Looking to make some extra money? Check out these paper crafts to sell!
From origami to flower arranging, there are a variety of crafts that can be sold online or at local craft fairs.
If you’re new to the craft world, don’t worry – there are plenty of tutorials available to help you get started.
There are many online marketplaces where you can sell your creations, and many craft stores also carry paper crafts.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, there’s likely a market for your work. So get creative and start selling!
In this post we will show you the best paper crafts to make and sell right now, including tutorials on where to get you started.
Bottom line – paper crafts are a fun and easy way to make some extra cash.
All you need is some supplies, a space to set up your craft shop, and some patience.
Ready? Let’s get started.
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When it comes to crafting, there are so many options out there.
From woodworking projects to fancy resin crafts, no matter what your hobby, you can find a market and a brand new side hustle.
Today’s post is all about paper crafts that you can make and sell online or in person.
These projects are easy enough for anyone to do, even if you’re a crafting beginner!
1. Greeting Cards
When it comes to paper crafts, cards and invitations are two of the most popular items.
They’re easy to make, and there are many different ways to design them.
There are so many different ways to make cards, from simple one-layer designs to more complex three-dimensional creations.
If you’re looking for something more challenging, try out decoupage techniques on your cards.
This involves gluing pieces of paper or fabric onto the surface of the card, which can create beautiful results.
Price handmade cards appropriately and you will make money.
This guide here to starting your own greeting card business will help you price your cards, with a print-on-demand service as an example of pricing a card at $5 per piece.
Of course, you may find that your prices vary depending on the type of card you create and the materials used.
If this is the kind of hobby that interests you, make sure to check out our list of the best cardstock crafts to sell.
2. Paper Flowers
If you’re looking for a creative and affordable way to make some extra money, then paper flowers might be the perfect option for you.
Not only are they fairly easy to make, but they can also be quite profitable if you sell them online or in stores.
Paper flowers are a more affordable and longer-lasting alternative to fresh flowers.
They’ve gained popularity in recent years because they’re less expensive and don’t wilt, which makes them a good gift idea.
Paper flowers either on their own or as part of a bouquet are delicate but beautiful, and can be used to decorate everything from cards to weddings.
The supplies you’ll need to get started include card stock, scissors, a hot glue gun and fancy paper such as crêpe paper in different colors.
Most people who make paper flowers to sell use a Cricut machine.
On a side note, Cricut crafts are a great way to make money, check out this list of the 11 Most Profitable Cricut Business Ideas.
Once you have all of your supplies, it’s time to start making some flowers!
There are plenty of different patterns and styles to choose from, so you can really let your creativity run wild.
If you’re not sure where to start, we recommend checking out one of the many Paper Flower Making books that are available online or in stores.
These books usually come with step-by-step instructions that will teach you how to create a variety of different flower types.
Learning how to make paper flowers can be a fun and rewarding experience – not to mention profitable too!
3. Party Decor
Search on Etsy and you will all kinds of paper crafts that are used for parties.
From large “Happy Birthday” banners to cupcake toppers and centrepieces, there are so many great paper crafts to sell for celebrations and parties.
One of my friends runs a really successful Etsy store selling paper decor for children’s birthday parties.
She sells everything you need in one package – from paper hats to goody bags and decor, all in the birthday theme.
4. Scrapbook Paper Crafts
Many people enjoy scrapbooking as a hobby, and it can be a very lucrative one too.
Scrapbooking is the art of preserving memories in the form of pictures and journaling, and it has been around for many years.
However, in recent times there has been an increased demand for skilled artists who can create beautiful pages.
This means that if you are good at scrapbooking, you have a lot of potential to make money from your skills.
In addition to selling scrapbook pages with different designs, you can also consider making and selling embellishments for scrapbookers to use in their work.
5. Holiday Ornaments
Quilled paper ornaments for the Christmas tree are one great selling paper craft around the holidays.
In general, Christmas crafts always sell well so are a great choice for your craft business.
If you are not familiar with quilling, it involves rolling thin strips of paper into coils or scrolls, and is a craft that has been around for centuries.
Other fun ornament ideas include paper pinecones and of course Christmas crackers made out of card stock and paper (these are very popular in the UK and Canada and contain a little gift and a joke inside each one).
MORE CHRISTMAS ORNAMENTS TO SELL
10 Wooden Christmas Ornaments To Make And Sell
21 Christmas Ornaments To Make And Sell
6. Lace Paper
Lace made out of paper looks just like cloth lace and is used for all kinds of things such as scrapbooking and even as paper doily coasters.
To make lace paper, you press paper onto a template and then peeling it off to leave a raised design.
7. Paper Dollhouses & Other Toys
Paper dollhouses are the most popular paper toys on Etsy to sell for an average cost of $10 – $35.
Most of them are sold as DIY kits that the buyer can assemble themselves.
This makes shipping much easier that selling the completed house.
