DIY does a lot for the soul. Over the decades, we’ve gathered plenty of evidence that arts and crafts have an overall positive impact on mental well-being, including stress, anxiety, depression, and even cognitive decline. Turning your favorite creative outlet into a source of income could, in theory, be a great way to escape the pressures of a 9-to-5 grind. That is, if you capitalize on the best crafts to make and sell.

Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just starting out, there are plenty of crafts that can help you bring in some extra money while exploring your creativity. Below, we’ve outlined a list of 31 crafts to make and sell that offer great potential for earning extra income. Let’s dive in.

31 Crafts to Make and Sell in 2024

1. Handmade Jewelry
2. Custom T-Shirts
3. Candles
4. Soap
5. Bath Bombs
6. Woodworking
7. Pottery
8. Handmade Bags
9. Knit or Crochet Items
10. Home Décor
11. Handmade Greeting Cards
12. Leatherwork
13. Pet Accessories
14. Stained Glass Art
15. Calligraphy and Hand Lettering
16. Photography
17. Embroidery
18. Metalwork
19. Quilting
20. Organic Beauty Products
21. Painted Rocks
22. Beadwork
23. Upcycled Furniture
24. Terrariums
25. Handmade Scarves
26. Wooden Toys
27. Custom Art Portraits
28. Polymer Clay Creations
29. Paper Crafts
30. Miniature Models
31. Embellished Clothing

1. Handmade Jewelry

Handmade jewelry consistently ranks among the best-selling crafts in the DIY space. From beaded bracelets to statement necklaces, the wide variety of styles and materials make this craft ideal for anyone with an eye for artful accessories. Once you get established in the niche, you could even set a goal of making $100 a day.

Handmade jewelry is personal, heartfelt, and unique, offering shoppers an alternative to mass-produced goods. There’s a huge market to cater to—think everything from casual everyday wear to formal designs for special occasions. You can use all sorts of materials like beads, metal, leather, and gemstones to create a wide range of products for your catalog. The best part: Many of these materials are relatively cheap, meaning a higher profit margin for you.

Tips for Selling Handmade Jewelry

• Experiment with unique materials such as resin, clay, or wire to stand out from the crowd
• Offer personalized or fully custom pieces for a more personal touch
• Create seasonal collections or limited-run pieces to keep customers engaged

2. Custom T-Shirts

If you have a knack for graphic design, custom t-shirts might be your ticket to success. And, the market is growing—specifically at a forecast compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.1% from 2023 to 2030. Not only does this venture allow for a considerable degree of creativity, but it also responds well to the market’s demand for personalized and unique items. 

The process is relatively simple, with various printing techniques you can do, including traditional screen printing and modern digital printing. You could also experiment with a print-on-demand business model, using a third-party supplier (like Printful) to handle the inventory and fulfillment for you—all you have to do is upload your designs.

The custom t-shirt business caters to a wide range of clientele, from individuals seeking one-of-a-kind gifts to companies needing bulk orders for promotional purposes. This versatility, combined with the potential for high profit margins, makes custom t-shirt production a stand-out option in the realm of crafts that make money.

Tips for Selling Custom T-Shirts

• Use quality printing methods to ensure your designs look sharp
• Target your designs to specific niches or communities
• Build a strong online presence through a user-friendly eCommerce website and/or marketplace

3. Candles

Candlemaking is another way to turn a creative passion into a profitable side hustle. Not only is this a versatile and fun hobby, but it also offers an excellent opportunity to make money. 

Candlemaking allows you to explore a wide range of scents, colors, and designs. You can even personalize your products for special occasions, like weddings or birthdays, making them unique and appealing to a broad audience.

Candles are a popular and enduring commodity—the global candle market was valued at a whopping $12.88 billion in 2022. People buy candles for all kinds of reasons, including relaxation, home décor, or as gifts. This steady demand ensures a consistent market for your work, and with the right marketing strategies under your belt, you can tap into various niches to expand your customer base.

Tips for Selling Candles

• Participate in local craft fairs, farmers’ markets, or pop-up events to showcase your candles in person
• Use high-quality wax, fragrance oils, and wicks so your candles burn evenly and safely
• Invest in attractive packaging and labeling to make your candles stand out

4. Soap

Making homemade soap is not only a simple craft but also a lucrative one. A hot seller at craft fairs, farmers’ markets, and boutiques, soap is a go-to gift item for many consumers and a fun way for people to treat themselves without splurging.

