Are you searching for the best crafting hobbies that can generate income?
Transforming your favorite craft into a profitable hobby can be enjoyable and fulfilling. If you already cherish creating things by hand during your leisure time, why not leverage that passion to earn some extra cash?
Many crafts can evolve into lucrative side hustles or even full-time enterprises. From creating jewelry and soaps to designing digital products like printables, there are numerous options available. You can sell your handmade goods online or at local craft fairs. With creativity and diligence, you may be surprised by the income your crafting skills can generate.
Top Crafting Hobbies That Can Make Money
Here are some of the most rewarding crafting hobbies that can earn you money.
1. Printables
Create and sell digital files with printables from the comfort of your home. They are popular items that people often buy because they save time and provide professionally designed, ready-to-use options that look better than DIY alternatives.
Common printables to consider include:
- Planners and calendars
- Gift tags
- Flashcards
- Wall art and quotes
- Coloring pages
- Budget trackers
- Party decorations
- Wedding invitations
You don’t need advanced software to create them; programs like Canva and Microsoft Word work well. After creating a printable, you can sell it repeatedly, meaning your initial effort continues to generate income. Many creators sell their printables on platforms like Etsy.
Recommended reading: How I Make Money Selling Printables On Etsy
Free Training: Earn Money Selling Printables
Interested in making money selling printables online? This free training offers great ideas on what to sell, how to get started, associated costs, and strategies for making sales.
2. Dog Treat Bakery
Starting a dog treat bakery can be an enjoyable and profitable venture. Many pet owners seek delicious, healthy treats for their beloved pets. You can kick off this business from your kitchen with minimal ingredients and supplies.
To start, create simple dog biscuits or cookies (for example, here’s a free peanut butter dog treat recipe). Testing your treats on your pets or those of friends can provide valuable feedback.
The initial investment for a dog treat bakery is low, as you likely have most kitchen tools. Your main costs will be ingredients and packaging. As your business grows, consider expanding your treat varieties to include birthday cakes or holiday-themed goodies.
A dog treat bakery can earn between $500 to $1,000 monthly. If you grow it into a full-time venture, your earnings can significantly increase.
Recommended reading: How I Made $4,000 In A Month Baking Dog Treats (With Zero Baking Experience!)
How To Start a Dog Treat Business From Your Kitchen
This free workshop will guide you in starting your own dog treat bakery.
3. Print On Demand
Print-on-demand is an excellent way to monetize your craft skills without needing to stock products. You can design various items like T-shirts, hats, mugs, blankets, tote bags, pillows, and phone cases. A print-on-demand service handles printing and shipping when someone purchases your design.
You might have already bought from a print-on-demand company; many people do. Start by creating designs—don’t fret if you’re not an artist; even basic text designs can sell well. Tools like Adobe Illustrator can aid in crafting your designs.
Afterward, upload your designs to a print-on-demand website linked to platforms like Etsy. When a customer orders your product, the print-on-demand company fulfills the order.
Many people earn between $500 to $1,500 monthly through print-on-demand as a side gig, and it can also grow into a full-time business.
Recommended reading: How I Make $1,500 Monthly With My Print-On-Demand Business
Print-On-Demand Free Guide
4. Photography
Photography can be a rewarding hobby that generates income. You can sell your photos on stock photography websites, allowing people to purchase images for their projects. Websites like Shutterstock and Adobe Stock enable you to upload your images, and you earn a commission when someone buys them. Numerous business owners, including myself, frequently purchase stock photos for their needs.
You can also explore options such as portrait, family, and wedding photography.
Recommended reading: 18 Ways To Get Paid To Take Pictures
5. Candlemaking
Candlemaking is a delightful craft that can evolve into a profitable business. You can start at home, experimenting with different scents and designs while sharing your creations with loved ones for feedback.
The candle industry is thriving, and consumers adore homemade candles. Candles are favored for relaxation, decoration, or for creating a cozy atmosphere in restaurants.
You can sell your candles online or at local craft fairs, and as your business expands, consider supplying to spas or restaurants.
6. Pottery
Pottery is a rewarding hobby that allows you to create beautiful functional items like plant pots, plates, bowls, mugs, and vases. Handmade pottery is cherished for home decor or as thoughtful gifts.
Online marketplaces like Etsy and craft fairs provide platforms for selling your pottery, and you could even establish your own online store.
Unique, handmade pottery can command high prices based on the time and materials used. Teaching pottery classes could provide an additional revenue stream while sharing your passion.
7. Handmade Jewelry
Handcrafting jewelry is another enjoyable way to earn money. You can create necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more using various materials. Many people appreciate wearing distinct jewelry pieces, providing you with an opportunity to sell your creations.
Many of my favorite pieces come from small artisans. You can sell handmade jewelry on platforms like Etsy or at local craft fairs and markets.
8. Soap Making
Soap making is a fun craft that can be profitable. With simple materials, you can create a variety of soaps that many consumers value for their natural and unique qualities.
