Trying to find a fun and simple way to earn some additional cash? Imagine turning your creative and fancy stuff into a lucrative business. Yes! You can now make and sell crafts for a profit.
Anybody with enthusiasm and creativity can start a craft business, but not all of them are profitable.
Making crafts is a hobby of many people that they use as a creative outlet or to pass their time.
Well, you can make money from your pastime with the most profitable crafts to sell. Selling crafts that make money from home with the biggest profit margins is the key to success in business.
Thousands of craft businesses on places like Etsy help people earn a full-time income.
Certain crafts tend to be more lucrative than others as there is a higher demand for them.
You, therefore, need to choose best-selling crafts to turn your pastime into a business. The following handmade item categories are typically trending to make and sell:
- Jewelry
- Beauty crafts
- Personalised Gifts
- Fabric crafts
- Paper Crafts
So, let us dive into the depth about these crafts to make money.
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Things to Consider Before Starting Craft Business
There are many success stories of businesses making and selling crafts online.
Before you start to look for money making craft ideas, here are a few things you should keep in mind while making decisions for your side hustle.
1. Focus on Unique Crafts
Nobody is going to buy a basic soap bar on your Etsy store unless they are looking for something specific or unique that they can’t buy at regular stores.
Make sure that you are selling something unique and also using the right keywords and descriptions in your products so that people can find them.
Decide whether you want to create one-of-a-kind crafts or want to make popular crafts to sell. In the case of popular crafts, you can lower the material cost and streamline the process to scale the business.
2. Cost of Material
The most important things going forward in your business will be the cost of material.
It will decide whether your business will be sustainable or not. If your craft needs expensive material, you need to keep prices high to factor in costs.
Though your audience will be aware that if you are using gold or gems in your handmade jewelry, it is going to cost them much more, there will be less demand for them.
On the other hand, if you can go into crafts that you can make in bulk and sell, you can procure raw materials at lower costs.
3. Time Cost
Where most people fail in the craft business is that they don’t treat it as a “business.”
I know this was supposed to be a hobby to make money, but to make it profitable for a long, you need to take it as a real business.
You need to factor in how much of your own time you are investing, and you need to pay yourself for that.
You need to at least make a minimum wage for your hours.
Calculate how much time you are spending procuring raw materials, manufacturing time, and time you spend promoting and selling your products.
Factor that time in your product prices, if you don’t do that and don’t see any money coming in for some time, you will lose all your interest and motivation.
Ultimately, in most cases, it is profit that keeps you passionate about doing something for long enough.
4. Other Costs
Then you need to look at other costs like listing fees, Etsy shop fees, spending on ads to bring in traffic and other stuff like shipping costs and labeling.
All these costs add up and chew up your profits.
Make sure you keep a tab on them and include them in your product prices.
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How to Decide on Price
There are formulas many craftspeople use to arrive at the price of their products.
For example, Ashley Martineau suggested this formula:
- Supplies cost + $10/hour time spent = Price A
- supplies cost x 3 = Price B
- Price A + Price B divided by 2 = Price C
Then add the sales tax and shipping cost to finalize the price of your item.
You can either charge the shipping price separately or include it in the price. Including shipping in the price works better as many people are unwilling to pay shipping costs.
I would rather pay $55 for a product I like than pay $50 and $5 shipping cost. That’s how psychology works.
List of Most Profitable Crafts to Make and Sell
These DIY projects will give you many money making craft ideas that you can adopt and modify with your creativity.
Jewelry
There is an opportunity for every person in the hugely profitable jewelry sector.
Jewelry is one of the most popular crafts to sell; on the other hand, it is also a very competitive industry. Jewelry making and selling is a highly profitable craft if you can add uniqueness to it.
Materials are commonly affordable and simple to get.
Additionally, most jewelry is compact, so shipping costs are generally not an issue.
1. Tassel Earrings
Earrings are popular handmade items in demand and sell like hotcakes.
If you find earrings that match your preferences and fashion, you’ll purchase those without giving a second thought.
Tassel earrings appear to be bought from a high-end clothing store and appear sleek and contemporary, and are simple to sell and reuse.
Old earrings can be found in your jewelry box, in second-hand stores, and in local thrift shops. To can craft them and resell them for a profit.
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2. Jewelry Made of Pressed Resin Flowers
One common handicraft material used by jewelers these days is resin.
You may make stunning jewelry by embellishing the resin with flowers, sparkles, and other materials.
There are different pieces of jewelry you can make from resin, like rings, hair clips, and bangles.
Other than jewelry, other resin-made things like mobile covers and personalized name tags for pets are one of the most popular crafts to sell nowadays.
Read also: Where to sell used clothes online!
3. Customized Name Jewellery
The ticket to success in the jewelry industry may be to educate yourself about using laser machines to create delicate customized name necklaces and bracelets.
Unsurprisingly, one of the most lucrative crafts to make and sell is delicate and personalized name necklaces, given how attracted consumers are to them.
Some of the most popular items in this category include name rings, initial necklaces, nameplate pendants, initial necklaces, and initial letter necklaces made in silver or 14k gold.
