For laying out your traces I have had great results using expresspcb, it's free and very easy to use, http://www.expresspcb.com/ExpressPCBHtm/Download.htm

     "how easy are these do it yourself etching kits to use?
  and are the results pretty good?

  i would expect there to be a learning curve, but after learning i would
  like a quality board that doesn't look like a hot steaming pile of dog poop
  if you know what i mean! :)"

  For professional quality boards made at home I recommend using MG products. http://www.mgchemicals.com/products/prototype.html

  I am not associated with any links provided, just use their products.

  I have used many processes of board prototyping.

     Sharpie pen (works fairly well for quick boards, need to space out components though and use wide traces for best results, most etch chemicals work ok on sharpie pen, DO NOT USE ammonium persulphate as it will also remove the marker then remaining copper and leave you with a blank board.)

     Another method reply #6 from Dinx71, good results but it is a lot of work.

     Simplest I have found is to use photo boards by MG Products, fairly priced with professional results nearly every time, you will also need to buy developer from MG for this method (17 ounces cost about 10 US dollars and you mix it, developer 1 part to 10 parts water and it takes very little to develop a board, I estimate you could develop 100 - 4 inch by 6 inch boards easily, maybe many more. All etch chemicals work well for etching this board although I prefer ammonium persulphate or sodium persulphate, both come in powder form, mix with water and remain clear to light transparent blue while etching so you can easily see when the process is done, ferric chloride is dark brown and you will probably have to remove the board several times to see if it is done but otherwise works well. And you don't need to buy any special lighting, I just use sunlight, bright works best (5 minutes), overcast day (20-30 minutes) times can be extended if you like but necessary.

    For more on this there is a tutorial on the MG web page.

    Here is a photo board I did today, started with Cat#612 single sided presensitized board 6" x 9", I cut the board down and only used what was needed, still have a large L shaped piece left over for later projects. Cost of board was 12.49 US dollars.

 


   I processed 2 projects on one board, now will cut, trim, and drill holes in each.

  Presto, 2 professional looking boards. Any other questions feel free to ask.