FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

If you have a question that has not been addressed here, please contact Kristi.

GENERAL QUESTIONS

How can I submit a testimonial to appear on this website?

Your pictures and testimonials are most welcome and much appreciated! Pictures of customers and products in use are particularly a delight to receive. Contact Kristi to submit your testimonial. She will respond via email with instructions for submitting your picture, if you want to include one. Kristi will contact you by email when your testimonial appears on this website.

What is Helcim?

Helcim is a credit card payment processor similar to PayPal or Square. It accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, Apple Pay, and Google Pay credit or debit cards. You do not need a Helcim account to use it to pay for your orders on this website. See its website for details.

How and when will my order be shipped?

We use the United States Postal Service to ship most orders placed on this website. Most orders are shipped via Priority Mail which arrives in 1-3 days to most US locations. Orders are typically shipped within 1 business day of their receipt, unless they are custom orders that require order creation time.

ARTWORK

How will my artwork be packaged for shipment?

Prints and note cards will be shipped flat and packaged to prevent bending during shipping. Framed artwork will be packaged to help prevent damage during shipment. If glass is included in a framed picture, there is no guarantee that it will not break during shipment. If that unfortunate event happens, please purchase replacement glass locally. Most framed artwork is assembled in a manner that will allow for relatively easy removal and replacement of broken glass.

How are Cloisonne Critters created?

Each original in the Cloisonne Critters series features a three-dimensional acrylic painted “critter” mounted on a printed fabric background. The detail on the critter is enhanced with dimensional paint to produce a cloisonne effect. Critters are mounted under Plexiglas in a wood frame painted to match the color of the cloisonne “leading.”

What are encaustic paintings?

Encaustic works are made using melted wax. A variety of processes is represented, including dipping, melting on the surface support, tipping, blowing, and ironing.

How are prints made?

Prints are made using a high-resolution wide-format ink-jet printer and archival-quality ink. Most are printed on glossy photo paper, but some are printed on high-quality watercolor or ink jet paper.

What sizes are large and small prints?

Large prints contain the artwork nicely on a 13″ x 19″ size paper. Small prints contain the artwork as large as possible on 8.5″ x 11″ size paper.

How are note cards made?

Artwork is printed on glossy photo paper using a high-resolution ink-jet printer and archival-quality ink. These prints are mounted inside an embossed border on acid-free white 5″ x 6 7/8″ note cards that are blank inside. Matching envelopes are 5.25″ x 7.25″.

JEWELRY

What is UTEEite?

UTEEite gets its name much like Fordite does, though UTEEite is made of ultra thick embossing enamel (UTEE). See this link for more information about Fordite. UTEE stands for Ultra Thick Embossing Enamel. It comes in crystal form in various colors. The crystals are melted in one or more melting pots and then made into various jewelry components that solidify when cooled. Ingredients are added to make the essentially plastic UTEEite sturdier, so it is typically quite durable, but in its thinner shapes it can be snapped or broken if subjected to too much pressure or abrasion. All UTEEite components on this website have been created by Kristi Lyn Glass.

Does Kristi Lyn Glass make the beads used in her jewelry designs?

Kristi Lyn Glass has not yet ventured into glass bead making or kiln work. However, she does make UTEEite jewelry and pillbox components, and other components, such as faux dichroic glass and resin-filled bezels.

Can the attachments on purchased earrings be changed to another type prior to shipment?

Yes. This can be done at no charge if you add a note indicating your preference when you place your order. For example, ear wires may be replaced with clip-on attachments, or vice versa.

PILLBOXES

How are the pillboxes’ compartments accessed?

One-dose boxes have hinged lids; they are opened by pressing a latch on one side of the box. Other style boxes have a decorative top, typically made of glass, that is glued to the plastic base box. The entire box is turned over to open the individual compartments’ lids to gain access to the compartments’ contents.

Can locking pillboxes be made unlockable?

Most locking pillboxes compartment lids are unlocked by pressing a button on the end of the pillbox before opening a compartment lid. To make a locking pillbox unlocking, simply open all the compartment lids and pull the locking bar out of the end of the pillbox. This will remove the locking button, so the compartment lids may be opened without pressing a button first.

How may multi-dose boxes be used to accommodate different needs?