4. Jewelry Made of Recycled And Mixed Media
Jewelry made from unusual materials has become increasingly common.
Since these things can be found for literally below a penny, this is fantastic for you if you want to maximize your profit on each craft you sell.
Here is an example of making mixed-media jewelry.
Making charms or beads out of broken toys, scraps of cloth, guitar picks, and maybe even old electric devices is indeed only limited by your creativity.
5. Pins Made of Enamel
Although enamel pins are more challenging to create than certain other types of jewelry, these are one of the best crafts to make money.
If you possess the creative talent required to produce one-of-a-kind pins, you can rapidly cover your costs and generate income.
6. Air-dry Clay Jewellery
The art of working with clay can be learned with little effort and without the need for specialized tools, machinery, or training.
Hence it is easier to start, even if you are an absolute beginner.
There are tons of tutorials on YouTube like these for you to learn and make these popular crafts to sell.
7. Metal Jewellery With Stamps
One of the most trending crafts to make and sell in jewelry right now is stamped metal and for a valid reason.
It is widely used for bookmarks, rings, lockets, and pet ID tags.
Customers adore items that have signatures, time stamps, or unique designs added.
In fact, lockets and charms are just some of the things using stamped metal. You can try out numerous others and create your own magic.
8. Beaded Accessories
Because beads are cheap and abundantly available, beaded jewelry is an excellent business to establish and expand.
Mass production of beads, wire, and fasteners could be done for incredibly lesser costs.
Learning how to make bracelets and earrings are simple, and you may start your own business while being creative.
9. Wire Rings
To get your feet wet in jewelry making, an excellent starter project can be wire-wrapped jewelry.
Starting with little, simple objects like rings will make it easier to expand to items like necklaces, pendants, and bracelets.
Read also: Best things to rent out for profit!
Beauty Crafts
The emergence of plant oils and spa treatments has increased demand for handmade bath and beauty products.
The possible combinations are limitless, despite the simplicity of the methods and materials.
These most profitable crafts to sell can be marketed even with crazy names and bundling.
In most cases, different names and designs sell more!
You also need to label your products properly and follow the regulations of the land.
1. Body Scrubs
Body scrubs are simple and inexpensive to create, so you may sell a product that clients like without spending a lot of cash.
You need to know your target market and experiment with various fragrances.
2. Personalized Soaps
Since homemade products seem to be in demand for so long, it’s a terrific home-based business.
You can make these crafts to make money with low-cost materials and little time.
Creativity can take you much further when making soap. You may easily create a one-of-a-kind product by utilizing various methods, smells, botanicals, and shapes.
People buy these soap boxes for their uniqueness. If you can add some herbal ingredients, that may give you an edge over others.
Many people who are in favour of herbal healing will become your regular customers.
3. Simple Bath Bombs
Bath bombs are a well-liked gift and quite a simple craft to make and sell.
Simple ingredients and a couple of droplets of fragrant plant oils are required to create a unique product for which consumers are willing to pay more.
Here is how you can make these crafts for selling.
4. Lip Balm
The lip balms you create are pretty simple to produce and are always in demand.
You may increase sales by having distinctive flavors, patterns, and offers.
Lip balm requires less time and labor to make.
5. Bath Salts
One more thing you may produce and sell from home is aromatic bath salts.
Different kinds of ailments, cramps, and stress are relieved by using them.
They will also provide your clients’ restrooms with a unique touch.
Personalized Gifts
Personalized gifts are one of the most sort after and profitable crafts to make and sell. Here are a few money making crafts that you can make for gifting purposes.
These handmade items are more in demand during festival seasons, but there is year-round demand of these for birthday and party gifts.
Sell Your Art
Money is spent on the art sector because everyone loves art they use in their home decorations.
People are happy to pay extra cash for finer art.
One of the abilities people naturally possess is the ability to create art. Of course, one can enroll in art classes to hone their abilities, but many artists are blessed with making beautiful art.
Additionally, since art is personal, there are no set guidelines regarding how much a work of art must be valued if you can attract the correct audience.
You can experiment and develop your artistic abilities.
1. Acrylic Paint Pour Art
One of the newest trends in the art world is acrylic paint pour art, a fantastic way to adorn your home.
You don’t need a lot of stuff to make and sell this craft, and it’s simple to use.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a craftsperson who wants to use your skill for painting to support yourself financially. Everyone can realize their aspirations.
Everybody can paint, and you will undoubtedly excel if you can perfect your acrylic paint pour-on art techniques.
Here is how beginners can start.
2. Name Crafts
Your craft business can grow by using laser-cutting equipment.
Despite not being inexpensive, they enable accurate and detailed cuts that can be used to produce high-end home decor creations.
By providing customized name services, you can attract more customers.
3. Baby Milestone Cards
One more popular DIY item that is in demand is baby milestone cards.
Such items could make the ideal present for any expecting mother or home with a newborn.
These contain a section wherein the family enters the child’s birth date and other data.
Additionally, there is room on such cards to record each lovely growth milestone.
4. Customized Cups
One of the most straightforward vinyl works to market for new Cricut (computer-controlled cutting machines) users is personalized cups and drinking glasses.
