I don't think that you need to learn CSS programming to do some customizing.
The biggest problem is getting started.... as pbase doen't explain how to edit an existing style sheet (CSS). You are given a new CSS (basic) and expected to add code(?) Not easy!
I suggest reading my earlier post here:
http://forum.pbase.com/viewtopic.php?t=3677&highlight=
Then, you can take a CSS near to your liking and start changing fonts, colors, etc. Keep the CSS editor opened as well as one gallery using the CSS that you are editing. You need to see the changes in a real gallery.
Keep in mind that sometimes the pbase servers are slow... they can update the gallery immediately or take 10-15 minutes. You can right-click on your gallery and 'view souce' to see if the changes have been made.
After a while, you will learn to add extra lines of code to add frames, scrolling messages, etc.
Have fun!
Robert