Coming out of 2020 and just about everyone has some DIY experience. Whether you developed a green thumb, mastered baking, or jumped in the handmade mask business, you're not ready to leave that all behind. And who can blame you? Handmade crafts are a great way to make some extra money while doing something you enjoy.
There are a lot of hot craft ideas you can start and for a low cost. But don't keep them all to yourself! Set up a market either virtually through online marketplaces such as eBay or Etsy or sign up to take part in local craft fairs. Sharing your business through social media can help bring customers, too.
From easy DIY projects such as braided or beaded headbands to crochet planters and bags, selling crafts is a way to work your creative side while bringing in some extra cash. If you're wanting to start your own craft business, check out these 12 ideas that can help inspire and get you started. In this article, you will find plenty of easy crafts for the beginner, learn what's trending, and ways you can build a profitable side hustle for yourself.
12 Best Crafts You Can Make and Sell
If you're a crafty person, you're probably wondering what the most profitable or easy crafts to sell are. The answer to this isn't cut and dry. People are always on the hunt for a unique gift and the gamut of handmade crafts runs wild. Holiday, home decor, beauty, and pet related items are popular and can provide a good profit for many crafters. The best craft for you to make and sell is something you enjoy and are good at. Do you enjoy sewing? Or is painting more your thing? Are you an excellent woodworker? Or do you excel at designing and curating beautifully handmade jewelry?
The best idea for your craft business is something that makes your heart happy. So, let's pull up a chair and go over some ideas you can use to help you start your own craft business.
Bath Bombs
Who doesn't enjoy a fizzy bath at the end of the day? DIY bath bombs are an easy to justify indulgence that make this product an easy sell. Not sure how to make your own bath bomb? There are several step-by-step online tutorials to get you started. Grab the essentials and drop some luxuriously scented essential oils in your bomb, before going to the bathtub to drop it like it's on!
Custom Tote Bags
With plastic quickly becoming passé, personalized eco-friendly bags are trending and sell well at craft shows or online marketplace sites like Etsy. Custom print tote bags are a hit and loved by everyone from corporate companies to little league baseball teams. If you have a knack for design, this small business idea is in the bag-literally!
Handmade Picture Frames
What better way to showcase a beautiful image than with a beautifully crafted handmade picture frame? For handy crafters, picture frames are an easy DIY that you can completely customize to the whim of your imagination. From delicately beaded to eco-friendly reclaimed wood, these handmade items add charm to every home decor.
All-Natural Lip Balm
Clean make-up and skincare products are trending and chapped lips aren't going away anytime soon. Whether on the bathroom counter or carried on the road, lip balm is a staple for just about everyone. And with more and more people turning to natural skin products, all-naturally made lip balm is quickly becoming the preferred choice for consumers.
Unique Keychains
Like any accessory, keychains double as a statement piece. People want something that matches their personality, handbag, interests...you name it. With handmade keychains, you can offer a wide range of styles such as classic leather, monogrammed metals, and wristlet designs. These little DIY crafts make the perfect gift anytime of the year and a great Christmas stocking stuffer.
DIY Mason Jar Crafts
Not just for your grandmother's homemade jam, mason jars bring nostalgic good feelings and can bring some extra money your way. This easy DIY is incredibly versatile and makes a great gift for just about everyone on your list. Here are a few ideas to get your creative juices flowing:
- A pencil holder for Teacher Appreciation Day
- A paw print treat jar for your fur babies
- A planter for a splash of green
- A candle holder for a soft warm glow
- A tissue holder for the oddball in your life
T-Shirt Produce Bags
So, opening plastic produce bags is more difficult than it needs to be. The struggle is real and grocery shoppers can relate. We need a bag that's easy and serves its purpose. Voila! The upcycled t-shirt produces a bag! This bag is seriously stylish while completely functional. Take old t-shirts-any size or color-draw the shape of a bag and cut. You can find step-by-step tutorials online. Keep one for yourself and get ready for fellow shoppers to ask where they can get one!
One-of-a-Kind Bookmarks
Young and old alike, reading aficionados love bookmarks. You can make these DIY crafts as simple or elegant as you wish. From cardstock and tassels to modern brass clips, these make great gifts for the readers in your life. You can find supplies at your local Dollar Tree and they are cheap to make.
Scented Candles
Candles add warmth and ambiance and one of the best-selling home decor products. You can learn this popular craft on YouTube or other online tutorials. You need some basic supplies to get started, including:
- Melting pot
- Stirring stick
- Wicks
- Wick setting tool
- Candle wax
- Pouring container
- Jars
- Fragrance
With candle making, expect minor hiccups in the beginning stage such as sinkholes in the wax. But, with continued practice, you can build a small candle making business.
Hanging Art
Are you a painter or photographer? Then why not open a shop for others to view and buy your work. There are many ways for artists to market and sell their work — online sites, craft fairs, or membership within a local artist association. People love to adorn their walls and what could be better than an original work of art? If you are an artist and not selling your art, it's time to cast aside doubt and put your work out there.
Festive Holiday Home Decor
Holidays aren't complete without all the trimmings and trappings. From Valentine's to Christmas and all that falls between, holiday decor is a time-honored tradition that is sure to never go out of style. Holiday handmade crafts sell well at craft fairs and online and can turn out to be a lucrative side hustle for creative types.
Handmade Jewelry
The jewelry market is an excellent market to enter and continued growth is expected. Fashion and style are important for both women and men. Jewelry — whether bangles, necklaces, cufflinks — make a statement. Customized, unique jewelry pieces are a driving force behind today's jewelry purchases. If your talent lies with metals and stones, a small jewelry business may be a good fit for you.
Small Business Made Easy with Skynova
Taking your craft from a hobby to a successful side hustle is a great opportunity. With the wide availability of online marketplaces and local craft fairs you can take part in; you can take your interests to the next level.
For invoicing and day-to-day accounting, Skynova makes it easy for you to run your business. We help small business owners stay organized and get paid faster with professional invoice and accounting solutions. Try Skynova templates and products for free and see how we can meet your business needs.
Notice to the Reader
The content within this article is a general guide and may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult with a professional to ensure you're meeting federal and local small business standards.