Thank you everyone for some great advise and pointers on where to start. Sorry I haven't been back to thank you before now, like I said I'm new to forums as well and have been reading other peoples posts on here instead of coming back to check mine.
Aussiemade - We're in Newcastle/Hunter region NSW. I don't have to encourage her at all, she is very keen to get started.
JLSleather - thanks for the offer, I'm not sure how to message you but will experiment. Yes I almost went over board on tools etc - looked at total of shopping basket and was up to $600 - without leather and without all the fancy tools and stamps I'd like to buy! Had to clear it and start again with just the things we need to get started. So many things to get, so little money to get it with
I've bought pre-cut belt lengths to start with, but will definitely have to buy some leather. I looked at different knifes and didn't know which sort to get. The strap cutters look like a great tool, for now we just have a retractable craft knife, but will get something better when we start buying pieces of leather. My brother used to be a butcher so will get a lesson in knife sharpening off him.
Have also ordered some basic tools off ebay, (9pc hole punch, edge beveller, stitch groover, awls, needles, thread, alphabet stamps and one of those cheap 20pc stamp sets which are probably no good but it's a start. Also got press studs & setter, rivets, buckles, resolene, dye, conditioner and a zoingo boingo (lol -just trying to trick you, that's for my other daughter). Now just have to sit back and wait for the mailman to deliver it all - which since it's almost Christmas will probably be mid January! Guess we'll research some more while we wait and look up the links you guys have given us.
Thanks heaps, will definitely put up pics of her attempts for guidance/feedback.