Murrini Snipping Tools

The Chipper Nipper (also known as Ceramic Scissors)
The Chipper Nipper/Ceramic Scissors are my go-to tool. I’ve had several people tell me recently they were a “game changer”, so that was good to hear. This tool will dull over time, which is the downside, so eventually you’ll need to buy a new one. With that said, I haven't taken my original one out of circulation in my shop yet. I buy my three favorite tools (the SeaBell Ceramic Scissors, SeaBell Wheeled nippers, and the Leponitt Wheeled Nippers) at witsendmosaic.com.

Everyone snips differently but for me, using my finger as a rest/guide against the nipper is key to getting the slice of murrini the exact size you are trying for. There is no wrong way to snip (it’s really what works best for you and with some practice you will certainly find your own technique), but you can start here and fine-tune it.

SeaBell Favorites:

Demo of Chipper Nipper/Ceramic Scissors on a Fish Murrini:

Demo of the Chipper Nipper/Ceramic Scissors on a long slender Triangle Shape:

Leponitt makes a lovely wheeled nipper in the lower price range that is very sharp and thinner than some wheels. I love them, too! 

Wheeled Nipper on a Triangle Shape:

What I have found is between the SeaBell Ceramic Scissors (Chipper Nipper), SeaBell Wheeled nippers (with rubber gasket to hold your murrini), and the Leponitt wheeled nipper, you’ll have no problems snipping any shape of murrini. You’ll soon find out which tool works best for which murrini.

Each piece of cane may feel different, too! As you know, some glass is going to feel stiffer than others and of course the thicker ones are a bit tougher to cut. But remember, even if little slivers come off or a little half piece...save those as they often work perfectly in compositions as well.

When you are ready with your tool, snip like you mean it! Don’t be timid - snip fast and hard. I like to take a little tub with a hand towel in it to snip into or something to catch it as it tends to shoot off the cane willy-nilly. Most often I put on an apron and shoot them into a little pit I create in my lap. There is no wrong way to catch them.