Thanks Cobra that is very sweet, making jewellery has become my main job really since being made redundant.
My best advice is to buy a few bags of beads that either match or really clash (ebay is good for these) some memory wire for bracelets, tigertail for necklaces and a tool kit. you will also need a selection of findings (clasps etc) these again can be picked up on ebay as reasonably priced kits.
I use bead boards for laying out my more fiddly designs I have seen these recently in the pound shop, but sometimes you just get ideas by stringing beads randomnly on tiger tail.
If you want to chat about things don't hesitate to get in touch