Welcome, Kaedee!

To cut glass you would need a scorer (cutter) but it's tricky to score and break curves. I'm no expert in that arena. I work on prayers and blessings when I score curves.

Leponnits are wheeled nippers. Running pliers are used after you have scored glass to help finish the break.

I don't usually shop for glass online so can't help with that answer. I like to use Spectrum glass. Do you have a Hobby Lobby near you? They sell Spectrum glass 12"X12".

I'm sure others will have some good advise for you.

Welcom Kaedee!!!!

My input on the cheap glass to practice with is...go to a thrift store, buy all the cheap picture frames (with glass in them) you can and take out the glass. It makes wonderful glass to practice with and usually is very inexpensive.

You make it sound as if you are going to cut out shapes in glass? Or are you going to nip them with the wheeled nippers? I use a toyo pistol grip glass cutter to cut my glass and use the nippers to nip shapes for mosaics.

Running pliers really are a must if you cutting glass opposed to nipping glass. A grinder is also a great benefit if you want to smooth edges.

I have shoped a lot on line with "anything in stained glass" and "delphi glass" they have all the tools you need and the glass too!!!

Im sure the others will give you lots more advice that I might have not mentioned or didnt think of...we want to see pics of your wip!!!!

Donna

When you said curved pieces and stems..my first thought was
a grinder. I need mine for everything! If you do the pattern in small little pieces of glass you will do fine with nippers (Leps) if you are looking to do something that looks more like stained glass( flowers in large pieces) you may need a grinder..around $100.

kaedee, if you are anywhere near Atlanta,
(I'm near Chattanooga TN)
there is an Armstrong Glass outlet store there.
I go once every couple of months or so.
It is what I used when I started out because they
sell scrap glass. There scrap is often a half a
sheet! It is dirt cheap too.
They have a web site if anyone is interested.

I don't get anything for saving that!
I just love searching through the stacks
for my own colors.

Here is a link that might be useful: Armstrong Glass Co.

Thanks everyone for the info! Looks like I need running pliers, pistol grip cutter, and a grinder. I have wheeled nippers they are not leponnits brand will that matter? I have not had a chance to check the thrift stores but I will this week and I did not know Hobby Lobby sold glass, do they sell tools?

Annieb43 I am planning a trip to atlanta in March and can't wait to check out their outlet store.

I will be lurking reading and drooling over all the gorgeous pics here on the forum. I can't wait to get started!

I drop by Armstrong a few times a year, I got lost the first time so have you cell handy! It's well worth the visit just as Annie says.

Their new showroom/shop is a vast improvement over using the back entrance steps, don't forget your gloves!

Where did I hear HL would be selling Armstrong?

Yvonne, I get lost in the parking lot!
I get there just fine, but can never find
the entrance to the store.

They have gloves and cute little rolling
stools now. The rule is that you must wear
gloves, so yes bring your own if you have
them, theirs are well, just odd. LOL

But the little harbor freight stools they give
you and a bus pan to collect your choices in
are such a good idea! Just roll down the
isles on your stool (the glass is in wood
crates on the floor) They also have a huge
selection of full sheets.
You can peek behind these shelves at glass
several feet wide. It is awesome.

Once finished picking your glass,
a guy will come and separate it in piles
of hot and non hot colors.
There is a different price point for each.
They weigh them and tell you how much you owe.

(Hint: they have small boxes of Grab Bag glass,
no telling what colors are in it but it is
stuffed full! For 9 dollars. I buy one each time.
It is a great way to build up your small pieces
collections cheap.)

I need to go soon as my green supply is down way low!
I never get out of there under a hundred dollars.
But I am buying for several months work too.

Have fun when you go!

WOW. Thanks for that info Annieb43. My in-laws live near Chattanooga. Next time we visit I'll have DH make a side trip to the outlet!