Dumb questions...

[Kurt Dwight Bleach]

I'm a complete beginner and I'm going to ask a couple of probably really
dumb questions, so if this kind of thing annoys you, delete this right
now and I'm sorry for clogging up your mailbox.

For anybody's who's left, here's my questions: I've got a simple analog
modular system (Doepfer) and have had some experience with electronic
kits (PAiA, etc.). I'd like to build some modules that will work with my
Doepfer, like maybe a VCO, an LFO, a phase shifter, etc. I can
(basically) follow some of the schematics that are available on the web,
but is there anywhere I can get a printed circuit board for this kind of
project? If not, what does one use instead? Also, what do you typically
mount the electronics in? Do you build your own cases and craft your own
front panels? What about power supplies--how complicated are they to
work into the equation? Do you need to have access to an Oscilloscope to
initialize a VCO before use?

I guess what I'm really asking is how does someone who's not an engineer
or electronics technician get started? I’ve gone through several
electronics book and basically understand the theory, but don’t really
know how to go about making it happen. Any advice would be greatly
appreciated.