Sept. 4, 2026 • Days To Remember with Critters and Columbines
Hello September! This is a fun month of murrini as it has a lot of variety. Some Fall colors, a few Christmas and blue requests, with some critters sprinkled in! How could you not love that??
It's a transitional month here in southern Illinois, with hot and humid days trying to linger, but occasionally we get peeks of cooler temps (which to me means mountains). That gave me this fun project idea! I have to admit, I'm the worst at remembering the birth dates of my family and friends. I still have a sad heart when I think back on the day I forgot my friend Tricia's birthday and we were even on vacation together! So I made this project to hang in my workshop and help me remember (Anniversaries are not on here, so those will still be hit or miss for me 😂)
Step by step instructions to this easy-to-make project are a bit later in the blog.
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Housekeeping Notes:
All my murrini are COE 96 and made with Oceanside fusible glass. These will go on sale tomorrow, Saturday, September 5, at NOON Central time. When new items post on my website, sometimes they don't all appear at once, so remember to refresh your screen more than once.
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This month's murrini: I'll have them in order from the wintry Deep Aqua and White beauties that will match last month's colors, the last of the Fall/Christmas murrini for the season, critters, ocean murrini, and finally the murrini used to make this month's project!
Winter Duo
As a followup to last month's Deep Aqua Trio, this duo will blend perfectly with them. These two designs are pretty versatile! The flat-end petal can be placed around a pre-fused dot or circle of frit to make a beautiful daisy, but also they can be a bud or placed under a half circle to be a Coneflower. The two-toned leaves can be used as leaves, petals of a spikey flower, arranged to be a little floral arrangement as seen in the photo below, and more!
Note: the flat-end petal will also be sold as a single design with mixed sizes in it, but the two-toned leaf had a pesky air pocket in a part of the pull and will be sold as a 2nd in a multi-sized package. Still beautifully usable, but not quite perfect enough to be sold at full price. 😉 Remember, all 2nds are found on the last page of my listings near the Gift Card.
Here they are shown in more of a contour fuse with natural light coming through. The flat-end petals are around a 1/2 inch pre-fused deep Aqua dot.
Deep Aqua Butterflies
Due to lots of requests, I got these pretty butterflies remade for you again this month. They are created with Oceanside's beautiful blues, white, and transparent Deep Aqua.
This is a TACK fuse murrini so the exterior stays intact. Remember, you can always fuse your project again if your tack fuse is too light, however, you can't undo over-fused. 😉 For help in snipping this tricky design, see my Tips and Tutorials section for help in nipping these. I have found that when I try snipping off the end or trying to get them too thin, they don't behave well. So I moved to the "half in half" technique, which is also found in the Tips and Tutorials section.
Transparent Blue Snowflakes
Hard to photograph, but easy to love, these transparent Deep Aqua Snowflakes are pretty spectacular from a light tack fuse to a full fuse! With them being transparent, they'll need to be fused onto a clear or light background. This month's blue snowflakes are packaged as singles and are multi-sized packages, with a mix of larger and smaller canes in them. Keep in mind these will react if fused onto Vanilla Cream.
Multi-size Snowflakes
Multi-size Snowflakes are back per usual they are packaged as multi-sized because I love the way different sizes look in a snow scene. I like them tack fused to fully fused. They are also the bomb flip and fused. They look best when fully fused on clear, so the outer clear of the snowflake blends in seamlessly with the background. They are also cool fully fused on a dark or black square (like flip and fuse only stopping after the first full fuse) which makes for beautiful earrings or buttons.
Yellow Roses
I had a request for more yellow roses. I tried to make them on the larger side so they are nice and big to Flip and Fuse!
I know I talk quite a bit about the Flip and Fuse technique, but if you are new to my blog, check out the July 4, 2026 blog for a peek at these roses being flip and fused. I also have information on this technique in the Tips and Tutorials section of my website.
Variegated Oak Leaf
These interesting leaves are on the larger side and have a beautiful variegated stripes between each vein. I recommend a tack fuse to retain the outer frilly design. They are a little bit tricky to cut, so I recommend not trying to get them too thin and using sharp wheeled nippers. They'll make a little bit of a crunchy sound when being snipped, but that's normal, similar to the holly leaf!
