I really liked the Dragon scale beads by Naos, I learned how to make a SIS and work on dots, I remember being confused about what SIS even was!
http://www.lampworketc.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=24881
Hmm my tip, When I was a newbie there always seemed to be a new tool or tutorial that I felt I needed to have. I think before buying any shaping tools it is a good idea to learn to make a nicely shaped donut bead that is centered on the mandrel with dimpled ends.
Caroline