Hi everyone. I'd like to start doing some carving in my down time. I have an unlimited amount of cutoffs and like to keep my mind focused on something when I am "relaxing"

However, my carving experience is limited to a pocket knife and making a few juniper spoons on camping trips. Could anyone give me a really quick rundown on:

1. A few different learn to carve projects.
2. Recommended starter tools, quality preferred. No interest in power tools at the moment.
3. Woods to embrace/avoid (I always have piles of white oak, walnut, soft and hard maple).
4. Any quick safety tips are also welcome.

My wife would like a full set of kitchen utensils but beyond that I'm not sure where the carving will go for me. End of life goal I do need to be able to turn and carve my own chess set at least once.

Thanks for the guidance and recommendations!