With social media being around, these content creators are having overnight success. I would love to get ahead by knowing a few ideas on what I can start to sell. So if you are anything like me, I would love to help you out, and so I will share 23 DIY crafts you can sell as a side hustle!
Article Overview:
23 DIY Crafts To Make And Sell
If you’re looking to turn your crafty skills into a profitable sideline, here’s a rundown of 10 DIY crafts that have the potential to fill your wallet as well as your time. Remember, choose something that resonates with you and your potential customers.
1. Handmade Candles
Handmade candles are a staple in the world of DIY crafts, offering a versatile and creative outlet for makers. Whether you’re aiming for luxurious, aromatic candles or simple, unscented varieties, this craft allows you to experiment with different shapes, sizes, colors, and scents.
The process is relatively straightforward, involving wax, wicks, fragrance oils, and molds, making it an accessible craft for beginners. Plus, candles are always in demand, whether for home décor, special occasions, or gifts, ensuring a steady market for your creations.
🔥 Tips:
- Experiment with Scents: Combine different oils to create unique fragrances, such as a calming lavender and vanilla blend or an invigorating citrus mix.
- Focus on Branding: Develop a signature look for your candles by using consistent packaging, labels, and colors that reflect your brand’s personality.
- Seasonal Varieties: Create candles themed around holidays or seasons, such as pumpkin spice for fall or fresh floral scents for spring, to attract seasonal shoppers.
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Consider using sustainable materials like soy wax or beeswax and reusable or biodegradable containers to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.
2. Custom Embroidery
Custom embroidery transforms everyday items into personalized, meaningful pieces. Whether you’re stitching names onto towels, creating intricate designs on clothing, or crafting custom patches, embroidery is a craft that combines precision with artistry.
The beauty of embroidery lies in its versatility—you can work on a wide range of fabrics and items, from apparel to home décor. With the rise of personalized gifts, custom embroidery has become increasingly popular, offering a profitable niche for crafters.
🎨 Tips:
- Diversify Your Products: Don’t limit yourself to clothing. Consider branching out into items like tote bags, hats, or even home décor like pillows and wall hangings.
- Invest in Quality Materials: Use high-quality threads and durable fabrics to ensure that your embroidery projects last and maintain their appearance over time.
- Leverage Technology: If you plan to scale up, consider using an embroidery machine to produce more intricate designs more efficiently.
- Offer Personalization: Allow customers to request specific designs, names, or dates to be embroidered, making your products perfect for gifts and special occasions.
3. Body Scrubs
Body scrubs are a fantastic DIY craft that combines both self-care and creativity. Known for their exfoliating properties, body scrubs help remove dead skin cells, leaving the skin feeling smooth and refreshed. Making body scrubs at home is easy and allows for endless customization.
Common ingredients include sugar or salt as the exfoliant base, combined with oils like coconut or almond oil, and enhanced with essential oils for fragrance.
Whether you’re creating scrubs for personal use or as gifts, there’s plenty of room to experiment with different textures, scents, and natural additives like coffee grounds, oatmeal, or dried herbs.
💧Tips:
- Opt for Natural Ingredients: Use organic sugar, salt, or coffee grounds as exfoliants to cater to customers who prefer natural skincare products.
- Add Essential Oils: Enhance your scrubs with essential oils like lavender for relaxation or peppermint for an invigorating experience.
- Experiment with Colors and Textures: Create visually appealing products by layering different colors or adding dried flowers.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Choose sustainable packaging options such as glass jars or
4. Resin Art and Jewelry
Resin art and jewelry have exploded in popularity, thanks to their glossy, durable finish and the ability to encapsulate various objects within the resin. From intricate jewelry pieces to decorative home items like coasters and trays, resin offers a wide range of possibilities for creative expression.
The craft involves mixing resin with a hardener and then pouring it into molds, often with added elements like pigments, glitter, or small keepsakes.
✨ Tips:
- Work Safely: Always ensure proper ventilation when working with resin, and wear protective gear to prevent exposure to fumes.
- Play with Colors: Mix and match different pigments and dyes to create vibrant, one-of-a-kind resin pieces that stand out.
- Create Themed Collections: Offer products based on specific themes or color schemes, which can make your items more appealing as gift sets.
