I am almost done with my stamps to get my first plants out (hopefully) on Thursday....it will be 6 plants titled "Our Blended Family".

Anyways, I was wondering if I could get some insight about finger protection? I find as I carve that I am cutting up my fingertips (which made for a less than pleasant past couple of days at work). I tried buying those silicone thimbles that quilters use, but the gouger cuts right through them too! I then tried a traditional metal thimble, but found I couldn't get as accurately into the grooves of my design from the blades hitting the metal (or taking off a chunk trying to pull away from it).

Any insight is appreciated :)

I don't carve with my fingers in front of the blade ...ouch

My fingers are never in front of the gouge, either... They are to the side. Are you trying to use your finger to stop the blade, or lift the blade? Maybe you are digging too deep? I carve using a scooping motion... At the end of a line, I curve the blade up. Now that I think about it, I may have used my finger a s guide when I first started carving... As you continue to carve, you will become much more steady. Are you using soft carving material such as the pink stuff? Firm cut, is very easy for you fingers to slip.

When I started carving I was using actual wood gouges which were sharper and thicker and I too, cut my fingers a couple of times. The set came with a sturdy glove which I started to wear. Later, I got the staedler gouges and never had that problem, but probably it was also because I learned better carving practices. Wear a sturdy glove, such as a thick gardening glove on that hand, and then pretty soon you will get used to positioning your hand where it wont be so tempting to that blade :-) Six carves sounds like you are off to a great start. Have fun!

Make sure your blades are sharp. Dull blades require more pressure which results in bad slips. I used a small modified swivel knife to v cut the design and the gouge to remove the loose material or any stubborn remains.

Never have your fingers in the line of fire.

A few work related phrases used to prevent accidents since behavior is the root cause of incidents:

Keep eyes on task.
Keep eyes on path.
Tool condition, selection and use. ( correct tool for job, in good shape.)

slow and steady wins the race
use less force when carving, you don't need to go deep to get a good image
less force=less chance of slipping=fewer bandaids