Here's a link for making your own Starter:
Sourdough Bread: How To Begin (easy sourdough for the beginner or novice)
Personally I'm not that venturous and use the box mix for sourdough bread when I am in the mood on occasion.
And here is a link to a Ciabatta Bread recipe:
Ciabatta Bread
I had to chuckle that you consider using a bread machine as somehow "cheating".