- Offer Customization: Allow customers to order personalized pieces where they can choose the embedded objects or colors, making each item truly unique.
5. Handcrafted Soap
Handcrafted soap is a perfect blend of creativity and practicality. You can experiment with a wide variety of ingredients, such as essential oils, herbs, and natural exfoliants, to create soaps that not only cleanse but also nourish the skin.
Handcrafted soap appeals to a broad audience, especially those who are looking for natural alternatives to commercial soap products.
🧼 Tips:
- Seasonal Collections: Create limited-edition soaps for holidays or special occasions, which can boost sales and attract repeat customers.
- Highlight Benefits: Emphasize the skin benefits of the ingredients you use, such as moisturizing shea butter, exfoliating oatmeal, or soothing chamomile.
- Unique Shapes and Molds: Use different molds to create soaps in various shapes and designs that make them visually appealing.
- Scented Varieties: Offer a range of scents to cater to different preferences, from calming lavender to refreshing citrus.
6. Handmade Jewelry
Handmade jewelry remains a beloved craft that offers endless possibilities for creativity. Whether you’re working with beads, metal, clay, or resin, creating jewelry allows you to craft unique pieces that reflect personal style.
From simple bracelets and earrings to intricate necklaces and rings, this craft can range from beginner-friendly projects to more advanced designs. With the growing trend of personalized and artisanal accessories, there’s a strong market for handmade jewelry that stands out from mass-produced items.
💍 Tips:
- Niche Down: Focus on a specific type of jewelry, such as boho chic, minimalist, or statement pieces, to build a recognizable brand.
- High-Quality Materials: Use quality materials like sterling silver, gold-plated findings, or natural gemstones to appeal to customers seeking durability and luxury.
- Offer Customization: Allow customers to choose specific colors, charms, or engravings, making each piece unique to them.
- Photography Matters: Invest in good photography to showcase the details and beauty of your jewelry, as this will greatly impact online sales.
7. Knit and Crocheted Items
Knitting and crocheting have seen a resurgence in popularity, especially among those looking for sustainable, handcrafted fashion and home items.
From cozy scarves and hats to intricate blankets and sweaters, knit and crocheted products offer warmth and comfort that appeal to a wide audience. This craft is not only therapeutic but also allows for a personal touch in every stitch, making each item unique.
🧶 Tips:
- Seasonal Products: Focus on creating items that cater to the seasons, such as warm winter scarves or light summer shawls.
- Sustainable Yarns: Use eco-friendly yarns, such as organic cotton or recycled fibers, to attract environmentally conscious customers.
- Patterns for All Skill Levels: Offer a variety of items ranging from simple to complex, so you can cater to both beginners and experienced crafters.
- Bundle Kits: Create and sell DIY knitting or crocheting kits that include patterns, yarn, and needles for those who want to try crafting themselves.
8. Custom Mugs and Glassware
Custom mugs and glassware are always in demand, whether as gifts, promotional items, or personal keepsakes. This craft allows you to create unique designs using techniques like hand-painting, vinyl decals, or even engraving. The versatility of this craft means you can target a variety of audiences, from coffee lovers to bridal parties, making it a profitable option.
☕ Tips:
- Target Specific Occasions: Design mugs and glassware for specific occasions such as weddings, birthdays, or holidays to increase appeal.
- Quality Matters: Use durable, dishwasher-safe materials and paints to ensure your designs last.
- Offer Bulk Discounts: Provide discounts for bulk orders, which is especially appealing for corporate clients or event planners.
- Personalization Options: Allow customers to personalize their mugs or glassware with names, dates, or custom messages for a personal touch.
9. Upcycled Home Décor
Upcycling is all about transforming old or discarded items into something new and beautiful. This craft is perfect for those who love DIY projects and want to contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.
From turning old windows into picture frames to creating furniture from pallets, upcycled home décor is both eco-friendly and stylish, appealing to those who are environmentally conscious and love unique, handmade items.
🏡 Tips:
- Source Materials Creatively: Look for materials at thrift stores, garage sales, or even curbside pickups to find unique pieces to upcycle.
- Eco-Friendly Marketing: Highlight the environmental benefits of upcycling in your marketing to attract green-minded customers.
- Rustic and Vintage Aesthetic: Focus on popular design trends like rustic, farmhouse, or vintage styles, which are highly sought after in the home décor market.
