Carving Chess Pieces

I want to begin carving chess peices, but being that i am wuite the novice i would appreciate a few tips on how to get started. i have a nice set of 36 'beginner's tools'. i'm wondering more about what type of wood, where i might go to find it. i'm working with a VERY small budget. i wanted to carve driftwood, but the wood i'm finding is not good. also, a few tips on actually begining my carving. i'm having difficulty finding any specific info on-line inregards to chess peices.
thank you,
angie longacre

If I were you I would find some good carving books number one, then check locally and see if there is a carving club in your area...those two things will help you immensely, as you do that and run into problems come on here and ask questions, there are some very very talented and intelligent people that are more than willing to help (or was that another forum ) As for wood, you should start with some basswood, easy to carve and as you learn you can progress to whatever you like in the future, I don't believe the kind of wood is the most important thing when you are beginning, technique is what you need to learn now....all in my opinion, hope it helps

Hi Angie -
One thing you might want to consider is what kind of set do you want to create? Is it going to be a traditional set or a caricature set? I have seen all sorts of caricature sets (cowboys and indians, hens and roosters, dogs and cats etc.). For this style you can do anything you are interested in. If you are going the traditional route I would suggest going to the mall and taking a look at some of the chess sets in the toy store or if you have one game store. If you find one you like, make a couple of sketches of the pieces so you don't have to carve from memory.

Hope this helps.