Easiest way to germinate seeds from my experiences is to get a moist papertowl, put your seeds inside, about 1 - 2 inches apart. Put the moist papertowl in a tupperware container and put the lid on. Sit it on top your fridge for a couple days.
The only way I germinate my seeds is with a papertowl and a tupperware bowl with a lid. Wet the papertowls and place your seeds inside. You can even layer the paper towels up inside the bowl if you are germinating a lot of seeds. Put the lid on it, and place it somewhere dark with a little bit...
If you are looking to build an affordable grow box, this should be of some help. I haven't used it personally but it wouldn't be bad to start out in.
super cheap, super stealth rubbermaid grow box - Grasscity.com Forums
Hey Wookie, I just started my first grow a few days ago as well. These look good though, about as far along as mine are. Almost built my grow box out of a computer tower but decided against it, I'm anxious to see how this works out.