Your own design

I’m looking for a resource so that I can make my own design, while taking advantage of WP plugins, CP and functionality.

I have an okay understanding of HTML, and I am going through W3 Schools to learn more about CSS. I really don’t know that much about CSS though so I need some good resources. I understand the basic concepts of how inline, and external style sheets work, and I can use dreamweaver.

Straight up question—can I design a site in dreamweaver and just up to my Wp and retain the CP and everything else? Do I need to learn Javascript etc?

I just want to know where to focus my energy. Some good video tutorials would be great. A mentor would be incredible.

Ideally, a theme that allowed me to modify the heck out of it (I’m sure they all do) but went one step further, encouraged me to learn, would be great.

I’m trying to get on here and help people with what I know in the hope that the more leet guys can help others—I want to contribute to this community.

Thanks guys.