Handmade items can up your income.
Why store crafts around the home, when they could bring in cash? Making crafts to sell is a great way to monetise that hobby.
Recognise your skills as an asset
Many skills are handed down through families or communities, and we don’t realise how precious they are – or how much others will value them.
In a sped-up world, creating craft from scratch is impressive. Whether knitting a scarf or whittling an ornament, what you’re doing is amazing.
Since family and friends likely have a collection of your bespoke pieces already, consider getting your craft out into the world.
How to start selling craft online
Sites like Etsy are extremely popular, letting you create a digital store. Amazon Handmade, Shopify and eBay are well-known platforms for sellers.
Try searching ‘where to sell crafts online’ for dozens of online selling opportunities. Take product price, expenditure budget, and product type into account.
Some crafters sell via social media accounts after posting throughout the process on Instagram or TikTok. Facebook Marketplace is another possibility.
The option of selling offline
Whether you craft using cardboard or cloth, metal or plastic, handmade is in vogue.
You’d be surprised by the markets taking place around your state: weekly, seasonal, annual and one-day events. To reduce outlay costs, share your stall with other crafters.
Certain retailers focus on showcasing Australian artisans. You may also discover a local shop or café that loves the scarf you’re wearing so much they’re open to stocking similar styles.
Think outside the box
What people are willing to pay for is endlessly surprising. No need to stick to traditional ideas of what constitutes good crafting.
Products don’t need to be practical. An example? Crocheted tea sets. Yes, the teapot, tea cup, and tea bag are all crocheted. So adorable! (And don’t get me started on knitted sushi.)
Upcycling is big too. Seen the old blankets made into jackets? Or the hand-embroidered and painted second-hand clothes? Even discarded computer parts are becoming beautiful fashion.
What might have once been a weird idea, is appreciated by somebody out there. Don’t hold yourself back; unique can sell well.
Consider selling materials and tools
Yes, it is possible to make money from a cupboard full of forgotten items related to your craft. There’s likely a buyer in today’s world for those vintage lacemaking tools.
You probably have a host of desirable items in your home whose value is unrecognised. Old fabrics, even dusty curtains you bought in the eighties, are potential gems to an artistic soul.
Funky buttons. Vintage knitting needles. Classic thimbles. A seventies dress pattern. The list goes on and on.
Create a brand
In this context, you are the brand, and what you need is an online presence. People love process. Nowadays, the creative journey is as interesting as the finished product.
Social media is a fantastic way to build a following. Crafters often post what they’re working on at various stages, or make videos explaining their creative vision.
No need for a glossy production – authenticity and rawness are in high demand. Your audience wants to be invested. It’s actually quite soothing watching someone weave a basket.
Interact with other creators
The best part of living in this era is being able to communicate easily with people around the world who share your interests and passions.
Online crafting communities span the globe. Sign up for a virtual craft party, or join an online knitting group. Hang out with likeminded souls across time zones.
Whatever your niche, searching for craft forums or craft communities will reveal a number of lists. From Facebook to Reddit and the Discord app, crafters can be found everywhere.
Don’t spend too much
While you might want to spend a small amount setting up your project, don’t overspend. Keep in mind that it takes time to establish a customer base.
Research advice online from people who’ve taken their hobby to the next level. Benefit from their experience. Most of all, enjoy the chance to show the world your skills.
Do you have a crafting skill that could be marketable? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Creative ways to make extra cash
