Now tole applies to all decorative painting and it happens on virtually anything - fabric, clay, bisque, candles, glass, tiles, walls, furniture, wood and of course tin. Basic brush strokes can expand your style of painting, but faux finishes such as antiquing, crackling, smoking, marblizing are fun techniques to learn also. There is something for everyone. There are also endless books with excellent instructions available so you don't have to be original. Just check the copywrite section at the front to see what permission is given by the author regarding the use of the enclosed patterns.
Books are also great for the self-learner.
Most tole painters use acrylic paint, but some use oil or watercolour. You can buy any colour you wish, or buy the basics and do your own mixing. Of course good brushes are a must especially when it comes to brush strokes. Buy the best you can afford and don't use them for anything else. Keep a separate brush for varnish so old paint doesn't bleed through.