Develop Web Application for Cross Stitch Design

I am developing a web application to enable users to design custom cross stitch patterns. I have prototyped a version of this tool in Excel VBA (see attachment). I am unfamiliar with PHP, but it seems to be the correct tool for building a tool which can be used as the centerpiece of a website.

For examples of similar (but inferior) web sites, see: www.myphotostitch.com, www.pic2pat.com, http://www.stitchpoint.com/eng/tool/alph/cross-stitch-writing-tool.php, https://www.stitchfiddle.com/en/c/new.

I believe the cross stitch editor must consist of two parts: an Editor and a Creator. The Editor would allow users to select project dimensions, fabric type, add text, and manipulate text and components (e.g., borders and small images). The Creator would allow users to create custom components and save them for use in the Editor.

Not only is this my first experience with PHP, but this is also my first time using freelancers. I have worked with college students in the past, but that has allowed me to have a good initial meeting and to provide direction as the project moved forward. My preference would be to break the project down into 8-12 hour pieces to make sure that costs are controled and the project does not become misguided. Thus, I believe the first step should be a Skype meeting with an initial objective of cloning my prototype into a web application.