Before you start, research what skin-friendly ingredients are in high demand, and play around with different and unique scents. You could even create a signature scent unique to your shop. Packaging and presentation count here, too: If your soaps are pretty to look at, you can present them simply with a twine bow and label for your shop. Or, you can wrap them in eye-catching packaging for a polished presentation.

Tips for Selling Homemade Soap

• Offer samples or trial-sized versions so customers can try before they buy
• Be transparent about the ingredients and their benefits to educate potential customers
• Use attractive packaging and labeling to make your soap visually appealing and professional

5. Bath Bombs

The global bath bomb market—yes, there’s a bath bomb market—is expected to reach $2.3 billion by 2031. Over the past few years, self-care has become an increasing priority in consumers’ lives, and bath bombs are a fun way to infuse some color and creativity into a self-care routine. 

You can capitalize on this trend. Make bath bombs with unique designs, trendy themes, and skin-friendly (and bathtub-friendly) ingredients. You could even consider offering a subscription box to keep customers coming back for more.

Tips for Selling Homemade Bath Bombs

• Take videos of your bath bombs fizzing in the tub and post them on social media
• Offer unique scents, themes, or personalization to make your bath bombs stand out
• Take high-quality photos of your bath bombs to showcase their colors and designs

6. Woodworking

Woodworking is a timeless craft that combines artistry and practicality. Whether you are a seasoned woodworker or just starting out, this versatile hobby offers endless possibilities for creating beautiful and functional products, décor items, and even furniture. 

If you’re new to the art, start with simple projects to hone your skills. As you grow and learn, invest in higher-quality tools and gradually build a portfolio for custom orders. Handcrafted cutting boards, coasters, bowls, and more are all marketable options that can fetch a high price.

Tips for Selling Woodworking Items

• Use an omnichannel selling approach: your website, online marketplaces like Etsy, craft fairs, etc.
• Provide detailed descriptions of the materials, dimensions, and any unique features to demonstrate value
• Consider taking custom orders for higher-ticket sales

7. Pottery

Pottery is an ancient craft that dates back thousands of years. Yet, it continues to captivate people with its timeless beauty and versatility. In a churn-and-burn market where mass-produced items dominate store shelves, homemade pottery stands out as a unique and cherished art form. If you have a passion for creating beautiful ceramics, pottery is a fantastic craft that you can make and sell.

To start, you’ll need equipment such as a pottery wheel, kiln, and clay. Experiment with different techniques and styles to develop your own signature look, from functional items like mugs and bowls to decorative pieces like vases and candle holders.

As a bonus, you could offer pottery classes to engage with your local community, or even collaborate with local art shops to showcase your ceramic creations.

Tips for Selling Homemade Pottery

• Collaborate with local boutiques or artisan markets to reach a wider customer base
• Use high-quality photos to show off the details of each piece from various angles
• Offer customization options to cater to individual preferences

8. Handmade Bags

Handmade bags provide the perfect solution for those looking for unique, personalized accessories. As a crafter, you can offer a range of bag styles, colors, and patterns to suit various tastes and preferences. Whether it’s a vibrant tote bag for everyday use or an elegant clutch for a special occasion, there is a market for every type of handmade bag.

Making bags also allows you to show off your creativity and craftsmanship. Unlike factory-produced items, each handmade bag is created with love and attention to detail. This personal touch adds an extra layer of charm and uniqueness to any craft item, which customers appreciate.

Tips for Selling Handmade Bags

• Highlight any sustainable or eco-friendly materials used in the production of the bags
• Offer personalized options, such as custom colors or monogramming
• Ensure that each bag is made with high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail

9. Knit or Crocheted Items

Hand-knit or crocheted items are the perfect craft to make and sell—either in person or online through platforms like Etsy or your own eCommerce website. Apart from material goods like blankets, sweaters, scarves, or hats, you could also consider selling the patterns for your creations. Or, you could offer free patterns as a way to attract customers and then upsell more complex or unique designs.

Quality is key when selling handmade knit items. Use high-quality yarns and materials, pay attention to detail, and make sure that each item is well-made and built to last. This will help establish your reputation as a skilled artisan and encourage repeat customers.

