Take another run at the carved hammer head.
There is no question you can do this. Maybe need a little help though.
First, what you got for wood?
And second what you got for tools?
If you are trying to use a home depot 2X4 life will be tough. Hemlock grown in 2 years, or whatever plantation dreck they are selling now will want to fall apart on you, whatever you do.
You need something decent.
Show us your wood stash??? Try to show the end grain as well as the face?
And tools, get a picture of tools for us?
If you don't have one, for a beginning carver you want a shoe rasp.
Flat rasp and file on one side, and curved rasp and file on the other.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Nicholson-10-Shoe-Rasp-18962n-/370567578833?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item56478c84d1 Make sure its made in USA or it won't even work! I have seen several imports that had teeth so bad they wouldn't cut at all! Nicholson is worth the money. Big box places won't have it.
If you get a good one, always protect it. Never let it touch metal or especially another file!! It'll last for years this way.
Oh man I just wish I had you in my shop for 1/2 a day!! We'd make him a fine stick together!!
Hey, any accomplished woodworkers nearby you can drop in on? Having a guy show you and help you take a couple stabs, would make a world of difference for you right now.
You can certainly learn it all on your own, but help would shortcut everything!
yours Scott