Pine Cones
Back again are these beautiful little pine cones. This is a definite tack fuse murrini, so the inside design does not pull inward and distort. Sizes may vary within each package.
Christmas Blossom
This is one of my most requested remakes. The inside is Vanilla Cream, surrounded by an Amazon Green layer. Even at a full fuse, there will not be a dark reaction between these two colors. Beautiful at any fusing temperature.
Santa Bellies
I pulled this batch on the larger side for those wanting to Flip and Fuse them! Sizes in each package still may vary slightly, but there will be more larger sizes than smaller sizes in each ounce.
Here are some of the different ways I experimented with them. Left to right:
Snipped from the cane
A 4-5mm piece fully fused into a dot
Flip and fused on 2mm
Flip and fused on 3mm
Flip and fused then flattened
Flattened.
Bees!
Bees are back, but this time with two size options! I had a request for tiny bees, so I'll have them available in a larger bee (two bees and four wings per 1oz package) then a separate option of Itty Bitty Bees (four to five bees with eight to ten wings per 1oz+ package). Each package will come with bee heads as well. Like we talked about last time I had bees, I flipped the heads to be on the rounded side of be the bee (and it has a little black pointed booty 🤭). Lisa made sure to package bee heads according to the size of the body, so you might see different sized heads in your package.
The above photo gives you an idea of the size difference between the two. The Itty Bitty Bee was packaged with wings slightly smaller than the ones in the photo.
And shown with a dime for size reference, too.
Ladybugs (multi-size)
Our sweet girls are back and per usual, will be sold in a multi-size package to fit all your project needs! I prefer to keep the Ladybugs at a lighter tack fuse so her little dots stay in place.
Hazel Critter Eyes (mixed sizes)
Critter eyes are back and will be sold as mixed sizes. None are huge and none are tinies, but there will be a variety of sizes within each package. As my pull went on, it decided to get a bit off-center, so keep an eye out next month (October) and I'll have a nice selection of 2nds for you.
Frog Eyes
Another request was for more Frog Eyes. These cuties make me smile. I prefer them at a tack fuse so they retain the pointed design. I created these back in October of 2025 if you wanted to pop back to that blog and check them out, but here is a little part of that project that just makes me smile 👇🏼
Ribbit. 😂 Note: the "old" way I did my bees with the head at the point. Now that I've switched the way I put them together on my projects (thanks to a sweet artist that showed me the way she did it) the black heads will be a bit larger in each package.
Antennae
It is hard to photograph this one! The canes will look black until you snip off a slice and then you'll see the sweet little antennae inside the clear! If you fully fuse an antennae onto clear, the outer design will disappear, which is fun. The photo insert on the above photo shows pre-fused dots lined up and the antennae on the top to create an instant caterpillar! (Stay tuned for my October drop which will have Twisties that will make the cutest dots for caterpillars!)
Sizes will be mixed within each package.
Ocean Mix
In this little Ocean Mix, you'll find one each of the Seashell, Starfish, Sand Dollar, Striped Fish with a Tail, and one each of the Jellyfish! The Jellyfish and Starfish are wonderful at any fusing temperature, but I do recommend a very light tack fuse on the Seashell, Sand Dollar and Fish.
Jellyfish Duo
The Jellyfish will come as a DUO this month. The sizes will vary within each package but overall these pulls were a bit on the regular to larger side. This murrini is great at all temperatures. I love how the legs become very dimensional in a full fuse.
Sand Dollar (note the design this time)
This murrini is a bit complex to set up and I was concentrating really hard on it. When I was finished and had it in the vitrigraph to pull the next day, in the middle of the night I realized I put a little line of clear all the way around the inner design instead of just three like is found in nature. So these are a bit unique in that respect, but still look adorable like this. Also, another thing to note is sometimes the leg of the inner design may be closer to the edge. If that is the case, you'll want to tack fuse it. In a full fuse, a murrini with a leg closer to the edge may leave an unwanted line in the design when the outer edge spreads out. Sizes will vary in each package.
