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So you're ready to take the leap and turn your crafting skills into a real business? That's great!
In this article, we're sharing 34 crafts that make money, plus real-life examples that you can learn from. And don't worry about the business side of things--we'll go through a simple 4-part framework to help you make sure your hard work actually brings in some cash.
Ready to get started? Let's do this!
What's inside:
- 34 Crafts That Make Money (Try These for Your Small Business!)
- How to Make Crafts That (Actually) Make Money
- More Resources to Check Out
34 Crafts That Make Money (Try These for Your Small Business!)
#1 - Tumblers and Cups
Let's face it: we're all a little bit coffee-obsessed these days. ☕That means there's always gonna be a need for uniquely designed and personalized tumblers, cups, and mugs. Whether it's a bachelorette party, fresh designs for Halloween, or a new season of Little League baseball, you'll find new opportunities to design and sell cups for the occasion.
And the best part is, there are SO many ways to customize a tumbler. We're talking sublimation, laser engraving, epoxy, rhinestones, heat-transfer vinyl, and more. In fact, we've collected more than a dozen ways to customize a tumbler here.
Check out camoNhairbows on Etsy for an example of what you can do with tumblers and cups!
And here's another example from @miramontes_customz on Instagram 👇
The tumbler she used:
[product=40-oz-tumbler-with-handle-powder-coated]Our best-selling 40 oz powder-coated tumbler with removable handle for easy engraving![/product]
Psst… Looking for affordable tumbler blanks for your craft business? Check out our full line-up here.
RELATED: How to Start a Successful Tumbler Business: 23 Expert Tips
#2 - Kitchen Goods
The kitchen is the heart ❤️of the home, as they say. Maybe that's why having handmade items in the kitchen feels so special. People love things like custom serving boards, decanters, wine glasses, plates, bowls, and coasters. These are the items that get passed down to the next generation and lovingly cherished by children and grandchildren.
If you're interested in creating family keepsakes and heirlooms like these, we recommend laser engraving, which is permanent and doesn't scratch or fade over time. You can also use food-safe epoxy resin to coat your items, but be sure to check the manufacturer's instructions.
Check out TheJerryCanCompany on Etsy for an example of this kind of business in action!
[product=whiskey-decanter-750ml]This 750ml glass decanter is just one of the beautiful customizable items in our shop.[/product]
#3 - Home Decor
We all want our home to reflect our style and unique personality. That's where you come in! You can create custom home decor that follows trends or serves a specific part of the market, like retirees, moms, or military families, for example. Or let your customers choose a custom design for a one-of-a-kind piece.
We never really finish decorating our space, so there will always be a market for new designs and fresh home decor ideas. Epoxy resin is a fun one for this, because you can mold it into unique shapes or redecorate furniture like tables and chairs.
Check out RidalDesigns, which sells engraved and laser-cut signs and LesaWoodDecor, which also makes epoxy-filled furniture and home decor, both on Etsy!
RELATED: 13+ Epoxy Resin Ideas to Spark Your Creativity
#4 - Wedding Keepsakes
Weddings are a massive industry, and creating custom items for couples and their wedding parties is a great way to tap into that market.
Most couples enjoy personalized gifts and keepsakes from their wedding day, which you can make for them. Things like matching bridesmaid cups, a wedding memory box, or engraved signs for the home. Sublimation, vinyl, and engraving are all popular techniques, but engraving tends to last the longest.
Check out MagicMarkingsArt on Etsy for a unique take on this craft idea.
[product=wood-memory-boxes-large-size]A memory box can be endlessly customized to make a gorgeous wedding keepsake.[/product]
#5 - Wedding Decor
Besides wedding keepsakes, many couples are also looking for one-of-a-kind wedding decor. You can create handmade items like flower arrangements (real or paper), custom signs, table settings, and other special decorative items.
See savorysweetsisters on Etsy for an example.
Engraving signs are a great way to get started!
[product=wood-for-laser-cutting]The best wood for laser cutting!.[/product]
#6 - Baby & Child Keepsakes
Welcoming a new baby into the world is such a special time, and parents love to capture those precious memories with keepsakes. Think adorable mommy-and-me matching cups, memory boxes for a new baby or a year in school, custom picture frames, matching outfits, personalized jewelry, and more. With 10,000 babies born every day in the US, you can certainly find customers for this niche!
Motherbirthco does embroidered baby blankets, and WildRibbonDesigns has some beautiful engraved products.
This mama-and-me cup set is made by MakerFlo Crafter Kayla M. with the MakerFlo stainless steel sippy cup and stainless steel wine tumbler, Ice Queen fine & chunky glitter, and epoxy.
#7 - Memorial Items
Saying goodbye to loved ones is never easy, but a meaningful memorial item can bring some comfort. You can make memory boxes, personalized jewelry, t-shirt quilts, photo books, custom paintings, or other special tributes to help remember a loved one or special pet.
