Just go for it!! A book might help, but you can do it without one. By machine, it is really pretty easy.
I cut my background fabric oversize and starch it heavily.
Generally, I use the Eleanor Burns method of turning the edges under with light weight fusible interfacing because I live in fear of frayed edges. After I have things fused in place, I either use a tight zig-zag stitch or a blanket stitch depending on the look I want.