The crafts industry is booming and if you are looking for a side hustle you can do from home, crafts are a good place to start.
There are many profitable craft business ideas out there but if you don’t have something specific in mind, it can be hard to get started.
In this article we will look at the 21 best creative business ideas to make money doing what you love.
We’ll look at what crafts are in high demand and which handmade items sell the best at craft fairs and online marketplaces such as Etsy.
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What Craft Business Can I Start?
Take a look at the list below to see if there is a craft business that speaks to you and that people want.
The good news is that there are many profitable craft business ideas out there.
From a photography business where you sell your iPhone photos online to hand-sewn hair accessories for dancers, there is something for everyone.
Many handmade crafts can easily be made in your free time and sold online or on social media to make a bit of extra income.
The best way to find one that is a good fit for your skills and the market is to do some research.
Try looking for businesses in your area, or niches within your area, that are experiencing growth and see if you can adapt or improve upon what they are doing.
Sometimes, the best way to find the right business idea is to brainstorm with friends and family.
What do they think you are good at?
What do they look for when buying handmade gifts for people?
What are the best sellers at craft fairs near you?
Once you have a few viable ideas, it’s time to investigate your marketability and feasibility.
This involves seeing how much demand there is for the products you want to sell and what the best ways to sell them are.
Once you have found the perfect craft business for you, look for online courses to learn as much as you can about your chosen venture.
Don’t forget to check out YouTube for free tutorials and ideas.
21 Best Craft Business Ideas
First of all let’s look at the different DIY business ideas that anyone can do with a little bit of training and some creative ideas.
DIY Soaps
Soap making is a fun, easy, and rewarding process that can make you money while providing you with a high-quality product without chemicals or perfumes.
There are many different recipes for soap, so you can find one that fits your needs and preferences and of course, one that sells!
Many people love buying handmade soap as a gift for special occasions or for personal use and this can be a really lucrative small craft business to start.
You will need to gather some supplies, including molds to shape the soap in, and some basic supplies such as coconut oil or shea butter and lye.
Click here to read everything you need to know about starting your own handmade soap business.
Handmade Candles
Starting a candle making business can be an enjoyable, profitable experience and is a good idea if you want to set up an online store selling your products.
Non-toxic, natural candles are very popular and you can create all different shapes and scents of candle to capture a wide audience.
In fact, in the last few years, candle consumption has grown by an average of 11% according to data from The European Union.
Bath Bombs
Making bath bombs to sell is a fun, easy way to add some extra excitement to bath time and are one of the best craft businesses to start as the profit margins are really high.
You can make over 50% profit on every bath bomb you sell and they are really popular around the holidays.
One bath bomb costs around $3-$4 making them an awesome teacher gift idea or stocking stuffer.
With essential oils, you can make all different kinds of bath bomb using the same basic recipe.
If you are looking for an easy craft to make in your own home that has low startup costs, then selling these popular gifts should be near the top of your list.
To get started selling bath bombs, take some time to look at craft shows or on Etsy for the most popular products and see how you can put your own personal touch on them.
Gift Baskets
If you are looking for a creative and profitable way to start your own business, a gift basket business is a great idea.
Gift baskets can be filled with all sorts of items, including food, wine, bath and beauty products, ornaments, and more. They make perfect gifts for any occasion, and there is a growing demand for them from consumers.
There are several things to consider before starting a gift basket business. You will need to decide on the types of baskets you want to create and the target market you want to sell them to.
You will also need to determine what type of supplies and materials you need, as well as what packaging will best suit your products. Finally, you will need to set up a website or find retailers who will sell your baskets in their stores.
Facebook is a great place to promote a gift basket business too.
Greeting Cards
If you’re looking for a creative way to make money, starting a greeting card business could be the perfect opportunity for you.
Homemade greeting cards are always in demand, and there are many ways to design and market your cards to make a profit.
You can sell your cards on Etsy or via your own store created with Shopify.
Stickers
Starting your own sticker business is a great way to make money from home. You may not be aware but stickers for planners, for kids and for all kinds of sports and interests are really popular right now.
In fact, stickers may be the answer to the question, “what are the most successful craft businesses?”.
Why are stickers such as great craft to make and sell? First of all the demand is there. Second of all, there is not as much competition as there is for some of the other craft businesses that are more well known.
And lastly, there are so many different types of sticker business you can start that it is easy to find a niche that is not oversaturated. Once you have created your own designs that sell well, you can easily expand your business with new products in the same niche.
The other great thing about a sticker business is that you can sell them as both digital products and physical stickers.
Want to learn more about starting your own sticker business? I highly recommend the free masterclass by Mim Jenkinson.
She is a successful sticker store owner on Etsy and has tons of great tips and tricks to help you get started. You can also check out my interview with Mim here.
Coloring Pages
In recent years, one way to make money that has become increasingly popular is through the sale of coloring pages and books.
While this may seem like a simple concept, there is actually a lot of work that goes into making and selling coloring pages. The first step is to come up with an idea for a page.
This can be something as simple as a picture of your favorite character from a movie or TV show, or it could be something more complex that requires more time and effort to create.
Once you have an idea, you need to start sketching out the details of the page.
