Welcome to IAP Brian. Tips?. Yea, bury your wallet and credit cards in the sand and forget them!
OK, so the
Library is an awesome resource for the last 4,795 folks that mentioned "Newby" in their into. Many categories, and lots of tips from beginner to advanced. Then also are the individual forums, each is excellent for more specific topics.
To be more specific:
Have an attitude to accept screw-ups.
Practice as much as you can.
Refine your tool skills
Refine your preferred finishes.
Save most of your initial pens (they will not be as good as you will think in 6 months).
Read, ask questions, post pictures and welcome feedback.
Have FUN!