- Workshops and Classes: Offer workshops on upcycling techniques, which can be a great way to generate additional income and build community engagement.
10. Macramé Art
Macramé, the art of knotting cords in patterns to create decorative items, has made a major comeback in home décor. From wall hangings to plant hangers and even jewelry, macramé projects can add a bohemian touch to any space.
This craft is particularly appealing because it doesn’t require many tools or materials, making it accessible for beginners and experienced crafters alike.
🌿 Tips:
- Start Simple: Begin with smaller, less complex projects like keychains or coasters before moving on to larger items like wall hangings or hammocks.
- Use Natural Fibers: Choose natural fibers like cotton or jute, which are popular for their durability and aesthetic appeal in macramé designs.
- Incorporate Beads or Feathers: Add beads, feathers, or other embellishments to your macramé pieces to make them stand out.
- Workshops for Beginners: Offer macramé workshops or kits for those new to the craft, which can be a great way to introduce others to macramé and create a following for your work.
11. Bath Bombs
The self-care industry has seen a significant rise in popularity, making bath bombs and handmade soaps highly sought-after products. These items are not only functional but also offer a luxury experience that customers love. With endless possibilities for scents, colors, and shapes, you can create unique bath products that stand out in a crowded market.
🛁 Tips:
- Natural Ingredients: Use natural and organic ingredients to appeal to health-conscious consumers.
- Creative Packaging: Invest in attractive and eco-friendly packaging to make your products gift-ready.
- Specialty Products: Consider creating themed or seasonal collections, such as holiday scents or floral springtime selections.
- Custom Orders: Offer customization options like personalized labels or specific scent combinations for special events or gifts.
12. Hand-Painted Pottery
Hand-painted pottery, such as mugs, plates, and vases, combines functionality with artistic expression. Each piece can be a work of art, making it a perfect addition to any home. This craft allows you to experiment with different designs and colors, catering to a wide range of tastes.
🎨 Tips:
- Unique Designs: Focus on creating unique designs that reflect your personal style or popular trends.
- Durability: Use high-quality, food-safe glazes to ensure that your pottery is not only beautiful but also durable and safe for everyday use.
- Offer Sets: Create matching sets, such as dinnerware or tea sets, which can increase the value of your products.
- Collaborate with Local Stores: Partner with local boutiques or home décor stores to display and sell your pottery.
13. Candles (Wax Melts)
Candles and wax melts are perennial favorites in the home décor and self-care markets. They provide ambiance and aroma, making them popular gift items as well. With endless options for scents, shapes, and sizes, candle making is a versatile craft that can cater to various customer preferences.
🕯️ Tips:
- Eco-Friendly Options: Use soy wax or beeswax for a more natural and eco-friendly product.
- Scent Combinations: Experiment with unique scent combinations to create signature blends that customers can’t find elsewhere.
- Presentation Matters: Invest in stylish jars or containers that add to the aesthetic appeal of your candles.
- Subscription Boxes: Consider offering a monthly subscription box where customers receive a new candle or set of wax melts each month.
14. DIY Terrariums
Terrariums are miniature gardens that can be customized to fit any space, making them a popular home décor item. These tiny ecosystems are easy to maintain and add a touch of greenery to any environment.
Whether open or closed, terrariums allow for creative expression and can be tailored to suit various tastes.
🌱 Tips:
- Diverse Plant Selection: Offer a variety of plants, such as succulents, mosses, and air plants, to cater to different customer preferences.
- Creative Containers: Use unique containers like vintage glass jars, geometric shapes, or hanging terrariums to stand out.
- Kits and Workshops: Sell DIY terrarium kits or host workshops to engage with customers who enjoy hands-on activities.
- Maintenance Guides: Provide care instructions with each purchase to help customers keep their terrariums thriving.
15. Resin Art
Resin art is a versatile craft that allows you to create everything from jewelry to coasters and wall art. The possibilities with resin are endless, as it can be combined with pigments, glitter, dried flowers, and other materials to create stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces.
🎨 Tips:
- Safety First: Always use resin in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear to avoid exposure to fumes.
- Experiment with Inclusions: Incorporate various materials like flowers, seashells, or even small keepsakes into your resin pieces for added interest.
