I am running out to the brew supply shop here in a few hours, and I am looking to pick up supplies to make a couple of beers. The only thing is I have always brewed from kits, and this will be the first time I have made up my own recipes. I want to make an amber ale and I also want to make a double wheat (something about 24 proof would be very nice). Has anyone had luck with either of these? Any other recipes you think I should try?

I can't help you, but when I was looking to get into home brewing, there is a whole forum dedicated to it, with recipes, suggestions, etc. Homebrewtalk.com. I'm sure they'd be able to help more than here.

I just got into brewing my own stuff at the beginning of the year so I don't have much experience, but can give you some links to get some good info.

http://www.homebrewtalk.com/

http://www.basicbrewing.com/index.php?page=home

http://www.howtobrew.com/

http://beerrecipes.org/