craftgrrl | RANTRANTRANTRANTRANT (question too)

If you ever get the crazy notion that making your own peppermint sticks is a cool fun and exciting idea, DO NOT FOLLOW THROUGH. I learned this the hard way tonight. Granted it was the first time I've ever worked with molten sugar, but it was too much drama, pain and effort to make them. My thumbs still hurt from trying to pull the sugar. My first attempt of the evening I got about 8 sticks out before it was too hard to pull anymore without it cracking, but being stubborn I went right back into the kitchen and remelted it, pulled it again and started cutting it sooner, so I was able to get a good amount, but goddamn my hands hurt :(

So anyway, I'm sure eventually I'll look back and say "oh it really wasn't so bad, I should try it again" because I am a fool and do not learn from the past, so I am doomed to repeat it. Anyway, has anyone here worked with sugar in this way? If so I'd absolutely love to know how that jerk jaques torres on food network just plays with hot sugar with his bare hands, when I was going crazy with latex gloves. How do you make this bearable? There has to be some way, I hope at least, does anyone have any hints for making candy like this, or do I need to find a different community for this sort of question

P.S. yes, I got the idea from the Dec. issue of Martha Stewart Living.