- Offer Custom Orders: Allow customers to personalize their resin items with specific colors, themes, or included items.
- Market to Niche Audiences: Target specific markets, such as bridal parties for custom resin jewelry or home décor enthusiasts for resin coasters and wall art.
16. Upcycled Clothing and Accessories
Upcycling is a sustainable and creative way to give new life to old clothing and accessories. This craft involves taking outdated or unused items and transforming them into something stylish and functional. With the growing trend of sustainability, upcycled products are becoming increasingly popular among eco-conscious consumers.
🔄 Tips:
- Focus on Quality: Ensure that the materials you’re using are in good condition to create durable products.
- Unique Designs: Use your creativity to add new elements like patches, embroidery, or fabric paint to make each piece unique.
- Niche Market: Target specific groups, such as festival-goers or vintage fashion enthusiasts, with your upcycled designs.
- Workshops: Offer classes or workshops on upcycling to engage your audience and promote your brand.
17. Beaded Jewelry
Beaded jewelry is a versatile craft that allows you to create everything from simple bracelets to intricate necklaces. This type of jewelry is popular for its customization options, allowing you to cater to a wide range of styles and preferences.
💍 Tips:
- High-Quality Materials: Invest in quality beads and findings to ensure your jewelry looks professional and lasts long.
- Trendy Styles: Stay updated on current fashion trends to create pieces that appeal to your target audience.
- Offer Custom Orders: Allow customers to choose their beads, colors, and designs for personalized pieces.
- Easy to Scale: Beaded jewelry is relatively easy to produce in larger quantities, making it ideal for selling at craft fairs or online.
18. Homemade Pet Products
Pet owners are always on the lookout for unique and high-quality products for their furry friends. Homemade pet products, such as dog toys, cat beds, or pet treats, can be both fun to create and profitable to sell.
🐾 Tips:
- Safety First: Ensure that all materials used are pet-safe, especially if you’re making edible products.
- Customization: Offer personalized pet items, such as monogrammed collars or custom-sized beds.
- Durable Designs: Focus on durability, especially for items like toys, which need to withstand rough play.
- Marketing: Engage with local pet stores or veterinary clinics to showcase your products and reach a broader audience.
19. Personalized Home Décor
Personalized home décor items, such as custom signs, monogrammed pillows, or bespoke wall art, are popular for gifts and special occasions. These items add a personal touch to any space, making them highly desirable for customers looking to create a unique home environment.
🏡 Tips:
- Versatile Techniques: Use techniques like wood burning, vinyl cutting, or hand painting to personalize your products.
- Seasonal Themes: Create seasonal collections, such as holiday-themed decorations, to keep your offerings fresh and relevant.
- Gift Sets: Package several items together as gift sets for weddings, housewarmings, or other celebrations.
- Social Media Marketing: Use social media platforms like Instagram or Pinterest to showcase your designs and reach a wider audience.
20. DIY Beauty Products
With the rise of natural and organic beauty trends, DIY beauty products such as lip balms, body scrubs, and face masks are in high demand. These products appeal to consumers who are looking for natural alternatives to store-bought cosmetics.
💄 Tips:
- Educational Content: Provide tutorials or information on the benefits of the ingredients you use to build trust with your customers.
- Natural Ingredients: Use high-quality, natural ingredients that cater to different skin types and preferences.
- Eco-Friendly Packaging: Opt for sustainable packaging to appeal to environmentally conscious buyers.
- Small Batches: Produce in small batches to ensure freshness and maintain quality.
21. Customized Stationery
In an era dominated by digital communication, customized stationery offers a personal touch for those who appreciate handwritten notes and beautiful designs. This craft includes creating personalized notepads, greeting cards, and wedding invitations, making it a versatile option for various markets.
✉️ Tips:
- Personalization: Offer monogramming or custom designs to cater to individual preferences.
- Quality Materials: Use thick, high-quality paper and vibrant inks to make your stationery stand out.
- Gift Sets: Bundle stationery items into gift sets for occasions like weddings, birthdays, or corporate events.
- Target Specific Events: Focus on specific life events such as weddings, baby showers, or holidays to create themed collections.
22. Resin Art & Accessories
I know, I have already said “resin art” before. But, resin art has gained popularity for its versatility and stunning results. From jewelry and coasters to keychains and wall art, resin crafts offer endless possibilities for creativity. The glossy finish and ability to embed objects make resin art a unique and sought-after product.
