Embossing

So Im thinking about branching out into the world of embossing. Just wondering if others do this and if so what would your suggestions be for a newbie?

Im not wanting to spend a whole lot at the moment, so no machine embossing to start off with, but I have seen on youtube that you can have some sucess with a rolling pin and the like with the folders still. Has anyone done this? Does it really work?

I looked in town today and can only get the embossing tool, no plates so will look online later for some. Any suggestions on brand or store?

As for heat embossing I can get the heat tool but no powders, so again an online job. Ideas for powder brands? What sort of ink is best to use?

And lastly I guess the most important thing is heat embossing, dry embossing by hand or machine embossing, what is your preference and why?

Thank you all :D

Feel free to make comment on anything else you think I should know!!

Does anyone still scrapbook/card make???

Stampin up have a range of embossing powders I've been using them for years and its so easy