You can sell your individual coloring pages on Etsy or even create coloring books to sell on an online shop such as Amazon Kindle Publishing.
Knitting and Crochet
Knitting and crochet are popular crafts that can be used to make clothing, blankets, and other items.
Many people like buying handmade knitted or crocheted items to give as baby shower gifts or wedding presents.
These heirloom items are extremely popular and can make you a good profit if you price your items right.
Here are some ideas for crocheted and knitted crafts that sell well:
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Wooden Toys and Crafts
Making wooden toys and other crafts is a great way to use your woodworking skills and create unique items that can be sold online or at craft fairs.
There are a few things you need to consider before starting, such as the types of wood to use, the shapes you want to create, and the finishing process.
You’ll need to have some basic woodworking skills and a workshop or space to create your products.
One of the best things about making wooden toys and ornaments is that you can use almost any type of wood.
For example, if you want a toy that’s sturdy and durable, then hardwoods like oak or maple are a good choice. If you’re looking for something a little more decorative, then softer woods like cedar or pine are a good option.
You can even make crafts out of scrap wood and turn trash into something profitable!
Here are some ideas for wooden crafts that sell really well:
20 Wooden Christmas Crafts To Make And Sell (For Profit)
38 Woodworking Projects That Sell
20 Best Wood Crafts That Sell At Flea Markets
DIY Christmas Ornaments
Christmas is a time for getting together with family, exchanging gifts, and of course, decorating Christmas trees.
It is also a great opportunity for all kinds of craft business ideas, one of the best being holiday ornaments.
In fact, seasonal items are one of the most profitable crafts to sell.
This year, why not earn some money by making your own Christmas ornaments and selling them online?
There are lots of easy and fun projects you can do that require few specialized skills.
Personalized ornaments are very popular around the holidays and can make you amazing profits.
For example, a set of six plain ornaments bought for $5 can be turned into personalized creations for very little money and then sold for $10 a piece.
Bear in mind that you can expand this business to sell ornaments for different occasions such as graduations and memorials.
Natural Beauty Products
We’ve touched on how popular handmade soaps and bath bombs are but if this is your jam, don’t discount other beauty products that you can make at home and then sell for a profit.
In general DIY beauty products are one of the best craft businesses you can do from home.
Think of things such as body scrubs, lip balms and bath salts. You can find lots of great recipes on Pinterest and then with a little work and some cute jars and boxes, you have a wonderful new craft business idea!
Baby Gifts
Making and selling baby gifts can be a great way to make some extra money.
Popular items include blankets, booties, hats, bibs, and stuffed animals. You can use your knitting and sewing skills to make these cute items.
Another really popular item is baby teething necklaces that are made from food grade silicon.
These are easy to make and you can source the beads on Etsy or eBay.
When creating your own items, be sure to choose fabrics and colors that are baby-friendly.
You may also want to add personal touches such as embroidery or appliques.
Resin Crafts
Here is a popular hobby that can be turned into a profitable business very easily.
Resin is a versatile material that can be used to create a variety of items, from jewelry boxes to home decor items such as trays and wall hangings.
If you’re interested in starting your own resin crafting business, there are a few things you need to know.
First, you’ll need to purchase the raw materials and supples. This includes resin, catalyst, mold release agent, mixing cups, stir sticks, and respirators. It’s also important to have a work area that is well-ventilated and free of contaminants.
Next, you’ll need to decide what type of products you want to make. There are many different shapes and sizes of molds available, so you can create just about anything you can imagine.
Here is a list of 21 Most Profitable Resin Crafts To Sell.
Handmade Jewelry
There is something special about handmade jewelry. The pieces are often one-of-a-kind and they tell a story.
They can be worn to show off your personality or to commemorate a special event.
This is a great business idea because jewelry making offers so many different options and opportunities to showcase your artistic skills.
Handmade jewelry can be made from a variety of materials, including metals, beads, stones, and glass.
It can be simple or elaborate, delicate or bold.
If you can find a supply source that has great wholesale prices, you can make a nice profit with your handmade jewelry business.
Porch Signs
There is a resurgence of hand-crafted items, and people are looking for unique ways to show their personality, at home and away.
That’s probably why one of the most profitable craft business ideas on this list is making and selling porch signs.
Porch signs are a great way to show your style while also providing information to guests. They can be used as an advertising tool or simply to share a message with your community.
There are many ways to make a porch sign. You can use wood, metal, or even fabric. You can also choose from a variety of fonts and designs.
The best place to sell porch signs is online either locally on Facebook marketplace or on a crafting site such as Etsy.
Mason Jar Gifts
Here is one of the best craft business ideas if you are looking for something quick and easy to start.
Mason jars are a versatile gift-giving option because they can be filled with a variety of items, depending on the occasion.
If you are looking for a side hustle idea and don’t consider yourself a really creative person, then selling mason jar gifts is one of the most lucrative business ideas to start.
You can create fantastic gifts in mason jars for all kinds of occasion, from the holidays to baby shower gifts.
