This is a pic of a handle I just completed. Ready to go up for sale.
This one took at least 25 hours to complete. It was done on buffalo horn.
I found reading books and watching videos is all good, but at the end of the day, the more you do it the better you get.
I use oil-based artist paint like Winsor & Newton. I find that it gives the best colour, after trying many inks and paints.