Etsy shop blessingandlight specializes in memorial items.
#8 - Jewelry & Accessories
Jewelry is a multi-billion dollar industry. Sure, you can find jewelry for cheap at big box stores like H&M and Target. But it's hard to find things that are truly unique with a handmade touch. You can create small batches of jewelry with your unique style or personalized, order-made pieces. Favorite techniques for jewelry include epoxy resin, UV resin, and laser engraving.
Check out CaitlynMinimalist on Etsy for an example.
[product=resin-earring-molds]It’s a cinch to make earrings with UV resin and these molds.[/product]
RELATED: How to Start a Profitable Laser Engraving Business in 2024
#9 - T-Shirts & Clothing
When was the last time you bought something new to wear? If you're like most people, you're probably shopping for clothes all year round. That means there's always a market for clothing, especially fresh designs.
The t-shirt business is competitive for sure, but if you find your own niche or cater to a lesser-known market, you can make money from it. T-shirts, jackets, pants, dresses, socks... the possibilities are endless! You can customize clothing with sublimation, screen printing, DTF transfers, DTG printing, embroidery, or even good old-fashioned hand-sewing.
See @megannco on TikTok for an example of a t-shirt business!
#10 - Pens & Pencils
Teachers, students, parents, office workers, nurses... everyone needs pens and pencils at some point, and some of us more than others! Creating custom pens and pencils with unique designs or personalized messages is a great way to offer practical items that people will actually use.
JSBoutiqueUS on Etsy sells a lot of custom pens that can inspire you!
[product=12ct-the-crafters-gel-pen-sublimation]Customize this gel pen with your favorite sublimation print![/product]
#11 - Camping Gear
Camping has always been popular, but it feels like it's everywhere these days. Some people are seasoned campers, while others just love the idea of camping, but either way, there's a market for camping gear that you can tap into. Think portable BBQ grill sets, pocket knives, camping cookware, blankets, carrying cases, or even custom camping sets.
HuntandHoney on Etsy sells outdoor and camping goods, plus unique accessories and home decor made from items found in the wild.
#12 - Travel Goods
How much do you spend when going on a big trip? People tend to be in the mood to spend when going somewhere new. They enjoy having little mementos of their trip, handy travel items, and little personalized accessories to take with them. You can create custom luggage tags, handmade carry-on bags, personalized suitcases, beach towels, travel sets, or even trip keepsakes like matching tumblers or keychains.
Check out WanderlustPrintGoods on Etsy for an example.
[product=luggage-tag-12ct-sublimation]Create your own luggage tags with sublimation![/product]
#13 - Christmas Decor
For some folks, Christmas is a year-round celebration! People love finding unique holiday decor, so why not create your own one-of-a-kind Christmas goodies? You can sell your creations at holiday craft shows or just seek out those people who never put their Christmas tree away. 😉
HandmadeChristmasCC on Etsy specializes in Christmas decor.
[product=circle]This circle-shaped acrylic blank can be turned into ornaments with UV resin, epoxy, paint, vinyl, glitter, and more![/product]
#14 - Gift Sets
Gift-giving is a year-round thing, and pre-packaged gift sets make it so much easier for people to find the perfect present. You can curate items from other makers or create your own goodies like beauty products, stationery, or custom decor. Then bundle them up in beautiful gift boxes and packaging. Think about creating sets for specific occasions or recipients--it takes the guesswork out of gift shopping!
@carefullycuratedgifts on Instagram is a great example.
#15 - Local Business Merch
Consider creating custom merch like keychains, business cards, t-shirts, hats, and more for local businesses in your area. They get the benefit of a unique, handmade touch to their business and can create personalized items without having to rely on generic options from big brands. Plus, businesses often have bigger budgets than individual customers, so this market can be pretty lucrative!
BostonPrintCo on Etsy does custom business cards, signage, and decals for businesses.
[product=frp-keychain-12ct-sublimation]Create custom keychains with this sublimatable keychain blank.[/product]
RELATED: 56+ Craft Fair Booth Setup Ideas & Tips for Your Next Show
#16 - Hand-Tufted Rugs
Have you ever seen those fluffy rugs with different patterns or illustrations on them? You can make those, too! It's called tufting, and it involves a special machine that basically punches yarn into a piece of fabric. You can get super creative with colors and patterns and make different shapes for your customers.
See this craft in action @ruggybagystudio on Instagram.
#17 - Wedding Invitations & Calligraphy Art
If you've got beautiful handwriting (or you're willing to practice!), you can offer hand-written wedding invitations and programs or even create custom calligraphy art like new baby announcements and hand-lettered signs.
@asmalldropofink on Instagram is a great example of this.
#18 - Hand-Poured Candles
Candles make any room feel a little bit more luxurious. And they don't last forever, so there's always a demand for more. You can play with different fragrances, wax textures, and colors, then design packaging and labels to match.
