creating my own style where do i start?

[equinox101]

I've been playing around with vbulletin for the last 2 weeks but when it comes to making it my own i haven't any idea where to start. I've changed the logo (simple) and also the header background. But thats from manipulating the default template. I want to make the changes by creating a new style, nothing out there, just something that means should i have to reinstall etc etc that i have a backup of the style template.
These are a couple of the things i'm looking to understand in the image below plus also i'll create my own status icons etc.


Just a bit of help in the right direction would be a great help at the moment. thanks.

And also what code i'd need to implement to move the welcome, notifications etc down just above the header bar.