Starfish
I like experimenting with the colors of the starfish and this time it ended up being quite unique! I used Almond and Lilac, with a few other colors, but ended up with a very "sandy" look to it, which is perfect for our Ocean scenes. The cool thing about this design is it is great at a light tack fuse for an "as-is" look with its fun arms. However, in a full fuse, the inside shrinks inward and the sides spread out, giving the legs a striped look. I'm always amazed at this one at a full fuse. So many fun ways to use it!
Seashells
I also like to experiment with the colors of the seashells! This time I used Lilac and some Oceanside PINK! The Lilac trumped the main look of the shell, but it's gorgeous nonetheless! This is absolutely a TACK FUSE murrini. It just isn't the same if you lose the little frilly top part of the shell.
A Fishy Duo
I'd say these fellas are nothing but trouble! 😜 One fella has a pointed booty and one has a flat booty! They will come with tails that you will slide up to the end of the body to complete this two-part fish. I like to snip my tails on the thinner side (think hockey puck) so they sit nice and flat. If your tail looks like it isn't snuggling up as close as you'd like, flip it over and that usually resolves the problem as sometimes it's just an angle issue. You can tack fuse to fully fuse these guys, but if you fully fuse, it will become really rounded. I'll have a sample of this in the fully fused test pieces found a bit later in the blog.
Funky Hearts (mixed sizes)
When I'm pulling Fish Tails, I always end up with a big variety of sizes. So the ones that don't make it as a fish tail are then available as beautifully funky hearts! Each package will have a larger one and several tinies, along with a variety of sizes in-between. You will want to tack fuse these to keep them heart shaped.
Mountains
Mountains are back and will be packaged with a slight variety of sizes from smaller to larger. Tack fuse these cuties to retain the pointed peak.
Baby Blues
This batch of Baby Blue Blossoms have a little bit of a pointier petal than some of the past batches. They are fun and have a bit more character. Tack fused to fully fused, these millefiore are perfect at any temperature.
Celadon Columbines
Gotta say I'm LOVING the Columbine made out of Celadon. It's my first time making them this color, but it certainly won't be the last. Each package will have a full two-inch "flower center" cane (in the past there was only a half cane in each package). I still recommend snipping the center cane as thin as you can, and you should have lots left over for other projects! If you are new to the Columbine, please take a minute to watch this video on how I recommend putting them together.
Fusing this flower in TWO STEPS will make the process much easier and is worth the extra time for a more predictable end result.
Hydrangea Columbines
I'll also have the traditional blue Columbine kits as well. They are such a lovely flower and a joy to work with. Once you do the first fusing step (see video above for that info) you can then fuse them onto another project or fuse them together as a stand-alone flower and use for jewelry, a small magnet and much more!
Flower Centers
Each time I make Columbines, I'm asked if I would sell the centers by themselves. I don't have too many packages available, but in the packages that I have, there will be one or two larger center canes, then the rest are on the smaller side.
Grey Flat-end Daisy Petals (multi-size)
This very simple design can make the most spectacular flower! Place the flat end of each petal against a pre-fused dot to make a gorgeous big daisy, place two or three under a pre-fused dot you've snipped in half to make a coneflower, or use it as a bud in a garden scene. So many fun options. Each package will be multi-sized canes ranging from larger to smaller to give you lots of flower options. The inset photo show the flat ends with a pre-fused dot placed on TOP of the petals as another option design.
Sunflower Yellow Flat-end Daisy Petals (multi-size)
Like the grey version, this simple-yet-versatile murrini has so many fun options. Each package will be multi-sized canes ranging from larger to smaller to give you lots of flower and design options. The inset photo shows the Flat-end Petal with a pre-fused dot on TOP instead of the flat ends touching the outside of the dot. Another fun option to play with!
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SECONDS Two Toned White/Aqua Slender Petal
It's almost impossible to see in this photo, but most of this batch of slender two-toned petals had a couple of pesky air holes in them. They'll be packaged in a heavier 1.5+oz. package and priced at just 1oz (as 2nds) even tho they will still fuse beautifully. Enjoy them!
