[sdiy] very basic pcb

[db]

I haven't made a pc board in many years, so my knowledge is way out of date.

I want to make a very simple board that has 5 surface mount relays, some 
diodes, and a few connectors.

What's the way to make a cheap board? Does one print something, and then 
etch it somehow?
Express PCB software good for anything if i don't want to send off to have 
a board made?
(Seem a bit excessive for this tiny one off thing.)

I recall writing on copper with a marker, and then soaking a board, but 
that was 25 years ago.
Things must have improved?

Or should I just use some kind of perf board and wires?

Dennis [Los Angeles]