fatmud

Howdy all, I've been lurking for a month or so. I have a couple of questions before I spend the cash to get started. What are the basic tools one needs to begin? I'm more interested in how different things are made (wallets, belts, mc seats, saddle bags etc.) and starting with "no frills" type projects. I figure I could work on my tooling/ stamping (hope that right) later. What books can y'all recommend a novice? Thanks for your time, Mud