Beyond dollhouses, other paper crafts that sell really well in the toy niche are paper castles, paper animals and paper replicas of famous monuments.
8. Wall Art
If you are very artsy, why not try your hand at selling prints on Etsy? You can sell your art either as physical items or you can sell them as digital prints that the buyer downloads and prints themselves.
Selling your artwork digitally will allow you to sell the same piece multiple times, resulting in higher profits.
9. Tyvek Paper Wallets
These very popular wallets are made of Tyvek which is a tough type of paper that is also waterproof!
Tyvek makes for a great material choice for these types of wallets because it’s durable and can hold up well against the elements.
Plus it is environmentally friendly.
These paper wallets sell for up to $30 each on Etsy which make them one of the most profitable paper crafts to sell online.
If you want to try this craft, here is a tutorial that will show you how to make Tyvek wallets.
10. Invitations
Invitations are a necessary part of any party, big or small.
They let your guests know that you’re excited to celebrate with them and set the tone for the event.
But paper invitations might be on their way out.
With so many people now preferring to receive invitations electronically, is there still a place for paper?
The answer is yes! Paper invitations still have a lot to offer.
They’re more personal than electronic invitations, and there is something about having a physical invitation in your hand.
If you are creative, consider starting an invitation business on Etsy – it is lucrative and in demand.
11. Calligraphy
There are many people who make a living as calligraphers. Some do it full time, others part time.
And there are many different ways to make money with your handwriting, such as:
Sell your calligraphy artwork. This is the most obvious way to make money with calligraphy, and it can be very profitable.
There are many people who are willing to pay good money for beautiful calligraphy pieces.
Do calligraphy commissions.
If you’re talented enough, you can offer your services as a commission-based calligrapher.
Some talented artists make thousands every month handwriting menus, invitations and place cards for weddings and other events.
12. Planners and Stationary
Planner addicts unite! if you love stationary and planning as much as I do and you’re looking for a way to make some extra money, consider starting a stationary business.
You can design and sell planners, trackers and other paper products on sites like Etsy and Amazon.
Selling on journals on Etsy is a really trendy craft right now.
If you have an eye for different kinds of stationary, you can sell them either as digital printables or physical end products.
Here are some guides to getting started:
How To Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy
5 Steps To Your Own Etsy Printables Business {Ultimate Guide}
13. Paper Jewelry
Paper jewelry is a type of paper craft that has gained immense popularity in recent years.
It can be sold for as much as $20+ depending on the complexity of the design.
What makes paper jewelry so special is its uniqueness; no two pieces are ever exactly alike.
Additionally, it’s a great art form that produces beautiful and unique jewelry.
The materials used are cheap but still valuable- making this one of the most profitable crafts to make and sell.
Jewelry is a popular and profitable category on Etsy, and there are many reasons why you should consider selling your work on this platform.
For one, Etsy buyers love customized items- which is exactly what you’ll be offering when you sell your paper crafts on this site.
Additionally, it is easy to open an Etsy store and there are so many Etsy users; meaning you’ll have access to millions of potential buyers from all over the world.
14. First Anniversary Gifts
Did you know that the traditional gift for a 1st wedding anniversary is paper?
Cash in on this by creating cute anniversary gifts made out of paper.
From adorable photo frames like the one pictured below to paper replicas of wedding rings or even wedding cakes, there are lots of fun ideas for you to try.
15. Paper Dolls
Paper dress-up dolls have been around for centuries and are popular with both children and crafters.
They are one of the most fun and simple paper crafts to make and sell because you can make a great profit.
The nice thing about making paper dolls is that you can grow your business easily by offering seasonal dolls and themed doll sets, such as dolls playing sports or doing different hobbies.
16. Paper Lanterns
There is something about paper lanterns that just seems to make everything feel more special.
Maybe it is the delicate beauty of the paper, or the way the light dances around inside, but whatever it is, paper lanterns always seem to add a touch of magic to any occasion.
They are perfect for everything from weddings and birthday parties to graduation celebrations and New Year’s Eve bashes.
And, best of all, they are easy and affordable to make yourself then sell for a profit.
17. Confetti
Paper confetti is made out of thin strips of paper that are cut into different shapes and sizes.
It is a popular choice for party decorations because it is affordable, easy to use, and comes in a variety of colors.
Making paper confetti is very easy, you just need patience and a small hole puncher in a fun shape.
You can also vary the kind of paper you use, for example, use old books or glittery paper depending on the occasion.
18. Victorian/Baroque Images
Vintage scrap paper and paper cut-outs in designs that are retro and Victorian-esque are insanely popular right now.
Many people feel that there is a certain charm about vintage items, including vintage scrap paper and they like to use in for hobbies and as home decor.
19. Bullet Journal Stickers
Bullet journaling is a great way to keep your thoughts and ideas organized.
Many people who love to journal use stickers to brighten up their planning.