Tips for Selling Knit or Crocheted Items

• If you choose to sell patterns, make sure to account for all skill levels
• Consider bundling related items into a value set, like scarves, hats, and gloves
• Create seasonal items themed around upcoming holidays and special events

10. Home Décor

Home décor covers a lot of ground as a product category, including many of the other items on this list. But it can be a very lucrative category in general. Globally, the home décor market amounts to around $128.7 billion, with the majority of that coming from the United States.

As a crafter, you could consider making items like throw pillows, wall art, and table centerpieces as a great way to express your creativity while making money. Additionally, there is increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable home goods, which could be a great niche for your business.

Tips for Selling DIY Home Décor

• Keep an eye on interior design trends to know what products are in high demand
• Accept custom orders so your customers can personalize items to their liking
• Take well-lit lifestyle photos of your creations in use, staged in a home setting

11. Handmade Greeting Cards

The global greeting card market is reliably large, valued at around $19.25 billion in 2022. Notably, the demand for handmade cards is on the rise as consumers perceive them to be more thoughtful and unique than generic store-bought options. With a knack for paper crafts under your belt, you can dive into this market and exercise your creativity with handmade wedding, birthday, get-well-soon, and other cards. 

You can sell your creations on your own eCommerce website, or turn to a marketplace platform like Etsy or Amazon Handmade. In person, you could sell your cards at craft fairs and artisan markets. 

Tips for Selling Handmade Greeting Cards

• Focus on unique and creative designs to stand out from mass-produced cards
• Use high-quality materials and craftsmanship to enhance the value of your cards
• Personalize your cards for different occasions, offering a variety of designs and styles

12. Leatherwork

Leatherwork is a timeless craft to make and sell, and it can result in stunning, one-of-a-kind wallets, bags, belts, and even clothing. As a bonus, leather is a durable and long-lasting material, which puts leather goods in high demand.

To master leatherworking, you’ll need a combination of practical skills and creativity. You’ll need to know various cutting and shaping techniques, hand-stitching techniques, and dyeing and finishing techniques. You’ll also need a keen eye for design and detail. Like other crafts on this list, you can sell your goods at local artisan or farmers markets, or online through platforms like Etsy or your own online store.

Tips for Selling Leather Goods

• Carefully research the right type of leather and materials for your products
• Focus on quality craftsmanship and attention to detail to ensure durable, long-lasting products
• Create unique designs that stand out from the competition and cater to niche customer preferences

13. Pet Accessories

People are not shy about spending money on their pets. Even in times of economic uncertainty, such as the financial crisis of 2008 and the post-COVID recession of 2020, the pet product and services market flourished. Moving into 2023, 68% of pet owners spent more on their pets in February 2023 than they did in January 2022, even while looking for other ways to be economically conservative.

Tap into this lucrative market by making fun homemade pet accessories like collars, leashes, bandanas, blankets, or costumes. Customize your pet products for different animals, use pet-friendly materials, and engage with pet communities to build a loyal customer base.

Tips for Selling Pet Accessories

• Collaborate with local pet stores and vet offices to showcase and sell your products
• Attend pet expos and other local artisan events to demonstrate your products in person
• Offer free or discounted shipping for bulk orders to encourage customers to buy more

14. Stained Glass Art

Stained glass is a great craft to make and sell because it results in a uniquely beautiful product that wows customers. The intricate designs and vibrant colors of stained glass make it ideal for gifting, decorating homes, and adding a touch of elegance to any space. Plus, stained glass art can be customized and personalized to meet the specific tastes or requests of your customers, making it a highly coveted, tailor-made product.

While you can sell your artwork online, stained glass often shines best in person. Participate in local craft fairs, art shows, and even gallery events to showcase your work in the best light and allow your customers to see its beauty in action. Building a strong network of interior designers, art collectors, and other creatives can also be beneficial in getting your work sold.

Tips for Selling Stained Glass Art

• Host workshops teaching others the art of stained glass as a means to generate additional income
• Participate in art exhibitions, craft fairs, or local events to gain exposure and reach a wider audience
• Incorporate other materials such as beads, wire, or fused glass to create one-of-a-kind mixed media pieces

15. Calligraphy and Hand Lettering

Has your handwriting always been the envy of your friends? If so, calligraphy and hand lettering could be your new niche. As a calligrapher, you can offer a personalized touch to a range of products—including custom wedding invitations, pre-addressed envelopes, personalized stationery, handwritten signs, and décor. You could even offer calligraphy classes and teach your skills to others.

