Can personal projects that required reading other's research make up for lack of my own?
How valuable is the information I just listed?


Very, since it shows that you are capable of reading and understanding the literature, and capable of implementing what you read (the true test of understanding).


  Does the attitude demonstrated above make up for the fact that I don't really have terribly original research?


I doubt that any faculty, anywhere, expects undergrad students to have published research. I think the attitude you describe is very valuable for grad school.


  What about the fact that my professors probably aren't that well known?


Well, having a famous professor vouch for you certainly counts for a lot. But not having that network at an undergraduate level shouldn't preclude you from getting into a good graduate course, especially if you have some nicely implemented projects up your sleeve.