Well, assuming that you know a bit about electricity, and how to read an electrical schematic, I would check out Steve Wards page. He has a pretty good selection to choose from. I am pretty new to building coils myself and a few of his coils seem to be "beginner friendly".
Here is a link to his page.
http://stevehv.4hv.org/Here is a link to a simple SSTC. Lots of components but good simple design. Will produce 2-7" steamers if you correctly follow the design.
http://stevehv.4hv.org/SSTC5.htmHere is a vary simple VTTC vary few components. Will produce 2-7" streamers if you correctly follow the design.
http://stevehv.4hv.org/VTTC1.htmEach of these will cost you around $100 or so to build. Unless you already have some of the materials.
BTW, if you decide to go with the VTTC, here is a good link with a full set of building instructions.
http://www.instructables.com/id/How-To-Build-A-Vacuum-Tube-Tesla-Coil-VTTC/ Although each coil design will give you different streamers, I like the VTTC because it looks vary "Vintage".
“I do not think there is any thrill that can go through the human heart like that felt by the inventor as he sees some creation of the brain unfolding to success... Such emotions make a man forget food, sleep, friends, love, everything.” (Nikola Tesla)
