Hi Liz
good to hear from you. Basswood is easy to carve, but not as easy as easyboard.
You should be starting with 4mm grid to make 45 degree triangular cuts. Using a sharp chip carving knife, you can almost simply push the knife into the wood at the 60-65 degree angle.
Marty has a practice board pattern for you in the pattern section.
Best advice I have received is keep trying. It will come.