True, After Effects is a great program, but I don't have any money right now.
I think I've found a way to do this. I'll use SumoPaint to draw my frame by frame images.
Then I composite the images in a program like windows live movie maker, but something better.
Next, I make backgrounds using Gimp. Finally, add effects using After Effect or something similar.
Seem like a plan? I mean, it would take a LONG time, but I could do it.