPS.  If you need express shipping or any additional concerns and inquiries, please contact me.

Returns
If we have sent incorrect items in error, we will exchange them as soon as possible. To be eligible for a return, your item must be unused and in the same condition that you received it and in the original packaging. If an item is damaged in transit, please save all packing materials and contact us via phone or email upon receipt of order. Returns must be authorized and received within 30 days with a receipt. Customer agrees to pay reshipping costs for orders originally placed with incorrect or undeliverable addresses.

Refunds (if applicable)
Once your return is received and inspected, we will send you an email to notify you that we have received your returned item. We will also notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund.

If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days.

Late or missing refunds (if applicable)
If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again.
Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.

Next contact your bank. There is often some processing time before a refund is posted.
If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us at info@beckycongdon.com.

Sale items (if applicable)
Only regular priced items may be refunded, unfortunately sale items cannot be refunded.

Exchanges (if applicable)
We only replace items if they are defective or damaged. If you need to exchange it for the same item, send us an email at info@beckycongdon.com and send your item to: Rebecca Congdon, P.O Box 282, Honeoye NY 14471, United States.

Shipping
To return your product, you should mail your product to: Rebecca Congdon, P.O Box 282, Honeoye NY 14471, United States

You will be responsible for paying for your own shipping costs for returning your item. Shipping costs are non-refundable. If you receive a refund, the cost of return shipping will be deducted from your refund.

Depending on where you live, the time it may take for your exchanged product to reach you, may vary.

If you are shipping an item over $75, you should consider using a trackable shipping service or purchasing shipping insurance. We don’t guarantee that we will receive your returned item.

I currently do not sell & ship outside the U.S. directly from this website shop. If interested in a particular item(s), please contact me.