Lindsay, My thoughts
Practice brings to mind that you will be tossing what you cut.
Find a pattern you like that has a look that you can do it.
Approach cutting the pattern to finish it and learn as you go.
If...if at some point you consider it a throw away, then I guess you
practiced.
But what if your practice piece comes out just perfect on an ugly piece of wood.
Again, find a pattern you like, a wood that goes with it and cut it with the intent
it 'will' be a gift to someone... maybe yourself.
I hang my mistakes on my garage wall and to my surprise, I've had admirers.
Just cut it....
Larry