I have the same problem and jewelry making does help my stiff finger joints. Now I am so old (82) I keep my finger from getting stiff with crafting, but now the old eyesight is failing. I had to buy me a magnifying lamp so I could see to close off my necklaces and earrings.
I agree, no crimps, not good jewelry pliers and no crimp pliers.
You could start with leather it is easier to close off.
Go to Fire Mountain gems, request a catalog from them. They also have lots of helpful videos, too. I buy my display stands and bags, and lots of finings from Fire Mountain, been shopping their site for years. When I first started beading, I bought some cheap tools from Michaels, later I invested in a complete set of good jewelry pliers and tools ($40).
Also don't buy cheap beading wire especially for a beginner, it is hard to handle and not forgiving if you make a mistake.
The more I write this, the more I think you ought to invest in a book on learning to bead. Hope this information is helpful.
When I make a new design, I like to take it "for a cruise" and see if I get any comments.. If it is a good design, I write down the patter and what materials I used.
I am sorry I can't post any images, but my old PC died about 3 weeks ago and unfortunately I had quit making back-ups. I bought a new PC and just got it running, next is to get my data off the old PC.
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