Making your own arts, crafts, and other items is a great way to create custom, thoughtful gifts, or to sell for profit. Working from home means a chance to work on your own schedule in your free time. If you’re ready to start earning a side income at home, check out these 5 things to make and sell.
Did you know crafting is a $36 billion industry, according to the Craft and Hobby Association? That’s a whole bunch of glue sticks and decoupage! Etsy and eBay transformed the cottage hobby industry. People could take their homemade goods directly to the market instead of trying to go to shows or start a store.
If you already enjoy making things in your spare time, how about creating some fun custom gifts for friends and family? Already have people asking you for more? How about things to make and sell?
Read on for five ideas to get you started on the road to fun and profit.
Lovin’ From the Oven
Many people purchase cakes and treats for different occasions. Office parties, baby showers, weddings and birthdays come to mind. Not many people find time to bake anymore and there are occasions where a Costco sheet cake isn’t quite right.
Show off your fool-proof brownies, heirloom pie recipe or over-the-top cake decoration skills for a customized gift. Even better, package your treats in a unique way. Layer mini-macarons in a champagne flute or fill empty popcorn tins with bite-size cookies.
Be the Next You-Tube Star!
Do people ask you to teach them to make things? Instead of making and selling a dozen sweaters, video yourself making things and sell your online class! Urvashi Pitre became the “Instant Pot” instant- famous author of four cookbooks due to her blog and her easy to follow recipes.
If cooking is something you enjoy, why not make the most of it? Mom and entrepreneur Valentina Wein combined her love of food and photography to run a popular recipe site. She is able to attend every school concert and field trip, too!
Things to Make and Sell from Textiles
Upcycle old clothing to make new looks. A crafty person can work up totes, purses, and backpacks from discarded clothing items. People who knit and crochet can pick from a rainbow of yarn colors.
If you can do embroidery (hand or machine), personalizing towels, throw pillows or clothing are always popular. Add personalizations and embellishments to soft toys too.
Found Items
Turn rummage sale finds like old plates and glassware into one-of-a-kind cake plates or tea etageres. A keen eye looks at crates and sees bookshelves or footstools. Even the labels from old cans and advertisements make great art pieces.
Just use a sturdy epoxy glue and you are in business!
Paint It Up!
The right paint makes old furniture pop! Weathered looks are in. Age brand new pieces from a big box store to give a vintage feel. Decoupage vintage print onto new pieces to give a shabby chic look to inexpensive, mass-produced chairs.
Or go the opposite direction. Make a mid-century piece look brand new with a fresh coat of paint and some elbow grease. The clean lines of 1960’s modern are everywhere.
Final Thoughts
There you have it! Five easy craft ideas for things to make and sell for profit. Return to this blog frequently for more ideas and inspiration.