Do you love crafting but find yourself drowning in a sea of scarves and self-made gifts? Instead of abandoning your passion, consider turning your hobby into a fulfilling side hustle.
We'll break down everything you need to know, from top-selling craft ideas to the perfect places to showcase your creations and earn extra cash on the side .
Make Money: 8 things to do if you're barely scraping by financially 1. Curated gift baskets
If you love the thrill of choosing just the right gift, channel that into making and selling curated gift baskets for every occasion.
People are often looking for this online, and you can run a successful seasonal business around the holidays or position yourself as a wedding or shower-specific business.
Own a car? Here's 7 warning signs you're paying too much for car insurance. 2. Upcycled furniture
While it can be time-consuming, people who love the challenge of turning a piece of trash into treasure can make money upcycling found and thrifted furniture.
A coat of paint, new hardware, and even styled hacks can turn a free dresser into a piece you’ll sell for several hundred dollars.
3. Wall art
Whether you have a talent for macrame or enjoy painting abstract works of art, people are always on the lookout for wall art.
Amateur interior decorators love using original art, but the price tags of gallery pieces are often out of budget. You can capitalize on an attainable price point.
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4. Handmade candles
Making candles is an easy and creative craft that lets you try different essential oil blends, different vessels, and even different colors. It’s simple to make a larger batch, and you can sell the candles you decide not to keep.
5. Jewelry
Costume jewelry is fun and inexpensive to make, and because of its lower price point, it’s generally a good impulse purchase. You can capitalize on trends you see on Instagram and make jewelry you know people are currently searching for.
6. DIY signs
Whether it’s blocks for newborn photos, signs for kindergarten photos, or holiday decor, signs are a fun way to launch your crafty side hustle. Grab inexpensive pieces of wood and acrylic paint, and let your creativity run wild.
Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt 7. Handmade notecards
You can use stamps, watercolors, or an embossing kit to create notecards that look handmade yet professional.
Stationery from a store can be expensive, but finding an option from a crafty seller makes it more affordable, and the customer supports a small business.
8. Pottery
If you’ve ever taken a pottery class and ended up with more bowls than you know what to do with, then you’ll be glad to know that pottery is a fabulous item to sell as a side hustle. Plus, it tends to command a higher price than many other crafty side hustles.
9. Recipe jars
Mason jars with adorable layers of ingredients for cookies or hot cocoa are surprisingly easy to make, but the reality is that most people don’t want to make them.
If you enjoy the process, consider selling these around the holidays. Tie a cute ribbon to the top and you have a gift-ready product that people will line up to buy.
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The best places to sell
Now that we've covered some of the most popular crafts you can make for your side hustle, let's take a look at the best places to sell them, both online and off.
1. Etsy
When most people think of a side hustle selling crafts online, Etsy is the first name that comes to mind. It has been around since 2005. Over the past two decades, it has grown its audience to 33 million buyers and $3 billion in sales in 2023.
It’s an easy platform to sell whether you’re starting out or trying to scale your business, and it’s known for its emphasis on homemade goods.
2. Facebook Marketplace
While you may think of Facebook Marketplace as a platform to buy and sell secondhand goods, there are also side hustlers selling refinished furniture, artwork, and more.
It’s an easy platform to reach people near you, and you can limit your sale options to local pickup only if you don’t want to deal with shipping.
Avoid Nasty Surprises: 10 things you must do before the next recession 3. Cratejoy
Reaching customers looking for items to put in their subscription boxes is a great path to regular recurring revenue for your crafty side hustle. Cratejoy is a platform that gives you direct access.
4. Shopify
If you want a platform for your craft business that allows you to add a professional online storefront, Shopify is the way to go.
This gives you control over the shopping experience and lets you manage inventory, which is particularly important when you’re making items by hand.
5. Farmers’ markets
Selling in person is a great way to reach new customers and boost your bank account , particularly if you position yourself at a busy farmers market during its busiest spring, summer, and fall weekends.
It’s usually inexpensive to rent a booth, and you can mix and mingle with people interested in your products or who may become customers in the future.
Bottom line
Making and selling crafts as your side hustle may not be the path to instant riches, but it’s a great way to supplement your income , support your hobby, and possibly pad your savings.
The key is finding the right product and the right platform where you can connect with eager customers.
Money tips that can work for everyone
No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.
Focus on paying off your debt . Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.
Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.
Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).
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