Web design, slicing, layers

Web design has always been something that is way beyond me. I've had classes where we touch upon it, learn very basic HTML or 30minute overview of Dreamweaver, but I've never really had the opportunity to design my own website. After reading Information Architecture and watching the video about slicing in Photoshop, things are starting to become a little more clear. However, I now am realizing that there is no one way to create and design a website. The possibilities are endless. This being said, the concept of building my own website is even more mind boggling. I think things will become clearer once I just delve in and begin playing around with various tools such as Photoshop, InDesign, and other web builders.