🌟 Tips:
- Work Safely: Always work in a well-ventilated area and use protective gear when handling resin.
- Experiment with Colors: Use pigments, dyes, or even glitter to create vibrant and eye-catching designs.
- Incorporate Nature: Embed natural elements like flowers, leaves, or seashells in your resin pieces for a unique touch.
- Offer Workshops: Consider teaching resin art workshops to share your skills and promote your products.
23. Quilted Home Décor
Quilting is a craft that combines tradition with creativity, resulting in beautiful and functional home décor items. From throw blankets and pillows to wall hangings, quilted pieces add warmth and personality to any space.
🧵 Tips:
- Use High-Quality Fabrics: Invest in durable, high-quality fabrics to ensure the longevity of your quilted items.
- Custom Orders: Offer custom quilting services where customers can choose their patterns, colors, and designs.
- Seasonal Themes: Create quilts with seasonal or holiday themes to keep your offerings fresh and relevant.
- Collaborate with Interior Designers: Partner with local interior designers to showcase your quilted décor in their projects.
Get Started With Selling Your Own Crafts Today!
Now that you’ve explored these exciting DIY craft ideas, it’s time to turn your creativity into something more. Whether you’re looking to start a side hustle or a full-fledged business, the key is to take action. Start by selecting a craft that resonates with your skills and passion. Build a solid brand, develop a business plan, and clearly identify your target audience.
Keep an eye on trends and seasonality to stay ahead in the competitive market. Whether you choose to sell online, at craft fairs, or through retail stores, the possibilities are endless. Your journey into the world of crafting is just beginning, and with the right tools and mindset, success is within reach.
Remember, the first step is the most important. So, gather your materials, set your goals, and get started today. The world of DIY crafts awaits your unique touch.make it with love. Your crafting side hustle, will with time grow larger and larger. The passion you pour into your craft is what keeps customers coming back.
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions).
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions around making and selling crafts.
What homemade craft sells the most?
Homemade jewelry consistently ranks as one of the top-selling crafts. Jewelry’s appeal lies in its versatility and the ability to customize it according to trends and personal preferences.
Whether it’s beaded bracelets, resin earrings, or wire-wrapped pendants, jewelry can cater to a wide audience, making it a highly profitable craft. Additionally, the materials required are relatively inexpensive, allowing for a good profit margin on each sale .
What crafts are easy to make and sell?
Some of the easiest crafts to make and sell include candles, soaps, and personalized greeting cards. These items require minimal materials and basic skills to create but have a high demand due to their utility and gift-giving appeal.
For example, candles can be made in various scents and designs, catering to different customer preferences. Similarly, handmade soaps with unique ingredients or designs are popular in the market.
Personalized greeting cards are easy to create with a simple design and can be customized for various occasions, making them a go-to item for customers looking for thoughtful gifts .
What is the hottest craft right now?
As of 2024, one of the hottest crafts is tufted rugs and mats. This craft has gained popularity due to the resurgence of interest in home décor and DIY home improvement projects.
Tufting allows crafters to create unique, customized rugs that add a personal touch to any space. The trend is driven by the rise of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where creators share their tufting projects, inspiring others to try their hand at this craft .
What is the best selling craft for 2024?
The best-selling craft for 2024 is expected to be home fragrance products, such as candles, diffusers, and wax melts. With the ongoing trend of creating cozy, personalized home environments, these items have seen a significant increase in demand.
Consumers are increasingly looking for ways to enhance their living spaces, and home fragrances offer a simple yet effective solution. The ability to customize scents and designs further boosts their appeal, making them a top-selling craft in the current market .
Can you make a living selling crafts?
Yes, you can make a living selling crafts, but it requires strategic planning and consistent effort. Many successful crafters have turned their hobbies into full-time businesses by leveraging online platforms like Etsy, Shopify, and even social media channels.
The key to making a sustainable income from crafting is to identify a niche, create high-quality products, and market them effectively. Diversifying your sales channels, such as selling at local markets, craft fairs, and online stores, can also help increase revenue.
Additionally, staying updated on trends and continuously innovating your product offerings will keep your business relevant and competitive in the market .