do you have any tips for a new craft-er?  

I have dabbled in many crafts over the years but one that I really like is making my own greeting cards..there is so many ways you can do this, on the computer through a program which I did this year for my Christmas cards and by adding a little fine glitter on angel wings they turnes out really nice...you can combine this with rubber stamp or by doing a sort of paper tole to them, I know a few of the people I have made cards for have kept them for years. I think it is a craft where you can use old cards or even wrapping paper to pretty up cards....but I think it is the glitter that really makes them shine..

If you are crocheting , you can get TONS of free patterns off the internet.
I enjoy Annie Attic because they have a new free pattern everyday. It may be crochet, may be knitting, or it may be plastic canvas. There are lots of free patterns on Coats and Clark and Lino Brand and most of the major yarn manufacturers. Alot of them are coded for how hard they are, etc...

Another thing I like to do is printables- there are SOOO many free printables you can print off with your computers printer and put together too. Anything from tissue covers, seed packets, gift boxes you cut and glue up to assemble, things for seasonal decor, things you can cut out and put onto other paper items like handmade cards. Cocoa mix covers, popcorn packet covers,shopping lists,post it note covers, tea bag covers,gift tags, recipe cards,these are just some that come to mind. Then it is quick and simple, you can combine several into a little gift bag or basket along with some of your small crocheted things and make gifts for people.

I crochet for charity so I make baby hats and blankets, and have found most all my patterns online, and then ordered a few books here and there. I also make afghans for Disaster Relief so I am always looking for patterns for simple and quick items like that so that I have more time to make more.

If you are like me once you start really crafting it is hard to throw any "possible supply" away and it can overwhelm you if you get too many things started at once!! Good luck in your ventures

Sounds to me as if you are doing really well, especially if you have only recently started crafting. With your crochet, have you discovered Ravelry yet? Its a fantastic place to track your projects and the best thing is there is always someone online to answer any questions if you get stuck anywhere. I've found so much inspiration as well as literally thousands of free patterns since I joined the site, I find I tell everyone who knits or crochets about it.