Embedding resources (images, sound bits, etc) into a Java project then use those resources

Just put those resources in the source/package structure and use ClassLoader#getResource() or getResourceAsStream() to obtain them as URL or InputStream from the classpath by the full qualified package path.

ClassLoader classLoader = Thread.currentThread().getContextClassLoader();
InputStream input = classLoader.getResourceAsStream("/image.gif");
// ...

Or if it is in the same package as the current class, you can also obtain it as follows:

InputStream input = getClass().getResourceAsStream("image.gif");

As a side question, how do I get Eclipse to create the project as a executable so it can be launched.

Rightclick Java Project > Export > Runnable JAR File .