How do I get started on this type of fondant technique,  or what would I search for to see videos.  Not sure what to call it... bark, tree, stump. Lol  

I'm actually going to be making a buttercream version of this (well, not exactly this, but this type of look) next week.

As for fondant, I would search birch tree fondant tutorial or something similar.

Birch tree

Here are a few.

https://cake-geek.com/index.php/birch-tree-cake-tutorials/

Thank you 

You are very welcome.