Check out @pastelmagicwaxmelts on Instagram for an example!
#19 - Upcycled Vintage Items
Thrifters and treasure hunters, take note! Upcycling vintage items is where you take something old and give it new life. Like vintage clothing that you transform into new pieces or old VHS tapes, magazines, license plates, and electronics turned into home decor. These crafts have a special appeal because they're one-of-a-kind and tap into that nostalgia that so many people love.
TabiMeyersHomemade on Etsy upcycles old t-shirts into new pieces of clothing.
#20 - Tote Bags
Just like t-shirts, you can customize tote bags with all sorts of crafting techniques like sublimation, vinyl, DTF printing, and DTG printing. People love collecting tote bags, and they're super affordable to make, which makes them a great option for your craft business.
Check out @totestories on Instagram for an example.
RELATED: What is Sublimation Printing? The Essential Guide for Crafters
#21 - 3D-Printed Items
Okay, this one requires a 3D printer, but if you have one, you can make anything you dream up! You can create custom phone accessories, chargers, cable organizers, desk organizers, storage boxes, home decor, and so much more. The key here is to tap into those niche markets that bigger brands aren't serving.
3DPrinceLLC on Etsy makes some really unique items, like Halloween costumes, home decor, and more.
#22 - Garden Decor
Here's a category that's often overlooked: garden decor! We're talking engraved stones, hand-carved or hand-painted garden gnomes, wind spinners, and the like. People enjoy gardening for its relaxation and mood-lifting benefits, and your crafts can be part of that joy.
See HappyGardensArt on Etsy for an example.
[product=4-wind-spinner-12ct-sublimation]Check out our best-selling sublimatable wind spinners, in 4” or 8”![/product]
#23 - Beauty Products
Are you someone who loves mixing up concoctions and experimenting with different ingredients? Then you might enjoy creating beauty products for your customers. Of course, you'll need to do your research and make sure your products are safe, shelf-stable, and meet any necessary regulations. But if you can create something truly unique and effective, you could have a real hit on your hands!
MoonriseCreek on Etsy is a great example of this.
#24 - Journals & Planners
Who doesn't love a good journal, planner, or notepad? Right now, it's easier than ever to create your own paper goods using free software like Canva or other programs. So, if you love planning, staying organized, journaling, or being creative, you can now design and sell your own printable journals and planners!
BeatificDotCo on Etsy sells personalized planners, journals, and notepads.
#25 - Craft Kits
It's so satisfying to make something with your own two hands, and that's exactly why DIY craft kits are so popular! Your customers will get to put the finished product together instead of buying it pre-made. You can create kits for all ages and skill levels, from kids to adults.
Check out MosaicsattheFarm on Etsy, which sells mosaic craft kits for adults!
RELATED: Creative 10x10 Craft Booth Layout Ideas for Your Next Show
#26 - Soap
Just like candles, soap is one of those everyday items that we all use and enjoy. And like candles, soap also runs out, so there's always a demand for more. You can experiment with different fragrances, colors, textures, and ingredients to make your soap feel super luxurious and high-quality. Focus on creating unique combinations that can't be found anywhere else, and you'll find a market for your products more quickly.
LingerBathandBody on Etsy is a great example of this.
#27 - Pet Goods
Did you know that half of all households in the US have a pet? 🐶🐱 That's a lot of pet love! And when you're a pet owner, you know how much those furry friends become part of the family. That means there's a huge market for pet- related goods!
For the furry family member, you can make pet bowls, pet clothing, collars, dog tags, and more. For the owner, pet-themed tumblers, jewelry, mugs, t-shirts, and tote bags come to mind.
See CaDoKoShop on Etsy for an example of this!
[product=pet-tag-mold]Craft your own pet tags out of UV resin or epoxy with these assorted silicone molds![/product]
Related: 37 Cute & Funny Dog Tumbler Ideas (+ Design Files!)
#28 - Unofficial Fan Merch
The world is full of passionate fan communities who love to show off their favorite things! The obsession might be for a TV show, book series, anime, band, artist, or favorite character. And you can profit from that enthusiasm by creating unofficial fan merch that speaks to their interests.
Of course, you should never use copyrighted materials in your for-profit designs. This is a time to get creative with designs and wordings that resonate with the fan community without directly infringing on copyrights.
Here's an example of pencils engraved with Taylor Swift lyrics from T5EngravingShop on Etsy.
#29 - Activity Kits or Sensory Play Kits
Parents are always on the lookout for fun activities to keep their little ones entertained. That's where your craft business comes in! You can create pre- made activity or sensory play kits as a quick solution for those "I'm bored" moments.
Check out @instaplaysensory on Instagram for an example.