Mason jars come in many different sizes, so you can find the perfect one for any gift idea. Here are some ideas for filling your Mason jars with gifts:
1. For the coffee lover in your life, fill a jar with coffee beans, filters, and a mug.
2. A jar of homemade cookie or cake mix is always a welcome gift.
3. Fill a jar with holiday treats like candy canes, peppermints, or chocolate Santas.
4. For the new homeowner, fill a jar with cleaning supplies like sponges, dish soap, and window cleaner.
Vinyl Crafts
There are many reasons why vinyl crafts are becoming increasingly popular. Vinyl is a versatile material that is both affordable and easy to work with.
In addition, vinyl can be used to create a wide variety of projects, from simple home décor items to intricate jewelry.
Vinyl is also a very durable material, which means that your finished projects will last for years.
Additionally, vinyl is available in a wide range of colors and designs, so you can find the perfect materials for any project.
If you are new to vinyl crafting, here are a few in demand projects to get you started:
- Personalized tumblers and glasses
- Custom clothing such as baby bodysuits or t-shirts
- Laptop stickers
- Personalized tote bags for bridal parties
Floral Arrangements
Do you love working with flowers? Do you have an eye for coordinating colors and making arrangements look just-so?
A floral arrangement is a beautiful way to show someone that you care. Flowers can convey many different messages, such as love, appreciation, congratulations, or sympathy.
If you are interested in starting a home-based floral business, it is easier than ever.
There are many different types of arrangements to choose from, including bouquets, baskets, and vases. You can also choose between fresh flowers or artificial flowers.
I have a friend who runs a very successful succulent business out of her home. They are really popular as gifts for all kinds of occasions.
To get started, you’ll need to either grow your own flowers or get them from a wholesaler to begin with and then start promoting your floral business.
If you do have a green thumb, you can also consider selling plants or seeds on Etsy.
Handmade Clothing
Making and selling handmade clothing is a great way to be creative, make some extra money, and help the environment if you are good with a sewing machine.
This one of the few craft business ideas on this list that does require prior skill that takes time to acquire.
When you make your own clothes, you can choose the fabrics and styles that you like best.
Making your own clothes also helps the environment because it reduces the amount of waste produced by the fashion industry. It can also be a fun way to spend time with friends or family.
There are many ways to sell handmade clothing, including online marketplaces, local craft fairs, and consignment shops.
Niching down will help you attract an audience that return again and again to buy your products.
Handwritten Notes and Invitations
In the digital age, handwritten notes and invitations are a rarity.
But there’s something special about receiving a handwritten note or invitation in the mail.
If you have beautiful handwriting, consider selling your skills in the form of handwritten recipes and notes. Go a step further and you can hone your design skills to make and sell wedding invitations.
Handmade Wreaths
if you are looking for a DIY craft business that is fun and will allow you to be really creative, how about making and selling wreaths?
Wreaths that are bought in stores can be extremely expensive so people are willing to pay a good amount to get a handcrafted wreath that is exactly what they want.
This is one home craft business that can make you a lot of money once you get established.
Starting Your Own Handmade Business- Tips and Tricks
Crafts have always been a source of pleasure and creativity for people around the world.
Whether it’s knitting, crocheting, sewing, or creating home decor, there are many craft business ideas that can be profitable.
To decide what kinds of home business to create yourself, take the following steps:
Do your research
Before starting any business, it is important to do your research first. This means reading articles, watching videos, and consulting with professionals.
This will help you learn about the industry you are planning on entering and how to best market your product or service.
Decide who your potential customers are
Lots of people skip this step but it is very important in order to have a profitable crafts business.
Are you looking to sell to brides to be or stay at home moms? Who is searching for your product and where do they shop?
Do you need to sell on online platforms such as Etsy or are retail shops more appropriate?
Do you have the necessary equipment to succeed in this type of business? A lot of people have the creative talent but not the business know-how.
Many small businesses fail because business owners don’t learn enough about the market they are in and they don’t consider things such as taxes and bookkeeping. While these are boring, they are an important part of running your own craft business.
Don’t forget to market your online business
Create a website to showcase your work and get more sales.
This is a great way to attract customers and sell your products online.
Instagram is a popular way to promote your items and you can even sell directly through dms. Having your own site will allow you to either redirect people to an Etsy shop or sell directly using Shopify.
The best part of having your own website to promote your craft business is that you can save a lot of money on fees.
The Most Profitable Craft Business – FAQS
Craft business ideas can be profitable and fun. With the right products and marketing, there’s no limit to what a craft business can achieve.
What are the most successful craft businesses?
The most successful craft businesses are the ones that typically ones that involve products that are popular all year round.
Although selling seasonal products is one of the easiest ways to get started, for a truly successful side hustle, you need to get sales every week, all year.
What crafts are in high demand?
The best craft business ideas that are currently in high demand include resin crafts, hand-sewn items and knitted garments that have a rustic, simple feel.
These items tend to sell really well online and at a higher rate than factory made products.
What handmade items sell best?
Handmade crafts made out of all different materials from wood to resin and fabric all sell well. The most profitable handmade crafts are ones that are unique and creative, and for good reason.
People are willing to spend more money on something special. Consider things such as resin picture frames, handmade earrings and knitted hats for babies.