i'm the kind of person who likes to start things from scratch...
is there any tips?

What do you want to start from scratch ? Module or theme ?

theme
i.e the step* file

also, what does in the config folder, i cant find anything the in docs that tell me what u put in it

Read the step.rc files from other themes so you understand the structure. Read up on the different types of modules released at http://www.loose-screws.com to find features you would like in your theme; and then read, read, read, and for good messure read some more. The rest is all trial, error, and lots of coffee.

er...... well
i just tried to start my own theme,
and i can't get anything to show up???

Start reading the Litestep docs; not the third party modules.
It will give you clues about how Litestep start-up, what's the step.rc,... It'll give you the basics about configuration (in general) and will tell you about the basics modules (desktop, popup,...)
When you'll have a working popup, taskbar and systray (even if you don't like its style) you'll be able to go further by searching specific modules.
Good luck and be patient