#30 - Self-Defense Kits
Here's another idea we've seen: custom self-defense kits! You can offer different colors or collections of items, but you'll have to have an understanding of self-defense to make this work. If you DO have this background, this is an interesting niche to consider.
@decorationalsshop on Instagram is an example of this!
#31 - First Aid Kits
Another idea is to create custom first-aid kits. You can color-coordinate them or make them ✨aesthetic ✨, but just like the self-defense kits, you'll need to know what you're doing or have access to someone who does.
@keepgoingfirstaid makes cute first-aid kits for families and teens.
#32 - Stickers
The market for stickers is definitely crowded, but if you can find a unique angle or build a brand around your art, you can absolutely sell stickers! Stickers are easy to design and create, and once you've got your designs, all you need to do is print and sell them. The profit margins can be great, so if you can build a community around your work and attract fans who love your style, you can definitely make money selling stickers.
Check out @shrimpsstickers on Instagram for an example!
RELATED: 26 Outdoor Vendor Booth Ideas for Crafters & Artists
#33 - DTF Transfers
Looking for a craft that doesn't create a lot of inventory? DTF transfers could be a great option! If you already have a DTF printer or are willing to invest in one, you can create custom DTF transfers to sell to other businesses and creators. DTF transfers can be applied to any garment, while UV DTF decals can be applied to hard surfaces like mugs and tumblers. All you need to do is sell designs, print them, and ship them!
@rbatransfers on Instagram is absolutely killing it with DTF transfers.
#34 - Custom-Made Press-On Nails
We saw this idea on TikTok and thought it was really interesting! @tomatoesnails on TikTok creates custom-designed press-on nails that fit her customers' exact measurements. Now, this isn't quite a million-dollar venture yet, but it's definitely fun and unique. So, if you're passionate about nails and have a knack for design, you could make this work!
How to Make Crafts That (Actually) Make Money
Okay, now let's talk about the part that matters most: how to make crafts that actually make your business money. We're not saying that if you pick one of these crafts, you'll automatically make it rain cash. It takes a bit more time and effort than that!
You need a solid business strategy, some market research, and a good understanding of what people value and are willing to pay for. So, let's break down 4 things you can do to help make more of a profit from your crafts.
#1 - Understand the Value of Handmade Goods
The first thing to understand is that handmade goods have their own unique value. The fact that they're handmade with care is the value add! Sometimes people hesitate to pay more for something handmade if they think they can find something better for less in a store.
But the truth is, if you create things with care and passion and infuse your unique story into what you make, people can see the value of owning one of your items. And because of that, they'll be willing to pay a premium for them.
Think about luxury brands--the whole reason why they are expensive is because they're exclusive, made with care, and one-of-a-kind. That's what makes people want them! You can channel this into your business by creating unique items with excellent craftsmanship while sharing the story behind your brand.
#2 - Create Your Items with Care
The second tip is to create your items with care. Really look at all the details and make it look good! This is a time to sweat the small stuff.
Of course, you don't want to get so caught up in perfection that you can't finish anything, but the goal is to create pieces you're truly proud of.
If you're looking for high-quality crafting equipment and customizable crafting blanks that you can turn into professional-looking products, check out our shop for more!
People are naturally drawn to things that are high-quality and unique, and they're willing to pay a good price for them. But if your stuff feels average or rushed, it'll be tough to stand out. So we recommend choosing a craft you really excel at, and then honing your skills until you can become the top 3% of creators in your niche.
This also applies to how you present your products. If you display them with care and style, as if you're setting up a trendy store, people will see more value in them. But if you just toss them in a box like a bargain bin at a flea market, they'll subconsciously decide they're not worth as much. Basically, presentation matters!
#3 - Share Your Story
The next thing you can do to make your craft business more profitable is to share your story. Really let people get to know who you are. The more people know you, like you, and feel connected to your journey, the more they'll want to support your business!
To do this, you can share your story verbally with customers at places like craft fairs and trade shows, share behind-the-scenes videos on social media, or write up your story on your website that you can share with others. The more you open up and let people into your world, the more they'll want to participate in your story by buying your stuff.
See how small business Tote Stories shares their story on their website.
#4 - Study the Market
This final tip is all about doing your homework before you launch your business or next product idea. It's so important to understand the playing field before you step onto it yourself.
Take a look at other businesses in your local area that are selling similar items (or online, if there's no one local yet). Check out their prices, designs, and what seems to be selling. The goal here is to find out what you can do differently, how you can make something unique and valuable that customers can't get anywhere else.
Final Thoughts
So there you have it! We've explored 34 amazing crafts that can make you money in 2024 and beyond, and now you have some helpful tips to make your craft business more profitable this year.
Which craft idea stood out to you the most? We'd love to hear from you in our Official MakerFlo Facebook Community. Join us and thousands of other crafters inside!
Before you hop over there, check out these additional resources that can help you on your craft business journey:
