I agree with others here in taking a class. My wife had an opportunity to work with an LD student in a shop class. He was turning a bowl and she was able to "assist" him and thought it was fun. We took a pen turning class at Rockler and became hooked. We then attended a bowl turning class there as well.

We started with carbide tools as we were doing a lot of "acrylic" pens as well as wood. The upside with carbide tools is no sharpening system is required. Simply rotate the cutter (or replace) to get a fresh sharp edge. They are an easy entry into turning and making items. The downside is they are simply scrappers and do not leave as good as finish. We now have several carbide and HSS tools that we use when turning. I waited for sales and got an 8" slow speed grinder, CBN wheel, and the Oneway sharpening fixture and accessories (Black Friday sales are a good time to look for deals).

Fun projects to begin with that require minimal tools.

Handles (Kitchen items)
Bottle Stoppers
Twig Pots
Christmas items (snowmen, trees, ornaments)
Pendants (necklace)