FAQs
What COE are your murrini?
I only use COE 96 in my glass shop. Your murrini will be created with Oceanside Fusible Glass unless specified in the listing.
Will I get all parts of the pull in my order?
When I quality control the murrini from the pull, I choose the section that is fully formed to be the murrini sold as "firsts". Designs that aren't fully formed yet or have started to fade away are considered "seconds" that I will clearly mark OR they are what is often used in the free goodie bags. The seconds are usually just a small section as there is another section at the very beginning and very end that will be sold as "Scrap" in my annual Black Friday Scrap sale. Sometimes, like Flames, Ivy or perhaps another design, the more organic shapes make sense and are still what I would call "perfect" for that particular design and will be reflected in the product image shown on the website so you can see what you will be getting. But 99% of the time, only the best part of the pull is sold as firsts. Quality is my priority.
Can I return an item?
You sure can! I want you to feel 100% confident ordering from me. If you wish to return an item, you’ll get a full refund of the cost of your package of murrini if it is unused and arrives back to me in good condition within 14 days of purchase. I unfortunately can’t refund your initial shipping or the shipping costs back to me.
My online shop is open every day (unless closed for vacation or an unexpected family need). I’m lucky enough to still have my parents with me and want to be available to them at all times, this is why I set two official shipping days. This leaves me free during the week to create murrini and help them as needed.
Why are new items posted only on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays at NOON CENTRAL time?
For a couple of reasons. I know sometimes it can cause a bit of a frenzy, but by having a bi-monthly time set up to post my new murrini, it makes it easier for everyone to know when to come and look for new items. Some people are not on Facebook and could not see when I announced the posting of new items. This way everyone knows. I also post at noon because this gives my Hawaii customers a little more time to sleep in (even tho they still have to get up really early to order!)
How do I know what you’ll be posting on the 1st and 3rd Saturday?
Every 1st and 3rd Friday I will do a new BLOG post on my website showing photos and descriptions of new items being posted the following day. I will also remind everyone on Facebook (Beth Alongi Glass) to come peek at the updated blog and Facebook gives everyone a forum to chat. This way artists can peruse the items, see all the details, and ask questions prior to the Saturday sale. Then on the Saturday that I have new items you can pop in at noon, grab what you need, then enjoy the rest of your day.
When will you ship my item?
Orders received Monday-Wednesday will ship on Thursdays. Orders received Thursday-Sunday will ship on Monday morning. I've never missed a ship time, but if I ever had an emergency and couldn’t ship on the designated day, I’ll notify you!
If I order multiple times, can you combine and refund shipping overages?
I absolutely will! My website has a merge program that will combine all your orders into one order. You may actually see a notification of an additional order, which is just the program combining and reassigning you a new order number that will be associated with your tracking number. The program will then refund shipping overages. You may not see the refund until the following day.
I’m new to murrini, do you have any tips?
I do! First of all, I put scrap canes in every new customer’s box, but feel free to remind me with a note in your order (even if you aren’t new) if you would like to warm up on scrap first and I’ll get some in your box. Also, I have a “Tips” section here on the website that talks about tools, temps and more. Also, don’t hesitate to contact me anytime to ask questions either before or after an order. I’m always happy to help!
Do you anneal your canes?
Yes! ALL my murrini canes are annealed. I take this extra step because I want those who are not fusing them again (my mosaic friends) to feel confident in the quality. I also test them under polarizing filters.
Do you do this by yourself?
I create all the murrini myself, but I definitely have help in my shop! After I make the murrini, it has annealed, and I have inspected the canes, my long-time friend, Lisa, comes to the shop where she then cleans, chops, and meticulously quality controls each batch. She is so very conscientious in her work, has a great eye for color, and is an absolute joy to be around. She cuts my sheets of bubbles to the size of my packing boxes and puts my logo sticker on the little murrini bags.
After Lisa has completed her work, then my sweet 85-year-old Mama comes in to weigh and bag the murrini. She’s also a third set of eyes on the canes (as far as quality control goes) when she’s bagging them up. My mom also makes up all my goodie bags. She’ll sit with the tub of bits on her lap and tries to coordinate colors and designs. She’s so funny and does a great job.
Of course, most of you know Tricia, my glass BFF, who is also a wonderful glass artist herself. Tricia goes on glass shopping road trips with me and helps me put it all way when we get home. We try to take at least one fun glass class together each year to enhance our fusing skills. Tricia is the Admin of my Beth Alongi Murrini Show and Tell Facebook Page, and she also designs and hand-makes all of the adorable little Thank You cards I write on each week! She’s also instrumental in the annual Scrap Sale and other processes that help in the murrini creating process. I could not do this without my three favorite ladies.
I pack all orders myself as I want to be the one responsible for what is in your box and how it was packaged, but after I’m done boxing, my cutie husband takes all the packages to the Post Office for me. Oh! He also folds up all the white Uline boxes up for me each week! He’s a pro at it! 😉
Why did you move your murrini sales from Etsy?
I moved my murrini to my own website for several reasons. Customers couldn’t tell when they were actually in my shop or not because Etsy advertises other like items on the same page and it was very confusing. But mainly, I just wanted it be a one-stop-shop for artists to be able to purchase my murrini and be able to find tips, photos and other information all in one place. An added bonus is that except for my fellow Illinoisans, I do not meet the sales tax nexus necessary have to charge sales tax in the other 49 states. Etsy doesn't allow this option.
Do you sell COE 90?
No, I sure don’t. But Lori Moreno does and her work is beautiful. Her store is always full of new and original murrini and millefiori. Lori is the creator of the technique I use for making murrini and she is a genius. We chat most every day bouncing ideas off each other and pushing each other’s creative minds. If I can’t figure out a way to make something, she can. Find her at Wilderness Glass
Do you sell COE 96 Stringer?
I don’t, but my friend Joni does in her Aggie Glass Designs shop! She and I coordinate each week on colors, too, so they match mixes that I posting.
Why is there a little Sugar Scrub Soap in my box?
On the 1st and 3rd Saturday, two random artists that order from me will be selected to receive a mini handmade Sugar Scrubs in their box! My friend Nicole is a military wife/mom and creates these amazing products. To support her and to treat my glass friends, I decided to do this fun surprise give-a-way. Don't be surprised if some day one appears in your box!!