I started out doing kitbashes, which is a great lead-in to scratchbuilding. Actually my first true scratchbuild was the Lyran cruiser in my sig. Everyone's right though, just have fun with it. Nobody's grading you and we can all help each other.
By the way, if anyone's in need of small greeblies, Model Expo is closing out some Airfix Moskva helicopter carriers that are choc full of tiny bits great for detailing. $4 each, I think.
To cplchilly, what part of So Cal are you in? I'm in Arcadia.