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This month's fully fused test pieces:
I test a murrini from each pull by fully fusing on clear, then view them under polarizing filters to make sure there are no surprises as far as excess tension or compatibility issues after the pulling process. This also allows us an opportunity to peek at each murrini after a full fuse.
The above image shows this month's murrini fully fused. Some are spectacular at a full fuse, and others lose their intended exterior design and are best at a light tack fuse.
The above image shows all the murrini at a light tack fuse. As you can see, the murrini remain "as-is" as far as the outer design remaining intact.
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This month's project:
Days to Remember!
Like I mentioned earlier in the blog, I'm the worst at remembering names, birthdays, and so many important dates. When I saw this cute idea on Amazon, I thought it would be wonderful and artsy way to jog my memory on the birthdays of my friends and family! So my idea was to swap the wooden name tags for glass ones and add in some flowers for a splash of fun! Of course I love anything mountains and it just so happened that this particular birthday calendar (there are tons to choose from) had not only mountains, but was filled with colors that perfectly matched Oceanside's color palette!
I will have all the links to the items I bought on Amazon at the end of the blog right after step-by-step instructions.
The first step was to create the individual parts.
This is how I HIGHLY recommend making your Columbines. I put these together directly on the kiln shelf paper. The great thing about the Hot Shot 24G kiln is I can stand and assemble directly inside the kiln without bending over, which is a blessing. For the under petal of the Columbine, I put the rounded ends together in a star shape and spooned in just a little bit of clear powder, which is what will hold the petals together after the firing. For the top part of the Columbine, I put the pointed part of the petal toward the center and placed a sliver of the flower center on top. The flower center is what will hold this section of the flower together.
I also put together some daisies with the Flat-end Petals. As you assemble, you can put a little bit of glue down on your paper to help keep the petals in place as you work. You'll notice I did put a little bit of clear powder in the center just in case the top pre-fused dot didn't touch every petal (disregard the pile of clear powder on the far left daisy...I vacuumed most of that off as it only needs a tiny bit). When you are tack fusing once and you are not going to be fusing the daisies onto anything else later, this means that every part of the daisy must be touching another part of the daisy for it to hold together, hence the inner powder.
Here they are after the first initial light tack fuse. At this point the daisies are done, but the Columbines will go in for another light tack fuse by putting the top pre-tacked petals over the under petals and lightly tack fusing again.
Next I cut 1" squares of all the fun matching colors: Celedon, Grey, Almond, Vanilla Cream, Sunflower, Chestnut, and Chambray blue. I then put them in the kiln and ran them at a heavy contour fuse. I didn't want to fully fuse them, but I did want the edges very smooth and slightly pulled in to create a bit of character with each square. A few of the squares I put back in for another fuse as I added on a little mountain on some of them for fun.
Next I got all my pieces cleaned and ready to assemble my project. I did a general layout on my table of where my colored squares would go and where I could feather in flowers to add color to certain areas. I used E6000 to glue earring bails onto the backs of the squares at the top and bottom where my connecting loops will go through. I also laid out my flowers to see where the bails would glue onto them at the top and bottom as well.
HOWEVER...my first hiccup happened when I realized the bails were too wide for the narrow flower petals and the silver showed. I went ahead and glued the bails onto the squares, but had to re-think the flowers. I hopped back on Amazon to see what else I could find.
These are called "eye pins" for jewelry making and they totally did the trick! They are super inexpensive and I got 1400 of them (if you think you might want to make this project I'd be happy to put some of them in as a bonus in your order). I put a small amount of E6000 on the back and placed the pins in the correct position keeping in mind the "top and bottom" where they would attach to the upper and lower name tags. After they dried I put a touch more E6000 over the top for extra reinforcement.
For writing on my names and dates on the name tags, I purchased these acrylic pens. They worked well as they had a fine tip and if I made a mistake I used rubbing alcohol to remove it and start again. During assembly, the paint didn't smudge so I called it a win. There may be other great options out there, too!
Now for the final assembly. The Days to Remember kit comes with these easy to open rings. I put one ring between each name tag and/or flower.
