Beginner tips

Taking my first crack at oil pastels and would like some help with a couple things... I just have the Staedtler oil pastels, definitely not professional grade and unfortunately can't afford to upgrade my supplies at the moment. So I am wondering: - how can I make it look less like I'm using kids crayons? - what are "easy" projects/subjects to start out with? - what are your favourite blending tools/methods? Would also appreciate if I could be pointed towards any content creators who teach or show step by step process! Thanks in advance :)