Making skillful designs on jugs and containers is simpler than before, thanks to the new Cricut mug press.
You can invest in one and start this business of crafts that makes money from home.
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Fabric Crafts
You don’t need to confine the handmade fabric crafts you make before going to bed as a hobby.
Numerous small sewn handicrafts are simple to make and could sell for considerable profits.
Here are a few most profitable fabric crafts to make and sell.
1. Scarves
Every closet contains fashionable scarves for all weather.
Almost any clothing may be accessorized and paired with a scarf. One scarf with contrasting colors can radically alter the overall ensemble.
If needlework or weaving is your preferred hobby, consider creating scarves in various colors and patterns and then selling them to get money.
Try experimenting with multiple fabrics and creating original designs; you’ll sell many of them!
2. Pillows
Among the best selling crafts are pillows and pillowcases.
Even unskilled sewers, if you believe yourself to be one, can easily create simple pillow covers, and fabric costs only a few bucks per meter.
Many artisans use recycled textiles, such as old t-shirts or tablecloths from thrift shops, to reduce the cost of supplies and maximize income.
3. Tufted Mats and Rugs
Making rugs using the hooking or tufting technique is still a popular craft to sell.
You can create one-of-a-kind carpets, mats, or fabric wall hangings with a motorized or electrical tufting gun or by hand-hooking with a punched needle and incorporating your own patterns.
The best designers regularly charge several hundred dollars for a two-by-three-foot rug. If you can find your niche, it can be a successful business.
4. Tote Bags
Since they are fashionable and practical, canvas totes and reusable fabric bags are one of the best crafts to make money.
They can be produced with cheap materials and only need simple sewing abilities, like pillow coverings.
A handcrafted tote bag can stand out and generate good cash if you use distinctive designs, inscriptions, or patterns.
5. Kids’ Handmade Clothing
Making money in the apparel sector can be challenging.
Customers are accustomed to the low rates given by instant fast fashion. While sewing garments requires time and skill, which makes them costly.
The exception is handmade apparel for infants and young children.
Customers will spend more on distinctive and entertaining children’s clothing, particularly for vacations and special events.
Additionally, smaller sizes require very little fabric, which also minimizes manufacturing costs.
6. Knit Blanket
The chunky knit blanket offers strong sales revenue and is simple to manufacture.
It will become a pretty thing you have made if you add more colors.
7. Crocheted Items
Crafting soft, spongy toys with crochet is an art, but the skill can be used for a wide range of projects.
Apparel, toys, wallets, textiles, and even exquisite crochet art are all examples of crocheted products.
Crocheted objects take relatively little inventory space. Thus this can be a cost-effective method to add new crafts and home decor goods.
Paper Crafts
Nowadays there is craze of digital downloads where you can sell things like printables online and you need to maintain a stock or go in the hassle of shipping.
Still there are enough people who buy handmade paper crafts.
Here are a few profitable paper crafts to make and sell.
1. Handmade Cards
These are one of the most profitable crafts to sell for a long time.
Many people adore these cards and use them for special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and festivals.
You can create these beautiful handmade cards and sell them without any big upfront investment.
It also doesn’t require any kind of setup. You can make these crafts as a hobby in the evening and make money from home. So if you are thinking about how can I make extra money from home in the evenings, crafts can be your answer.
2. Paper Wall Art
You can make different kinds of flowers from paper.
People use these paper flowers to decorate the walls.
You can also make many different types of wall hangings and paper butterflies to decorate the walls.
You can cut them with a Cricut machine or sell printable templates to make them.
3. Paper Treat Boxes
You can sell cutouts or templates to make cute little rectangular boxes with hinges that can be used to pack small treats.
They give a personalized look to handmade treats, and you can do a business out of it with little string paper like scrapbook paper.
Where to Sell Handmade Items?
It’s easier than it sounds to sell crafts online. Some of the best online marketplaces for selling handmade goods include:
These websites are excellent and well worth trying.
The most profit you can make selling crafts is through your own store.
You can open a store on Etsy or Shopify and set it up for success in a few easy steps.
You can decide everything yourself, starting from which craft to sell and how much price you want to charge. All you have to do is find an audience, either through paid promotions or SEO optimization.
How to Increase the Profitability of Your Handmade Business
It is helpful to consider a business from creation, marketing, and sales angles.
As you are the sole owner, you need to do everything yourself.
Things that will help you to be more profitable includes:
- Selecting crafts that you are good at making and that sells well
- Consider cost and profit of craft
- How much time you need to invest
- Is there scope for expansion
Also, take into account administrative tasks that cost you money and time.
For instance, legal duties like business registration, tax preparation, email correspondence, inventory management, etc.
Learn about more earning opportunities here:
Sumeet is founder of MoneyFromSideHustle and an experienced side hustler who replaced his full-time income with side hustles. His work has been quoted on major finance websites like CNBC, Yahoo! Finance, GOBankingRates, MSN, Nasdaq, AOL, and more. He has helped thousands of people find side hustles and is here to help you find your extra source of income. More about him.