Get all crafts to L10 (easily done) to get all the low-hanging abilities(fruits).
You'll be amazed how (relatively) easy your crafting life becomes. You'll be able to use more of them as your level up higher.

Tips:
Preserve - Great for switching colors back to white. On the 3rd(or 4th if favored) attempt with this active, use another ability for greater success. This will make "Preserve" expire but it doesn't matter because the orb is already white.

Maker's Muse + Fulfillment + Preserve is a pretty good "Success" mix in my experience.

650 exp (+8 levels) should be somewhat more comfortable than +10 levels.