Bonsai Trees-Beginners

[AmalWarrior]

I have a Bonsai Tree Kit, but have no idea where to start. I have Red Maple, Silver Birch and Mountain Pine seeds. Would anyone know which of these would be the best for a complete beginner at bonsai? Instructions seem to suggest the Silver Birch (I had planned to avoid the beautiful Red Maple, as I would be too upset if I managed to kill it!).
Also, what do I do about pots? I could make one out of plastic, but I'd prefer for them to have something nicer looking. I don't want to start them off, then not be able to upgrade their pots. Seems that is something I won't have to worry about for some time yet-phew.
On reading the instructions, I'm going to need a thermometer to ensure they won't get too cold in my flat (night storage heating here), and possibly a mini greenhouse so they don't freeze to death outdoors too (perhaps another use for my 5 litre plastic bottles). On the plus side, my fridge will have a better purpose for a few weeks whilst they stratify(?) inside it (artificial winter that non tropical trees require to break dormancy prior to germination).
I will update with my progress on here, should anyone else come searching on the do's and don'ts of Beginners Bonsai.
Bonsai in Ireland...will it work?

[Green Aura]

Of course it will work. They're trees, not houseplants, even if tiny.

As for pots, I remember a Ladybird book (when my daughter was a tot) showing how to start off a bonsai in the skin of half a grapefruit. Prick holes in it with a fine knitting needle or skewer, fill with compost and plant your seed. When roots start poking through the holes simply trim them off. Then when you can find a suitable pot you can just plant it complete with starter pot, which will rot.

Simples, as they say. Having said that I've never tried it - I'd rather let trees grow properly, I think.

[AmalWarrior]

Sounds good, except for one little detail-I don't like grapefruit, and don't know anyone who does! Typical.