There are a variety of stickers available, including those that are designed specifically for bullet journals.
These are one of the best paper crafts to make and sell.
One type of sticker that is popular among bullet journalists is the washi tape sticker. This sticker is made from paper and looks like masking tape.
It can be used to add color or decoration to your journal pages. Another type of sticker that is popular among bullet journalists is the icon sticker.
These stickers are small and feature images such as flowers, animals, or food.
They can be used to add visual interest to your pages or to represent tasks that you need to complete.
To learn more about making and selling stickers online,
I highly recommend you take this free masterclass from Sticker seller extraordinaire, Mim Jenkinson.
In the course, you will learn the following:
- The essential tools and equipment you need to get started (so you can have your dream sticker boss business!)
- How to come up with sticker ideas that people actually WANT to buy (even if you’re not an artist or designer)
- The quickest way to discover the stickers that sell and stand out on Etsy and make sales daily
20. Origami
This 6th century Japanese art form has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, and there’s something about it that never fails to fascinate people.
One of the most popular origami paper crafts are ,of course, cranes.
According to Japanese tradition, folding 1,000 paper cranes gives you a chance to make one special wish come true.
The cranes are strung together on strings and given as gifts so that the recipient may make a special wish.
21. 3D Paper Art
3D paper art is a unique and relatively new form of art that uses paper to create 3D sculptures.
This type of art can be incredibly intricate and detailed, and often looks like it’s made from a different material entirely.
3D paper art is a great way to show off your creativity and crafting skills, and can be a fun way to make money.
Some of the most popular 3D art that sells well at craft fairs and on Etsy includes masks and sculptures for home decor.
Where To Sell Paper Crafts
There are many places to sell your crafts, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.
The most popular platforms are Etsy and Facebook, but there are other places you can try too.
Etsy
Etsy is a great place to start because it’s well-known and has an audience of buyers who are interested in handmade items.
If you haven’t started your shop yet, make sure to go through this tutorial on How To Start An Etsy Store Successfully
It will take you step by step through from creating to launching your Etsy shop.
It also includes a link for 40 free listings which will help you to start your store for free.
The one drawback about Etsy is that the fees can be a bit high, so you may want to consider other options too.
Groups and Marketplace are two of the best places to sell your crafts because they have a large reach and people tend to trust them more than other online marketplaces.
Facebook Marketplace
Marketplace is the obvious place to start selling your items as you don’t need to pay anything and can reach a local audience.
You can create as many listings as you like for free. The only downside is arranging shipping or pick ups with your customers.
Your Facebook Page
You can create your own Facebook Page and promote your paper crafts that way. Ask for people to like your page and advertise sales and promotions.
Facebook Groups
In my opinion, Facebook groups are the best way to sell your paper crafts. Join as many local groups as you can. Look for handmade groups, mom groups and neighbourhood groups.
You will find that during the holiday season many people ask for gift ideas and that is when you can really make a lot of sales.
Craft Sales
Flea markets and craft fairs remain popular venues for selling crafts, though their audiences vary from location to location.
In addition, some flea markets have online presences where you can list your crafts.
Your Own Site
If you’re looking for more control over your store or want fewer restrictions on what you can sell, then Etsy alternatives may be the best option for you.
Platforms like Shopify allow you to create your own store without having to worry about web hosting or coding requirements.
Just be sure that whichever platform you choose is reputable and has a good track record.
Blogs are also a great option for selling crafts online, as they offer more flexibility compared with other platforms in terms of what you can sell and how you can present your items.
In addition, many bloggers have built up large audiences who trust their recommendations.
Plus, blogs generally have lower fees than other e-commerce platforms.
However, one downside to selling crafts on a blog is that it takes more effort to set up and maintain than some of the other options available.
You’ll need to create your own website and drive traffic to your site. This can be hard when you are just getting started.
Amazon Handmade
Amazon Handmade is another great place to sell your paper crafts.
Of course, Amazon is a well-known and trusted marketplace, and there’s no application process required to become a seller – just sign up and start listing your products!
Note that there is a fee if you want to list your items on this platform but this is waived after the first month.
Most Profitable Paper Crafts To Sell – Final Thoughts
When it comes to starting a paper-craft business, you want to make sure that you are selling crafts that are profitable.
There are a few different things you can do to ensure that your business is making the most money possible.
For one, try selling crafts that are more expensive.
This doesn’t mean that you have to make your products out of gold; it just means finding a way to lower the costs of production for yourself and increase the perceived value of your product in the eyes of consumers.
Great packaging and good pictures and presentation will go a long way to helping your products look like they are high quality and worth the money.
Another thing you can do is decrease your overhead costs so that you’re making more money with each sale.
Consider what resources you need in order to produce your items and find ways to reduce those expenses wherever possible.
Try to find wholesalers for your supplies and look for cheap ways to ship your items if you are selling them online.
