Well, to tie fancy knots and such, go to both Twisted Monk's rope site (10 good videos) and Two Knotty Boys (many many... many videos. All free to download and view and review.

As for impact, or any other kinds of actual play, I highly recommend going to some local munches, meeting people, going to demos, labs, and parties and learn by doing and watching. There's nothing faster for exciting the imagination and stimulating your desire and ability to learn.