Hi Connie
I can help you (being the Embroidery editor here). With a sampler, you first need to decide what sort of sampler you want to do, and what your theme is.
Basically, samplers come in two types - square ones and long thin "band" samplers. Now - I've just had a look for my article on samplers. Written but not uploaded (I think I've been having a few too many blonde moments there...).
It depends on your experience too. If you are a beginner, then I would stick to simple designs. More experienced embroiderers can usually let themselves go.
There are 2 options in making your own sampler. You can design it from scratch - motifs, etc., or you can go through your patterns and find motifs that you like and then your "design" is the decision on where they should be on your sampler.
Traditionally, there are 2 types of samplers - ones that are true samplers and show different stitches, motifs and generally "playing" with the designs, stitches and colour to see what works. These are often referred to as "working" samplers.
The other type (and what most people think of as a sampler) are those with motifs, an alphabet or verse and then the stitcher's name or initials and date.
Both types can be either the square or band style of sampler.
Samplers always look best stitched on linen - if you haven't used linen for cross stich before, then start with about a 26 count and use an unbleached or off white (especially if you are going for an "antique" look). Alternatively, you could go ultra modern and use a coloured fabric.
If you decide to draw your own motifs or bands, then all you need is some graph paper! Draw your motifs on the graph paper (use and stitch from there (as you would a chart).
If you decide to use other motifs, you can just copy them onto your graph paper.
Use the graph paper as your design tool - tape bits together or cut it to meet what you are looking for, and then you can keep drawing on it until you find a design that is pleasing to your eye.
I hope that this helps (and I'll find out what I did with my samplers article!!)