I checked that out and it does seem more like what I want. I have been trying to learn as much as possible and I think I might need to re-phrase my entire first post.

What I think I'm really trying to figure out at this point is how to customize the look of the built in components. For example, I need to have a tabbed MDI. I could create it all with Panels, but I'd have to code the logic for all of the switching. I'd rather take advantage of the TabControl and customize just the parts I want. In this application, the tags look completely different. The tabs have an image background. Additionaly, the "Page" of the tab connects visually in a unique visual way. It can all be done with graphics I'm assuming.

So, what I'd like to find out is:

1. How do I create a customized class of a built in component and have it show the changes in the forms designer?
2. How do I re-use that component?
3. How do I make it so I can just drag out a custom component onto the forms designer?

I've been online all morning trying to find examples. I think I've found a few, but when I tried them out I got a few build errors and didn't know why and didn't know how to fix.

Thanks for your response and I hope to get more! Please, and of course thank you in advance.