Yeah like Gav said, it really is worth the effort of shaping the headstock to give it a more personalized feel and at the end of the day you've got an instrument that's truly your own. Hey if I can do it, literally anyone can.
Obviously you're not limited to just a Gibson style shape, it's totally up to you. Just Google "3x3 headstock shapes" and you'll surely find something that catches your eye, that's the beauty of guitar building it's all about getting creative.
As for colour, once again totally up to personal preference but normally if you're staining the body you'd do the neck as well. I'm going to be using Dingotone for my next build, it's a wipe on stain and guys have been getting really great results so far from what I've been seeing.
Go have a look here for the range of colour kits
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/dingotone/
Or see it being applied here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KSfFb...ature=youtu.be
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RIieP...ature=youtu.be
For someone just getting into guitar building, for ease of use and value for money a product like this would be perfect I reckon, have a look anyway.