Moneymaking Ideas for Crafters

Are you an avid crafter but wish you could earn an income from what you enjoy? Here are a few ideas for turning your crafting hobby into a career or a sideline business that can earn you a little extra money or even a lot.

Retail Sales in a Craft and Hobby Store
Retail craft and hobby supply stores like Hobby Lobby, Joann's and Michael's are good opportunities for avid crafters to put their expertise to use. When you are looking for a specific item to complete your craft project, it is always helpful to have sales associates at the craft store who know enough about what you are needing to help you find it, or know how to suggest alternatives if the exact item isn't available. Check around in your area to see what opportunities are available for you.

Teach Your Craft
I have offered craft classes for kids to the homeschool group in my area for small fees. If you have the space to offer classes to kids or adults, this is a great way to share your favorite craft or crafts and earn a little extra money.

Check with your local community college about teaching opportunities through the continuing education division. In my area, the local community college's continuing ed division offers classes of all kinds and you don't have to be a certified teacher to lead them. They are usually fun classes like exercise, crafts, painting, dancing and more. Check and see what is available and what you could suggest and turn into an income-generating opportunity.

Sell Your Craft Wares
Local flea markets, community fairs, farmer's markets and craft shows are great opportunities to sell what you make. The biggest hitch for this is the fact that you need to have a large inventory of items already made and ready to sell. There is also a setup fee for booth space but if the cost is minimal you will hopefully be able to make it up through sales of your crafts.

You can also sell your crafts online through sites like etsy.com or ebay. This is a way to have a lower inventory as many items can be made by you when someone places an order.

Advertise locally for custom orders. You might be surprised at the number of people looking for handmade items for gifts. If you like to sew and can do alterations, many people will pay small fees for hems, repairs and other alterations on clothing. Custom sewing projects can also help earn income. For a number of years after my grandfather died, my grandmother did custom sewing work. She sewed costumes for local play productions, bridesmaid dresses and other projects for people. Once the word got out that she would sew for people, she stayed busy and earned extra money to pay the bills.

Write About Your Crafts
If you enjoy writing and can explain how to do specific crafts and even write instructions for patterns, there are markets available for you. Craft magazines buy patterns and how-to articles for craft projects and the pay is usually worthwhile. Many magazines also offer contests that feature cash prizes.