Regardless of the labels on the individual compartment lids, multi-dose boxes may be used in a variety of ways. For example, a 14-dose pillbox may be used to hold one dose per day for 14 days. It may also be used to hold morning and evening doses for a week. A 4-dose pillbox may be used to hold one dose a day for four days; two doses per day for two days; or morning, noon, evening, and bedtime doses for one day.

Are other sizes/shapes of pillbox base boxes available?

Contact Kristi to describe what kind of base box you require. Many other sizes/styles are available, though not all lend themselves to Kristi’s methods of embellishment. Kristi does not sell unembellished pillboxes.

How long does it take to create a custom pillbox?

If all components are in stock, a custom box can be created in 2-3 days. If components must be ordered, it can add a week or so to the creation time. Cure times of various components are also a factor. For example, it takes 24 hours for glue and enamel to cure; it takes 3 days for resin to cure.

Are pillboxes washable?

Pillboxes are designed to be totally immersible for cleaning. Use a mild soap and gentle scrubbing. Rinse and dry with a soft cloth. If your pillbox has rhinestoned or foiled embellishments, do not soak those embellishments for long, or the rhinestones might become loosened or unglued. Be especially gentle when scrubbing such embellishments.

What is jewelry quality resin?

Jewelry quality resin is a two-part epoxy-like material that is self-leveling/doming and dries clear. It is very durable and difficult to scratch. It may be tinted various colors and retain its transparency. Various inclusions, such as glitter or other components, may be embedded in or surrounded by the resin layer. Resin takes three days to cure before it can be put in an airtight container, for example, a shipping container.

What kind of enamel is used on some pillbox and UnderCover tops?

Special kinds of enamel paint are used to decorate some pillbox tops. The enamels mix in unpredictable ways to form unique and intriguing surface designs. Enamel layers are typically coated with a layer of resin for durability.

What should I do if an embellishment or top comes off my pillbox?

Although this very rarely happens, such malfunctions can usually be easily fixed. Extreme temperature changes or slowly curing glue can sometimes cause this to happen, particularly during shipping. Contact Kristi and explain your problem. She can usually provide a quick and easy solution.

What if my pillbox has scratches or imperfections?

Pillbox base boxes are made of plastic, which is scratch-resistant, but not scratch proof. Every effort has been made to prevent your pillbox from being scratched during its creation and shipment, but on rare occasions, a very minor scratch may occur, and the handling of shipped packages is beyond Kristi Lyn Glass control. The edges of the glass used on pillbox tops have been ground so they are not sharp enough to cut you, but sometimes minor chips on the edges of the glass do occur during the grinding process. Such chips are cosmetic in nature and will not affect product beauty or functionality. Stained glass surfaces often contain imperfections that occurred during the glass’ creation that are beyond Kristi’s control. While quality control is very important to Kristi, a tiny imperfection in an otherwise beautiful creation may be deemed insignificant enough to be attributed to the hand-made nature of the product and its creation process, especially if a similar defect could occur during subsequent use of the product. If any product defect is a serious concern of yours, please contact Kristi to resolve the problem. Your happiness and satisfaction is very important!

UNDERCOVERS

How are the contents of an UnderCover accessed?

Simply lift the UnderCover upwards to access its contents, which are either stuffed inside the box or sitting on the surface under it.

How do I care for my UnderCover?

UnderCovers are designed to be fully immersible in water for cleaning. Clean gently with water and mild soap and dry with a soft cloth. If your UnderCover has rhinestoned or foiled embellishments, do not soak those embellishments for long, or the rhinestones might become loosened or unglued. Be especially gentle when scrubbing such embellishments. UnderCover cubes are made of acrylic, which is scratch-resistant, but sharp objects can scratch the acrylic surfaces, so handle and use them accordingly to prevent scratches. Black UnderCovers will show fingerprints more than white ones, but they can be easily removed with a soft damp cloth.

What if my UnderCover has scratches or imperfections?

