Walls and Ceilings - re-texturing

My walls have been painted so many times and so many different repairs/patches over the years that the texture no longer looks good. I want to re texture the walls, but I am having a hard time finding any one or any web page that can teach me how to get the texture look I want. I have the time and would like to do it myself. I know that it is easier to hire out, but this is not what I want to do. I like the challenge and have the time, I just lack the know how. Is there any one out there who can tell me or lead me to a good website to show me. I am looking for a skip trowel look. Thanks :)

Attempting to retexture a wall that has several different textures and patches on it already AND getting it to turn out with one consistant texture is difficult, bordering on impossible, depending on how varied the different areas are when you begin. But applying a skip trough texture is mostly just a matter of practicing with it until you have the look you want. Apply a little texture or joint compound to the edge of a 12" taping knife, hold it almost parallel to the wall surface and lightly drag it across the surface, allowing the compound to come off of the blade in a "skipped" pattern. If you don't like the look, blade it off and try again. With lots and lots of practice, you will get to the point that you aren't redoing it as often. Good luck. (Lay the palm of your hand flat on your computer screen. Lift you thumb about 1/4" -- that is about the blade angle you want!)