As a beginner, there are safer cures to use. I would recommend Morton's Tenderquick, as it's premeasured to give the right amount of cure and salt in one easy step. Simply add 1 Tbsp/Lb of meat, and your spices.
Cure#1 is used in INCREDIBLY small amounts, and overcuring can be dangerous.
That said, no matter which way you go, FOLLOW DIRECTIONS to the letter when using cures.