UnderCovers are made of acrylic and glass, which are scratch-resistant, but not scratch proof. Every effort has been made to prevent your UnderCover from being scratched during its creation and shipment, but on rare occasions, a very minor scratch may occur, and the handling of shipped packages is beyond Kristi Lyn Glass control. The edges of the glass used on UnderCover tops have been ground so they are not sharp enough to cut you, but sometimes minor chips on the edges of the glass do occur during the grinding process. Such chips are cosmetic in nature and will not affect product beauty or functionality. Stained glass surfaces often contain imperfections that occurred during the glass’ creation that are beyond Kristi’s control. While quality control is very important to Kristi, a tiny imperfection in an otherwise beautiful creation may be deemed insignificant enough to be attributed to the hand-made nature of the product and its creation process, especially if a similar defect could occur during subsequent use of the product. If any product defect is a serious concern of yours, please contact Kristi to resolve the problem. Your happiness and satisfaction is very important!

What should I do if an embellishment or top comes off my UnderCover?

Although this very rarely happens, such malfunctions can usually be easily fixed. Extreme temperature changes or slowly curing glue can sometimes cause this to happen, particularly during shipping. Contact Kristi and explain your problem. She can usually provide a quick and easy solution.

What will fit inside an UnderCover?

Anything that will fit inside a 4.25″ x 4.25″ x 4.25″ space will typically fit inside an UnderCover. A typical roll of toilet paper fits just fine. Although Kristi initially created UnderCovers to hide denture/retainer cleaning/storage boxes and related supplies, they may also be used to hide snore guards, night guards, braces, and a wide variety of other items. See this blog post for many innovative and creative ideas for other UnderCover uses.

PRAYER BEADS

What are Protestant  prayer beads?

Protestant prayer beads are similar to a Catholic Rosary, but for Protestants to use during prayer. Unlike the Catholic Rosary, which has a set pattern for its use, Protestant prayer beads may be used any way that feels right for you.

How do Protestant prayer beads differ from a Catholic Rosary?

A Catholic Rosary is designed with the appropriate number of larger and smaller beads arranged in a pattern that will accompany the single prescribed prayer for its use. Protestant prayer beads have a simple combination of four sets of seven beads, separated by larger Cruciform beads. Protestant prayer beads may be used in a wide variety of ways, utilizing many different prayer formats, all at the user’s discretion. The general purpose of Protestant prayer beads is to enhance and organize one’s prayer time and meditative communication with God.

What is the difference between Protestant and Anglican prayer beads?

There is no difference between Protestant and Anglican prayer beads. “Anglican” is associated with the Church of England and the Episcopal church. Protestant prayer beads were first popular among Anglicans and Episcopalians, so they were first called “Anglican prayer beads.” Although Anglicans and Episcopalians may use Protestant prayer beads, all non-Catholics (even those who are not Christians) may be interested in using Protestant prayer beads. They are called “Protestant prayer beads” to distinguish them from the Catholic rosary. They could be thought of as “non-Catholic prayer beads.” In  mid-2022, Kristi Lyn Glass decided to eliminate any confusion between “Anglican” and “Protestant” prayer beads by replacing “Anglican” with “Protestant” in  her prayer bead product descriptions, publicity, and blog posts.

What is the specific bead layout for Protestant prayer beads?

The circlet of Protestant prayer beads has four sections containing seven medium-sized “week” beads. Each section is separated by a larger, “Cruciform” bead. The circle begins and ends at the tail, which contains another of the medium-sized beads (which may be used as a Resurrection/listening bead), an invitatory Cruciform bead, and a cross or other symbolic pendant

What is a chaplet?

A chaplet is an abbreviated set of Protestant prayer beads. When Protestant prayer beads are created in chaplet form, they typically contain a pendant/cross followed by a Cruciform bead, a Resurrection/Listening bead, another Cruciform bead, seven Week beads, and a final Cruciform bead. They may be used for prayers similar to those used on a full set of Protestant prayer beads by repeating the use of the Week beads as many times as desired before exiting the strand toward the cross/pendant. Chaplets may also be kept in your pocket or attached (in either loop or clipped form) to your purse, belt loop, back pack, or rear view mirror for handy use or as beautiful statements of faith.

What is included with a prayer bead or chaplet purchase?

You will receive the purchased prayer beads or chaplet plus a velvet storage pouch, a lifetime restringing guarantee, a 20-page full-color booklet created by Kristi Lyn Glass describing the beads’ pattern, history, and use, and containing eleven sample prayers that may be used with the prayer beads. If you order more than one chaplet or set of prayer beads, you will receive a booklet and storage pouch for each item purchased. For example, if you order a chaplet and a set of prayer beads, you will receive two storage pouches and two booklets with your order.

