How to combine shapes to form one object
Applies to: Inkscape 0.46
Open new file in Inkscape.
Draw your shapes.
Edit > Select All (or Ctrl+A)
Path > Object to Path (Or Shift+Ctrl+C)
Path > Union (or Ctrl++)
View > Display Mode > Outline (to see what the finished product looks like)
File > Save (or File Save As...) or Ctrl+S or Shift+Ctrl+S to save your project