Calligraphy adds elegance and sophistication to any piece of writing, and it can be tailored to suit different styles and preferences. It’s a skill that requires precision and practice, making it a craft that holds value in today’s fickle market. With an increased interest in handmade and bespoke goods, there’s a growing demand for handcrafted, artisanal products for events, branding, and personalization purposes.

Tips for Offering Calligraphy Services

• Digitize some of your hand lettering, offering designs that can be incorporated into websites, blogs, and social media
• Collaborate with wedding planners, event organizers, and photographers to offer your services as part of their packages
• Offer calligraphy classes (or even online courses) to teach your skills to others

16. Photography

While “craft” may be a loose interpretation, photography is still an art form that has the potential to become a lucrative—and creative—way to make money.

There are so many different types of photography services that you can offer, each one catering to different needs and interests. Take portrait photography, for example; you can work with families, couples, kids, or even corporate professionals to provide headshots, group pictures, and more. Don’t like working with people? Consider photography centered around products, food, cars, or wildlife as an alternative.

We’d be remiss in not mentioning wedding photography, which is another niche with very high earnings potential, especially during the summer months (making it an excellent summer job for teachers). While shooting weddings can mean long hours and a lot of work, if you have the eye for documenting a couple’s special day, you can leverage that skill into a booming business. 

Tips for Offering Photography Services

• Visuals are everything—make sure your portfolio website and social media showcase the best of your work
• Offer custom-tailored photography packages catered to specific client needs
• Attend photography workshops to network with industry professionals and learn new techniques

17. Embroidery

Embroidery is a great craft to make and sell because it covers such a wide range of potential products. For example, you could offer personalized items like monogrammed towels, robes, or tote bags. You can then market these items as gifts or favors for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or baby showers.

Clothing can be the perfect canvas for your embroidery work, including custom designs on t-shirts, hoodies, or hats. Additionally, embroidered home décor pieces like pillows, wall hangings, or table runners can add a unique and personalized touch to any living space. Overall, the versatility of embroidery allows you to build an entire catalog of unique products, which presents various opportunities for successful sales.

Tips for Selling Embroidered Goods

• Offer seasonal collections to create a sense of urgency and exclusivity among your offerings
• Share embroidery tutorials on your website or social media channels to build credibility and engage with your audience
• Consider selling your patterns as an alternative income stream

18. Metalwork

Metalwork is a broad category of crafts that covers everything from small wearable items to large decorative pieces for the home. Because of its versatility, it’s the perfect type of craft to market and sell to a large, diverse customer base.  

Handcrafted metal jewelry, such as rings, necklaces, and earrings, are highly sought after for their unique appeal that can’t be recreated in generic, store-bought products. Alternatively, metalwork lends itself well to functional utensils and home décor pieces like wall art, sculptures, candle holders, drinkware, and cutlery. These pieces can add a touch of elegance and bespoke style to any home.

Tips for Selling Metalwork Goods

• Team up with interior designers or home décor bloggers to feature your metalworks in their projects, creating buzz with a wider audience
• Host workshops or demonstrations to educate people on the artistry and techniques behind metalwork crafts
• Implement a referral or loyalty program, incentivizing customers to refer others or make repeat purchases

19. Quilting

Quilting is a traditional craft that continues to thrive, blending creativity with functionality and personalization. Quilts can be customized with various colors, patterns, and designs to match different styles and themes. This allows for a high level of individuality, making them perfect for home décor or even gifts.

Apart from making money, the quilt-making process can be a relaxing and fulfilling pastime. It’s a hobby that not only allows you to produce beautiful, functional art but also serves as a meditative practice, offering a peaceful retreat from the hustle of daily life. Each piece of fabric you select and each stitch you make contributes to a legacy that can be cherished for generations. Furthermore, quilting communities, both online and offline, provide a welcoming space for sharing ideas, learning new techniques, and fostering friendships, adding a social aspect to the craft. For this reason, selling quilts would make a wonderful part-time job for retirees, too.

