Kim C--Tandy's has gone entirely to online and catalogue sales. The Leather Factory has pretty much filled that niche in our area, and probably all over the U.S., if you actually want to see the physical item you're buying before you buy it. I think a starter kit is probably a good idea, since it will probably come with instructions, if you don't have the benefit of a live teacher. There may be classes in your area as well. After you mess around a little, you'll figure out what you really need and what you don't. Eventually you'll want to find wholesalers in your area, and then you'll have to start selling the stuff to justify the expense...welcome to a new life.