I will echo the other and say that it looks great. The only problem I see is the pedestal. Something about it just doesnt flow right. I think mayb e a little taller and a wider base, with less detail work on the pedestal. The pedestal should be showcasing this piece, not drawing eyes away from it. I am always of the notion of either a simple pedestal or no pedestal at all, but thats just my personal opinion.

You are definitely setting the bar high for being a "newbie"!