Tips for Selling Quilted Goods

• Highlight the unique features of each quilt, such as the story behind it
• Offer custom gift wrap and personalization options to cater to customers looking for unique and thoughtful presents
• Share behind-the-scenes videos or blog posts on your creative process to engage with customers on a personal level

20. Organic Beauty Products

If you have the skills to effectively and safely create homemade beauty products, you could turn this craft into a profitable income stream. There’s a market for natural beauty products in particular—the global natural skincare market was valued at $6.7 billion in 2021, and it’s expected to see a CAGR of 6.6% through 2030.

To capitalize on the trend, consider making your own line of natural and organic soaps, moisturizers, lip balms, and more. Use attractive packaging, be transparent about your ingredients, and leverage the power of social media to find influencers or local stores who will promote your brand.

Tips for Selling Organic Beauty Products

• Use eco-friendly packaging to complement your organic brand aesthetic
• Use high-quality natural ingredients to ensure your customers get the best results
• Offer mini or sample sizes so customers can try before they buy

21. Painted Rocks

Painted rocks are a charming, nostalgic craft that appeals to both kids and adults. They’re the perfect craft to make and sell for several reasons. First, they’re relatively inexpensive to make; you only need a few basic art supplies like paint and brushes. This makes them a cost-effective craft for both adults looking for a creative outlet and kids who want to start their first mini-business.

Second, people love to decorate their outdoor spaces with unique and eye-catching items, and painted rocks serve as the perfect decorative accent. They can also be used as paperweights, garden markers, or simply as decorative pieces on shelves or tabletops. 

Tips for Selling Painted Rocks

• Package your painted rocks in small decorative boxes or organza bags to make them more gift-worthy
• Create a fun, visually appealing display for your painted rocks, such as a faux garden
• Create series of painted rocks based on themes, inspiring shoppers to collect them all

22. Beadwork

Beadwork is a great craft to make and sell because it offers endless possibilities for jewelry, home décor, and accessories. As a plus, depending on the materials you choose, you can get started with this craft for relatively little upfront investment. This versatility lets you cater to a broad customer base and offer a wide variety of products to suit different tastes, budgets, and preferences.

Additionally, beadwork is highly customizable—you can incorporate different colors, patterns, and designs into your creations, making each piece 100% one-of-a-kind. This can attract customers who are looking for unique or bespoke items for themselves or to give as gifts. Furthermore, beadwork is a skill that can be learned and mastered with practice, making it accessible to anyone interested in starting their own business.

Tips for Selling Beadwork

• Provide clear close-up photography on your website to show off the intricate details of each piece
• Offer care instructions to give customers confidence in their purchase
• Collaborate with local businesses to sell your beadwork crafts through pop-up or consignment shops

23. Upcycled Furniture

One person’s trash is another person’s treasure. With an increasing trend toward environmentally conscious consumerism, this could be a lucrative option for earning extra income.

Upcycling is a creative way to repurpose old or discarded furniture, reducing waste by keeping these pieces out of landfills—and by minimizing the demand for new resources. This appeals to a growing market of eco-conscious shoppers, with 78% of American consumers noting that living a sustainable lifestyle is important to them. Additionally, the secondhand goods market is thriving and expected to grow 127% by 2026.

Crafters can use their imagination and artistic skills to transform old pieces into stunning, personalized items that cannot be found in mass-produced furniture stores. As a bonus, upcycled furniture often has a higher perceived value (and is often higher in craftsmanship) and can be sold at a premium price. With the right marketing and branding strategy, this niche can attract customers who appreciate the handcrafted, environmentally friendly nature of your offerings.

Tips for Selling Upcycled Furniture

• Emphasize the environmental benefits of upcycled furniture (like reducing waste and carbon emissions) to attract eco-conscious buyers
• Showcase the transformation on social media with before and after photos to demonstrate your creative process—and the beauty of upcycling
• Consider offering free local delivery within a certain radius as an incentive for people to buy

24. Terrariums

Terrariums have surged in popularity as both a craft and a décor trend, blending the charm of gardening with the ease of maintenance. These self-sustaining ecosystems are not just visually appealing but also relaxing and meditative, offering a refreshing touch of greenery that thrives indoors. 

For crafters, making and selling terrariums can be a rewarding project. The initial investment is fairly small; you’ll need some simple materials like glass containers, soil, rocks, and plants. You can then experiment with different themes, plants, and decorations to create one-of-a-kind terrariums that cater to various customer preferences.