My prayer beads became unstrung. What can I do?

All prayer bead and chaplet purchases come with a restringing guarantee. Simply return all the prayer bead or chaplet components (using a shipment method that provides tracking service) to Kristi Lyn Glass for free restringing. Provide your return shipping address, and send your shipment to: Prayer Bead Restringing Request, Kristi Lyn Glass, PO Box 281630, Lamoille, NV  89828.

If you are missing any of the prayer bead or chaplet components, contact Kristi before returning the rest of the components for restringing. Provide your name (and the name of the purchaser, if a gift), a description of your prayer beads and the missing component(s), and your approximate order date (if known) so she can determine whether the missing components are still available. Most prayer beads and chaplets are unique creations, but if replacement components are not in stock and can be acquired, you will be sent a Helcim invoice for their cost (including shipping of the new components to Kristi from the manufacturer). Once that invoice has been paid, you may return your prayer beads for restringing. Kristi Lyn Glass will pay for the repaired item(s) to be shipped back to you.

How do I clean my prayer beads?

Regularly clean prayer beads or chaplets by immersing them in soapy water and gently scrubbing them with a soft toothbrush. Pay particular attention to the areas between the beads. If your prayer beads contain glued-on rhinestones, do not soak them for long, or you might dissolve the glue and/or loosen the rhinestones. Be especially careful and gentle when scrubbing rhinestoned, foiled, or non-glass parts of your prayer beads or chaplets.

STEEDBEADS

How do I measure my horse for SteedBeads Rhythm Beads?

Use a flexible tape measure or a piece of string to measure the distance around your horse’s neck where the SteedBeads will sit, and provide the length in inches. The beads should lie comfortably on the horse’s shoulder (the drive line) and fit comfortably just in front of the withers. The SteedBeads should cross the chest area where they will not interfere with tack, such as a breastplate. SteedBeads come with an adjustment clip that allows them to be shortened, if required, but they cannot be lengthened. Therefore, order a length that is slightly longer than needed, rather than the exact size. If you use a breast plate or martingale, choose a Rhythm Beads length that will either hang above or outside your tack. If your Rhythm Beads get trapped under your martingale or breast plate, don’t fret. They are not likely to hurt your horse if this happens, but the SteedBeads may suffer due to dirt and abrasion in this position. Adjusting the length usually will help avoid this situation.

How do I adjust the length of my SteedBeads Rhythm Beads?

You may shorten your Rhythm Beads, but not lengthen them. To do this, simply remove the adjustment clip and reposition it between two beads to achieve the length you prefer. This may result in an excess set of beads between the clip and the fuse, but this will usually not impair the Rhythm Beads’ functionality.

How do I fasten the SteedBeads Rhythm Beads around my horse’s neck?

Each set of SteedBeads Rhythm Beads has a “fuse” loop that must be part of the loop the Rhythm Beads make around your horse’s neck. This fuse is designed to break before the cord on which the beads are strung, because the cord has a 500+ lb. breaking strength. If your Rhythm Beads should catch on heavy brush, for example, the fuse should break and the Rhythm Beads will either fall intact to the ground or stay clipped to your horse’s mane with the alligator clamp that is at one end of the Rhythm Beads. To put the SteedBeads on your horse, position the clamp end on the horse’s off (right) side, bring the strand around the neck and clip the adjustment clip to the metal ring attached to the fuse. Then clamp the alligator clip to your horse’s mane to keep the Rhythm Beads from rotating or slipping down your horse’s neck when he/she puts his/her head down. Note that your pendant is positioned to face outward when the alligator clip end of the Rhythm Beads is on the horse’s off (right) side.

How should I introduce my horse to SteedBeads products?

As good horse sense suggests, introduce rhythm beads and other SteedBeads products sensibly to your horse, and do not ask your horse to wear them when riding through heavy brush. SteedBeads products should not be left on an unattended horse, and Kristi Lyn Glass is not responsible for any injuries that may result from their use. We recommend introducing them to your horse initially without a rider aboard, to determine your horse’s reaction to the bell sounds. Most horses find SteedBeads products bells to be much more soothing than startling.

How do I replace a broken fuse?

