Most of my experience with woodburning has been pretty simple Runes. All straight lines. That makes it pretty easy. Lately I have been burning some Celtic knot patterns that are really pushing my abilities (which is good).
I can suggest three things to you:
1.) Lay out your designs in pencil first, that really helps with knowing what you're doing, and where to start and stop to get it to look the way you want.
2.) Use steady, even strokes. If you hold the tool in place, it can burn away too much of your wood, and even start a fire.
3.) Practice! Try it on a scrap block of wood first. Also, if your piece will be a flat surface, make sure you practice on a flat surface. If your piece will be curved, practice on a curved surface. The tool acts differently.