Moreover, terrariums tap into the growing market of home décor and indoor gardening, appealing to shoppers looking to enhance their living spaces with green, sustainable elements. The versatility of terrariums makes them suitable for various occasions, from unique gifts to corporate giveaways. Due to their delicate nature, it may be easiest to sell them in person as completed pieces—though you could always sell the components in a kit, letting customers make their own.

Tips for Selling Terrariums

• Create themes for your terrariums, such as a fairy garden or beach scene, to attract specific customer interests 
• Choose unique vessels for your terrariums, like a vintage glass jar or repurposed teapot, to give them each a distinct design
• Experiment with different types of plants, like succulents, air plants, and mosses, to create a series of diverse ecosystems

25. Handmade Scarves

Scarves are a must-have accessory, especially during the colder months. They stand out in the handmade goods market for their blend of practicality and aesthetic appeal, making them an excellent craft to make and sell. 

For handmade scarves, you can experiment with various materials—like wool, cotton, silk, or cashmere—and incorporate different techniques such as knitting, crocheting, or weaving. This allows for a broad catalog of items, each with different textures, patterns, and colors.

The versatility of scarves as an accessory ensures a broad target market, covering all genders and age groups. A good sales strategy is to target gift-giving occasions like holidays and birthdays. It’s also pretty easy to sell these items through an online store, on platforms like Etsy, or at local craft fairs in your community.

Tips for Selling Handmade Scarves

• Offer scarves at various price points (ie; cotton vs. cashmere) to satisfy all budgets
• Add personalized touches like monogramming or hand-painted details to make your scarves more exclusive
• Offer customization options, allowing customers to choose specific colors or patterns for their scarves

26. Wooden Toys

Wooden toys present a fun crafting opportunity for artisans looking to create products that are both charming and sustainable. These toys have a timeless appeal, connecting generations and holding up against the backdrop of fleeting trends. 

Unlike their plastic counterparts, wooden toys are durable, long-lasting, and have the added marketable benefit of being eco-friendly: The sustainable toy market is estimated to hit a value of $59.6 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 12.5%. The natural textures and warmth of wood also make these toys aesthetically pleasing and tactilely engaging for children, offering a sensory experience that stimulates creativity and learning.

Making wooden toys can be deeply satisfying with many stages of the creative process: designing, carving, painting, finishing, etc. The market for wooden toys caters to a niche audience that appreciates craftsmanship and is willing to pay a premium for all-natural, handcrafted, high-quality items. With the rise of online marketplaces and social media, reaching this audience and establishing a brand is easier than ever.

Tips for Selling Wooden Toys

• Use high-quality wood to ensure the durability and longevity of the toys
• Make use of eco-friendly and non-toxic materials to appeal to conscious consumers
• Create a variety of toy options to cater to different age groups and interests

27. Custom Art Portraits

If you have a talent for visual art, custom portraits are a unique craft you could make and sell, helping capture cherished moments, memories, or loved ones in a meaningful way. This skill can create a strong emotional connection between the artwork and the customer, making it a highly sought-after product.

As a portrait artist, you can experiment with different styles, techniques, and mediums to create one-of-a-kind pieces that reflect the individuality of your subject. You could also think beyond human subjects—people love portraits of their pets, too. Since this craft is so dependent on your personal style, your pieces will be distinct enough to stand out in a crowded market and attract a niche of customers who appreciate your specific approach.

And, as a plus, many customers understand the time, effort, and talent required to create artwork of this nature. This appreciation can let you charge premium prices for your work.

Tips for Selling Custom Art Portraits

• Collaborate with local charities or non-profits by donating a portion of your sales or creating custom portraits for fundraising events
• Offer complementary services like framing or additional prints to upsell and increase the value of each order
• Attend local art fairs, expos, or artisan markets to display and sell your portraits

28. Polymer Clay Creations

Polymer clay creations are perfect crafts to make and sell because the clay is a versatile and pliable material that allows for endless possibilities. It can be molded, shaped, and textured to create intricate jewelry, figurines, magnets, holiday ornaments, and so much more. The wide range of colors available also adds to the appeal and variety of stuff that you can make.

As a bonus, polymer clay is durable and long-lasting. Once cured, it hardens, making it suitable for everyday use. This durability ensures that your work will not easily break or lose its shape.

Polymer clay is also relatively affordable, requiring minimal equipment and materials. This makes it a cost-effective craft business to start.