Your SteedBeads Rhythm Beads came with a set of two extra fuses; they were taped to the product’s hang tag. If you lost the tag or the fuses, do not panic; you may use about 6″ of 10 lb. test monofilament fishing line as a replacement fuse. If you have retained the split ring, which should still be attached to the adjustment clip, remove it from the adjustment clip. Thread the fuse through the ring and then line up the two ends of the fuse next to each other. Holding the ends of the fuse in one hand and the split ring in the other, make an overhand knot in the fuse so that a loop about 1.5″ long (containing the ring) is on one end of the fuse. Wrap the tail ends of the fuse around the knotted end of the Rhythm Beads between the know and the first bead. Tie the fuse in this position with a square knot. Thread the tail ends of the fuse through the beads and secure the tail ends with a dot of super glue. If you have lost the split ring, you may complete the above steps without it and simply clip the adjustment clip directly to the fuse. This arrangement may be more difficult to clip and unclip the Rhythm Beads to your horse, and it may shorten the life of the fuse to do so, so you may wish to leave the adjustment clip clipped to the fuse and simply put on and remove the beads by slipping them over your horse’s head.

How long does it take to make custom SteedBeads products?

If all components are in stock, custom SteedBeads products can be created in a few hours. If components need to be ordered, it can add a week or so to the creation time.

Can different pendants be used instead of those in stock?

A wide variety of pendant options is available. Kristi sometimes incorporates non-stock components, such as metal tags or faux leather tassels, into her readymade SteedBeads products. These items are typically only available in small quantities. If you would like a non-stock pendant or something you have seen in a readymade SteedBeads product incorporated in your custom SteedBeads product, contact Kristi to specify what you are seeking. She will e-mail you pictures of various possibilities from which you may choose. Keep in mind that non-stock components may increase the cost of your SteedBeads. You will be provided with a cost estimate and sent an invoice via Helcim for any additional cost incurred.

Can SteedBeads be created using glass and/or stone beads?

Durable plastic or metal components have been chosen for SteedBeads as a safety precaution should your SteedBeads somehow wind up in your horse’s mouth. However, if you think this possibility is unlikely with your horse and situation, custom SteedBeads can be created with glass and/or stone beads. Such beads typically have smaller hole sizes, so such SteedBeads may have to be strung on a smaller diameter cord. Glass and/or stone beads are breakable and more costly, but if you are willing to pay more and risk losing your investment through breakage or loss, a custom set can be made to your specifications. A cost estimate will be provided by e-mail prior to requesting payment via Helcim. Contact Kristi.

What do the different types of bells sound like?

Each type of bell has a different sound, which is hard to describe! However, in general terms, the larger bells have the loudest, sharpest sound. The other bells may be ranked in this order from louder to softer tones: Almond brass bells, large round brass or chromed temple bells, jingle bells, round brass or chromed temple bells, temple bells, small temple bells. Call if you would like Kristi to jingle the various bells over the phone so you can hear how each type sounds.

Which types of bells are the most durable?

Brass or chromed brass bells are more durable than jingle bells.

How long will my SteedBeads products last?

Although SteedBeads product components are chosen for their long-term durability, SteedBeads products won’t last forever. Attention to their care and cleaning will enhance their beauty and prolong their useful life.

How do I care for my SteedBeads products?

As you know, horses get dirty, and so will your SteedBeads products. Some fly sprays will affect the colors on some components, so minimize fly spray contact on your SteedBeads products. In most cases, you can clean your SteedBeads products by rinsing them with water and hanging them to dry thoroughly. For stubborn dirt and/or fly spray buildup, scrub your SteedBeads products gently with a soft toothbrush and mild detergent, then rinse them with clear water and hang them to dry. Unlike real leather tassels, faux leather tassels may be gently hand washed to remove dirt and sweat. We do not recommend full immersion of the tassels in water, as that may affect the glue that connects the tassels to their metal caps. If tassels get wet and dry crooked or bent, rewet the faux leather and straighten the strips, allowing them to dry straight. The faux leather tassels are still being use tested, so if you experience any problems with them, please contact Kristi.

How do I get my horse’s picture on the SteedBeads Testimonials page?

Your pictures and testimonials are most welcome and much appreciated! Contact Kristi to submit your testimonial. She will respond via email with instructions for submitting your picture. Kristi will contact you by email when your testimonial appears on this website.