Great stuff. What paint did you use? (I was too lazy to actually read everything). 
These are the paints I use, they cost less than $20 for the set. They are a water based acrylic, the range is big enough that you can mix any colour you like, just remember the finished colour comes out a little darker after drying.
I usually mix up the colour then test a small amount on the end of icypole stick use a hair dryer to speed up drying time then compare to original colour you are looking for. Then add more white or colour depending on the shade you are after.
Buy some quality brushes, I have a super fine brush which has bristles thinner than half a match stick, it gets the most use.
If you get stuck looking for them Spotlight has a good selection of artists brushes
