We used to say that you weren't a real camp counselor until a camper barfed on your shoes. Well I think you're not a real stained glass artisan until you make yourself bleed. Guess what???
I decided on a practice project--an 8 pointed star. In the interest of not using up glass, I made it rather small (5 inches from point to point). This was, as it turned out, not my most brilliant idea. I think I'm not pressing hard enough on the cutter for one, so the glass is hard to break. You're supposed to break it with your hands, but why when there exists a very handy tool for the same purpose? The problem comes when pieces are too small for the tool, as most of mine are on this practice thing. So I had the glass in one hand and the pliers in the other and unknowingly had my finger over the score so when I snapped the glass it dug into my finger. It's a poke, not a slice, but it's kind of deep. It won't really quit bleeding and it's my left index finger which I really need for glass cutting, so I'm taking a little break until it stops bleeding and I can actually use the finger again. I can now type, but when I squeeze something it starts bleeding again. Ugh! I have a feeling it's going to be a long semester.
Edited to add:
Well I cut my middle finger twice, but after a slice to the palm of my hand I think I'm good for the night. Guess what? Glass is sharp! And 4 band-aids make it hard to type!