Tips for Selling Polymer Clay Creations

• Invest in professional photography or learn basic photography skills to showcase your work in the best light
• Film YouTube tutorials on polymer clay techniques to establish yourself as an expert and generate additional income
• Create a signature style or collection that sets your work apart from others in the market

29. Paper Crafts

Paper crafts encompass a wide range of possibilities, from cardmaking to scrapbooking. They’re another good option for cost-effective crafts to make and sell; all you need to get started is paper, glue, and scissors. This makes it accessible for those who are looking to start a small crafting business without breaking the bank.

Additionally, paper crafts are versatile and can be tailored to a wide range of interests and occasions. From handmade greeting cards and origami decorations to paper flowers, there is something for everyone. This allows you to tap into different markets and cater to specific niches, increasing your potential customer base.

A unique advantage to paper crafts is that they are lightweight and easy to ship, which makes them ideal for selling online. This opens up the opportunity to reach a much wider customer base beyond your local area. 

Tips for Selling Paper Crafts

• Personalize your artwork by adding names, quotes, or special messages using calligraphy or stencils
• Offer eco-friendly alternatives using recycled or sustainable materials to appeal to environmentally-conscious customers
• Create themed collections for special occasions or holidays so customers can find suitable gifts or decorations easily

30. Miniature Models

Creating miniature models is a niche craft that appeals to both collectors and hobbyists. These models can be based on various themes like architecture, vehicles, or even fantasy worlds—if you can find a fun niche, chances are you can likely find a way to market miniatures for it.

Since miniature models are so small in size, they’re easy to display for customers. They can serve as decorative pieces, gifts, or even educational tools, making them versatile for a broad market. Lastly, the process of creating miniature models can be enjoyable and fulfilling, providing a sense of accomplishment and allowing crafters to express their artistic skills and imagination.

Tips for Selling Miniature Models

• Choose a specific niche or theme for your miniature models to stand out in the market
• Offer bundle deals or discounts for purchasing multiple models to encourage higher sales volume
• Utilize 3D printing or laser cutting technology to create intricate and unique designs

31. Embellished Clothing

Sequins, beadwork, embroidery, and appliqués are all ways to customize clothing with fun, personalized touches. Customers love shopping for something eye-catching and a little different, so if you’ve perfected the art of making embellished clothes, you have an opportunity to make some extra cash.

To be successful in selling embellished clothing, you’ll need a keen eye for current fashion trends and a skillful hand when it comes to crafting. As a plus, this niche might appeal to customers who prioritize sustainable shopping because it lets you upcycle and repurpose old or worn-out clothing, giving them new life and reducing waste. Overall, creating and selling embellished clothing can be a profitable and fulfilling craft for those with a passion for fashion and design.

Tips for Selling Embellished Clothing

• Stay on top of current fashion trends and incorporate them into your designs
• Host pop-up shops or participate in flea markets to expand your customer base
• Offer a range of sizes to cater to a diverse customer base

Crafts to Make and Sell: FAQs

What crafts are the best to sell?

The best crafts to sell will depend on what you’re interested in and what your skills are. Handmade jewelry, custom t-shirts, and candles are all popular choices due to their broad appeal. However, the key is to choose a craft you’re passionate about and, frankly, good at. Your enthusiasm and craftsmanship will shine through in your work.

What crafts make the most money?

Crafts that let you cater to more niche markets tend to generate higher profits. Things like custom art portraits, organic skincare products, and personalized bags can all be particularly profitable crafts. Keep an eye on market trends to maximize your earnings.

How can I learn a craft?

Learning a craft is easy, and you can do it for a very low cost—if not for free. You can watch online tutorials, find local workshops, take some classes, or join crafting communities. Start with beginner-friendly projects, practice regularly, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes; it’s all part of the learning process.

Where can I sell my crafts?

You can sell your handmade crafts on online marketplaces like Etsy and eBay. Local craft fairs, farmers’ markets, and even your own eCommerce website and social media platforms are great avenues, too. The key is to choose the platforms that align closest with your target audience. 

What is the best way to start a craft business?

If you want to make extra money with a craft business, you need to start by focusing on quality and identifying your target audience. Develop a unique brand identity, engage with your audience on social media, and showcase your work through stunning visuals and photography. It’s okay to start small and gradually expand your offerings as demand grows. This can help you build a successful craft business over time.

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