try buying a dremel tool and they usually have all the accessories to cut,carve sand,route etc. [link removed]

Soapstone or a chunk of alabaster would be a terrific place to begin. We used a rasp, and then sandpaper, and finally noxon to bring up the shine (an old sock with the noxon while you watch TV works great!) I took an introductory class and our work was not meant to be detailed, I suspect the dremel might be the way to go if you were looking for more detail.

Well I just ordered a set of wood rasps today. I put it off for a long time, but decided to go that route. I'm not looking for detail, more of a meditative exercise and I think that the sound of the dremel would interfere with that. I'll look into noxon. I've never heard of it. Also what grain of sandpaper would you recommend? Thanks!