I know people who make and sell soaps, and they find it to be a gratifying business.
Start by giving soaps to friends and family; if they’re well-received, consider selling at craft fairs or online through platforms like Etsy.
Most handmade soaps sell for between $5 to $10 each.
9. Knitting Patterns
Creating and selling unique knitting patterns can also generate income. You can sell your designs on platforms like Ravelry and Etsy, popular among knitters seeking new projects.
Consider what knitters are looking for when designing patterns; popular items often include hats, scarves, and baby clothes.
When preparing patterns for sale, focus on clear instructions and take quality photos of your finished creations.
10. Resin Art
Having purchased a stunning resin art cutting board from a local festival, I can attest to the beauty of this craft. Resin art lets you create unique items that are highly sought after.
Resin is liquid plastic that solidifies into a clear, glossy finish, allowing for colorful, creative designs.
Popular resin creations include jewelry, coasters, keychains, and decorative trays. Items such as larger pieces or wall art can also be made and sold at craft fairs or online via platforms like Etsy.
11. Woodworking
If you enjoy woodworking, there’s a market for handmade wooden items. You can craft furniture, home decor items, or smaller pieces like signs and serving trays.
Sell your creations online on platforms like Etsy or eBay, and don’t overlook craft fairs and markets as valuable avenues to showcase and sell your work.
12. Handmade Greeting Cards
Creating handmade greeting cards can be both enjoyable and profitable. Design cards for various occasions like birthdays, holidays, and thank-you notes.
Many people prefer handmade cards for their personal touch. Personally, I often select handmade cards for their uniqueness.
Sell your cards online through platforms like Etsy or at local craft fairs. Expect most handmade cards to sell for around $5 to $15 each.
13. Painting or Drawing
Painting and drawing can also be profitable hobbies. Sell your original art pieces or prints online through Etsy or your own website, or showcase your work in local art fairs and galleries.
Custom artwork has strong demand; many people commission portraits or personal pieces, often yielding higher earnings.
14. Stickers
Stickers are another popular crafting hobby that can become a profitable business, especially on platforms such as Etsy.
People use stickers for planners, journaling, scrapbooking, and home or office organization, which offers creative value and utility to customers.
Stickers are cost-effective to produce, and the market for unique designs is vast. Personal experience shows I purchase at least ten handmade stickers annually, affirming their popularity.
Recommended reading: How To Make $1,000+ A Month Selling Stickers Online
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common inquiries regarding crafting hobbies that can generate income.
What are the best crafts to create and sell for profit?
Some profitable crafts to create include printables, dog treats, and print-on-demand items. These can be made at home with low initial costs. Selling printables online is straightforward and requires no shipping. Dog treats are popular and can be sold locally. Print-on-demand allows you to offer designs on various products without holding inventory.
What hobby should I pick up to make money?
Consider what hobbies you currently enjoy, as this can guide you in selecting a money-making venture. Photography is a lucrative option, allowing you to sell images online or offer portrait and event services. Candlemaking is another rewarding hobby where you can create marketable scented products at home.
What is the highest paying hobby?
Highly paid hobbies include photography, print-on-demand, and creating printables. The key is to select a hobby you enjoy that also has a market for its products.
How can I earn money from my crafting hobbies without spending a lot?
Craft hobbies can sometimes be costly, but there are ways to earn income without significant expenses. For instance, start with digital products like printables that have low production costs and can be sold repeatedly. For physical crafts, use existing materials, look for sales, begin small, and avoid expensive tools until you’re sure your hobby will be profitable.
What are some good hobbies for guys that can also make money?
Many crafting options are available for men, including printables, photography, candlemaking, and pottery. Woodworking offers great potential, allowing you to create furniture or small decor items. Leather crafting is also popular, with items like wallets and belts always in demand.
Where can I sell crafts in person that make money?
Sell your crafts in person at local craft fairs, farmers markets, and seasonal festivals. Pop-up shops and consignment stores are excellent opportunities to reach new customers. Many towns have shops that feature local handmade items such as pottery, art, and greeting cards, so consider contacting them to sell your products.
Crafting Hobbies That Generate Income – Summary
Thank you for reading my article on the best crafting hobbies that can yield income.
Crafting hobbies provide a fun and creative outlet to earn extra income or even turn your passion into a full-time endeavor. With options ranging from creating printables to baking dog treats, the potential for turning your favorite hobbies into profit is endless.
Importantly, many of these crafts can be launched with minimal investment, allowing you to expand at your own pace. Whether you prefer selling online through platforms like Etsy or engaging in local markets, there is plenty of potential to reach diverse audiences and achieve profitability.
What do you believe is the best crafting hobby for generating extra income?
Recommended reading:
- 16 Best Things To Sell On Etsy To Make Money
- How To Sell On Etsy Successfully: A Beginner’s Guide
- How I Make $400,000 Per Year Selling Educational Printables
- 21 Best Side Hustles for Moms
