Sounds lke you jumped in the deep end first! I probably can't help you with your model, but maybe I can help you with your question? You are asking about applying textures, and you've already read widely... so you probably have a more interesting conundrum. what exactly is your trouble? Please be as specific as you can. It also helps if we know your computer system OS, that sort of thing. If you can post pictures showing the problem, folks may recognize it. Try to detail as much as you can what you mean to accomplish-- there are some amazing artists and modelers here who might be able to give advice. Welcome!