It was easy peasy to assemble! I tried not to duplicate colors too close to each other, so it was nice to have a variety of flowers to work with.
You'll notice in October, I had Cara as the first name tag, but her birthday is the 20th. OOPS! However, it was a quick fix by taking it off the rings and just moving it down! Also, it will be easy to add more people at any time. So I have a small stash of squares and flowers saved with the rings and I'm ready to add on anytime.
I loved making this and I hope you enjoy making one, too! Here are the links to all the items I bought on Amazon. Feel free to find them someplace else, too!
Days to Remember Kit
Earring Bails
Eye Pins
Acrylic Markers
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Hints on the Horizon:
My next drop of new murrini with be the FIRST Saturday in October, which is 10/03/2026. I will have a NEW Dragonfly color and the project will be the latest addition to my Dragonfly/Jar series that I've been working on for a few years! I'm excited to share it with you as the colors of all the coordinating murrini are so lovely. I did sneak a few pulls of Cardinals in, so they will be ready for October's sale as well.
In October I will also be having a big SECONDS SALE with some really lovely murrini that didn't quite make it as a 1st, which means the inner design might be very so slightly off, maybe a teeny tiny air hole here and there (not very big tho as canes with air holes go into the Scrap Sale), or maybe a chipped or dinged edge, etc. Most of the SECONDS are Fall and Christmas designs, so if you missed something, let me know and I'll try to find a package with that design in it. I will also have TWISTIES in all colors. Perfect for making cool projects like Caterpillar bodies, flattened to make Snowman Scarves, swirls for your pocket hearts, and more. So watch for October's blog which will have all the details!
Also, don't forget the annual SCRAP SALE will be happening again this year in November on Black Friday. 🙌🏼
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If there is a murrini you'd like me to have in stock again, please email me with a photo of it and I'll put it back on my list.
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On a fun note, I have a DISCOUNT code with Hot Shot Kilns! If you purchase a kiln from them and use ALONGI10 at checkout, you'll receive 10% off your order! I don't receive anything from Hot Shot Kilns when you use this code, but you'll get a discount and it lets them know you are a friend of mine! I'm a FAN y'all!!
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Helpful Links:
If you use COE 90, be sure to shop Lori’s beautiful murrini options found at Wilderness Glass.
Oceanside's recommended Firing Guides.
If you are looking for COE 96 stringer or pre-fused dots, Joni pulls matching stringer for the murrini I make. Find her beautiful work at Aggie Glass Designs. Joni is also my supplier for the Window Cards that we can use for our artwork.
For beautiful COE 96 Twisties, check out Sherry's lovely work at Love•Peace•Create•Shop.
Kiln shopping? Check out my friends at Hot Shot Oven & Kiln. They'll give you great customer service along with a great product made in Wisconsin! For a 10% discount, use Alongi10 at checkout! I don't receive anything from Hot Shot Kilns when you use this code, but it lets them know you are a friend of mine and lets you know I'm a FAN of their KILNS!
Looking for a good murrini nippers? I recommend purchasing these "must-haves" from witsendmosaic.com. I love the "Ceramic Scissors" (also what I refer to as a Chipper Nipper) made by SeaBell, who also makes an amazing wheeled nipper with a rubber gasket that holds the nipped murrini from flying away!! Another wheeled nipper I also like are the Leponitt G30C. I recommend these three tools for snipping murrini.
If you are looking for Mike LaChance’s fusible COE 96 handcrafted bails, find his unique work at Mike’s Innovative Glass.
For beautiful COE96 frit blends, check out Val Cox's website.
My favorite flattening technique is from a tutorial by Nancy Sala. It’s worth the $8 for the excellent tips she gives. Once purchased and she sees your order, she will email you the tutorial in a PDF.
I buy my Easy Fire Enamels from Cheryl Chapman's website.
Looking for a pneumatic chopper? Sue and Brad Darte make a great product backed by excellent customer service.
For Janice's pre-cut COE 96 ornament blanks, find her at LakeRabbitDesigns.
For information on Paul Tarlow's Powder Printer: Check out his Fusing Factory website and his Youtube Video for creating with the Filigree Stencils