What carving techniques should be learned first

[Doug Howard <dhoward8@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello everyone:

I thank God for those who started this list.  I have a
few questions for those of you who are experienced in
stone carving.

I am a retired art teacher with extensive experience in
painting and drawing, but none in stone carving. I want
to learn the essential skills of carving stone by hand.
Unfortunately there are no schools or sculptors in my
area from which to learn.

1.  I have a five piece beginners set of chisels and a
nine piece set of rifflers. Are these tools enough for
small simple pieces in sandstone and limestone?  If not,
what do I need to have so that I won't be hampered by
lack of tools?

2.  I believe  that good technique is essential to allow
creativity to flow.  What skills should I concentrate on
developing first, which later,  and what pitfalls should
I strive to avoid?

3.  What is the one best book and/or video that will
demonstrate these techniques to me?

I appreciate any information you care to share with me.

Thanks for your response.
Doug