Beginner in UK looking for materials

[Katie Greenfield <katie_greenfield@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Hello,

My name is Katie; I live in East London in the UK and
am new to this list. I have taken a few evening
courses in stone carving over the last few years,
working on small pieces in soft materials like
alabaster.

I've found it very therapeutic and want to start
carving at home now. I've bought the basic tools and
am now trying to work out where I can get materials
 from. I think all I really need is off cuts.

I have looked on the internet but am finding it all
quite bewildering: so many suppliers, and none of them
seem to be in the UK.

Is there an easy way for me to get hold of small, good
quality off cuts of soft materials like alabaster and
soapstone, without having to pay a fortune or drive to
a quarry somewhere? I am hoping that someone from this
list will be able to advise me.

Many thanks for taking the time to read this message.

Katie

katie_greenfield@xxxxxxxxxxx

ps - I would also like to try carving in wood at some
point, so will have the same questions re getting hold
of materials in UK.