Tricia, I don't know what part of the country you are from But the guild has a few week long timber frame workshops at verious locations. Also Jack Sobon and Dave Carlon have a week long workshop at Hancok Shaker Village, that is Great! I would strongly suggust attending one of these workshops, they are hands on, informative,and a lot of fun, and will give you the experience you need to get started. Good luck, John.