how to make money with crafts: Diverse ways to create income with crafting
- Suvi Ranta
- Feb 28
- 9 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Crafting is not a dying form of income, even now that the cheapest of all options are here to stay. In fact, the crafting industry has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability in the face of mass production and low-cost alternatives. While it may seem that the influx of inexpensive, machine-made products could overshadow handmade items, the reality is that consumers are increasingly valuing the sustainability, uniqueness and personal touch that comes with handcrafted goods. For example, consumers value the long-term nature of handcrafted goods, and are willing to invest in them.
This shift in consumer behavior highlights a growing appreciation for artisanal quality and the stories behind the products. Moreover, the rise of online marketplaces and social media platforms has created new avenues for crafters to showcase their work and reach a global audience. Platforms like Etsy, Instagram, and Pinterest have empowered makers to share their creations, connect with potential customers, and build their own brands without the need for a traditional storefront. This democratization of the marketplace allows crafters to cultivate niche markets and establish loyal customer bases that appreciate the craftsmanship and individuality of their products. Additionally, crafting can serve as a socially, culturally, economically, and environmentally sustainable alternative to mass-produced items. Many consumers are becoming more environmentally conscious and are seeking out products that are made from sustainable materials and produced in ethical ways. Crafters often utilize repurposed or locally sourced materials, which not only reduces waste but also supports local economies.
Furthermore, crafting as a source of income can take many forms beyond just selling physical products. For example, the popularity of crafting as a hobby has noticeably increased in recent years. Many artisans offer workshops, classes, and tutorials, sharing their skills and knowledge with others, which can also be a lucrative avenue for generating income. I was recently told by an expert that people with zero experience are lining up for ceramics classes. The tactile experience is invaluable these days. This educational aspect of crafting also fosters a sense of community and encourages others to explore their own creative potential, thereby enriching the crafting ecosystem as a whole.
In summary, crafting is far from being a dying form of income. Instead, it is evolving and thriving in new and innovative ways, driven by consumer demand for unique, sustainable, and ethically produced goods. As long as there is a desire for authenticity and individuality in the marketplace, the craft industry will continue to find its place and flourish.
But figuring out how to make money with crafts can be messy. That's why I have written a free ebook for anyone interested in different ideas to monetize their crafting. This book contains inspiring examples of real-life craft entrepreneurs, tips and quotes from diverse crafters, insights into the pros and cons of different sources of income, and how to implement different strategies to your own business. The book has 91 pages and is quite easy to read in a short time while sipping your evening tea under a cozy blanket.
You can download your copy by subscribing to my email list. BTW, the newsletter to this list is like a free business course delivered straight to your inbox! (And you can always unsubscribe if you don't like it!)
However, if you are a busy busy bee and just want to know what these strategies are quickly, here is a complete list of all of them:
So, how to make money with crafts?
Selling your handmade crafts
So, you enjoy working with your hands more than anything. Then selling handmade items can be the obvious choice for you. By focusing on physical products, you’ll have the joy of seeing your work take shape and knowing that each item will eventually find its way to someone who will cherish it.
Craft fairs and markets
Sell your handmade crafts at local fairs, where you can showcase your unique creations to a diverse audience. These events not only provide an excellent platform for artisans to connect with potential customers but also foster a sense of community among local makers and buyers. Setting up a booth at these fairs gives you the opportunity to engage directly with your audience, share the story behind your crafts, and receive immediate feedback, which can be incredibly rewarding and informative. Overall, selling your handmade crafts at local fairs can significantly enhance your visibility, boost your sales, and deepen your connection to the local culture and economy.
Collaboration with local businesses
By collaborating with local enterprises, you can gain access to their clientele, which may include individuals who are already familiar with and supportive of their offerings. This partnership can take many forms, such as co-hosting events, cross-promotional marketing campaigns, or even bundled service offerings that highlight both businesses' strengths. Additionally, such collaborations can lead to the sharing of valuable resources, which can be particularly beneficial for small or medium-sized enterprises. By aligning your business with others in the area, you not only enhance your visibility but also contribute to a thriving local economy, which can lead to increased foot traffic and brand awareness for all involved.
Selling crafts online
Online platforms, such as Etsy, provide a marketplace that enables artisans and crafters to sell their handmade goods to a global audience. These platforms have revolutionized the way small business owners and hobbyists can reach potential customers, breaking down geographical barriers that once limited their sales opportunities. Etsy, in particular, is renowned for its focus on handmade, vintage, and unique factory-manufactured items, creating a niche environment where creativity and craftsmanship are celebrated. You can run your online shop from the comfort of your own home — no need to rent a physical space or set up a booth at 6 a.m.
Custom orders
Product customization gives customers a meaningful experience. It fosters loyalty and satisfaction, and can increase engagement and sales. Creating opportunities for product customization and personalized experiences requires significant planning and creativity — especially for a craft business owner who does not want to work 24/7. Nonetheless, once these strategies are in place, they can lead to increased revenue, enhanced brand awareness, and memorable consumer interactions with your product.
Scalable crafting trade
Instead of making every item yourself, you can provide makers with the tools, materials, and inspiration they need to create on their own. This allows you to scale your income so that you can make more money, get more customers, and grow your business.
Selling supplies
You can always start selling craft supplies online (or in a brick and mortar store). If implemented successfully, this approach will give you loyal customers, as crafters are always in need of new materials for their projects. How do you actually start selling supplies and deal with storage and logistics? Well, I wrote more about that in the book.
Selling crafting kits
People adore the convenience of having everything they need in one place, wrapped up with clear instructions and a dash of inspiration. This growing trend of crafting kits caters to a wide audience, from novice crafters to seasoned artisans, making it an appealing option for anyone looking to explore their creative side without the hassle of sourcing materials individually. In an age where convenience and accessibility are paramount, selling crafting kits presents a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to tap into the booming DIY market.
Subscription-based crafting kits
You can offer craft kits as monthly boxes filled with everything your subscribers need to start a new craft project. These craft kits can serve as a delightful surprise each month (they can literally be mystery boxes!), sparking joy and creativity in the lives of your subscribers while helping them develop new skills and hobbies. The subscription-based nature of these products creates stability to your revenue.
Skills and creativity as a service
Unlike selling physical products, service-based businesses often require less upfront investment and can offer more flexibility. By shifting to a service-based model, you can generate income without relying on inventory, shipping, or mass production.
Decorating events
You can start an event decorating business from home, which is a cost-effective way to get started quickly and see if this strategy works for you. This line of work suits those who enjoy hands-on projects and have the organizational skills to manage multiple elements simultaneously. Decorating events is all about creating atmospheres and experiences with your skills.
Creative tourism experiences
More and more travelers are seeking human-centric and personalized, hands-on activities that allow them to connect with local culture, traditions, and materials. They also want to create something meaningful with their own hands! In addition to selling your crafts to travelers as souvenirs, I have 6 ideas in the book on how to apply tourism to your craft business.
Crafting workshops
Craft workshops are a fantastic opportunity to share your skills and passion with others, creating a space where people can learn, experiment, and take home something they made themselves. To run a successful workshop, you'll need a few key elements: a clear plan, the right supplies, and a venue.
Technical editing, translating and testing
Technical editor is the ultimate proofreader of crafting patterns (for crocheting, knitting, and sewing). Tech editors job is to check for errors in measurements, calculations, terminology, and formatting. In addition to technical editing, you can branch out into related services such as pattern translation and testing. All of these roles make your skills valuable to designers.
Writing articles
Writing for craft magazines can be a way to share your knowledge, connect with a wider audience, and earn some extra income (not much, though). Furthermore, writing articles can significantly enhance your visibility in the market, acting as valuable public relations for your crafting business. Each article you publish can attract potential customers, collaborators, and industry peers, creating opportunities for networking and partnerships.
User Generated Content (UGC)
User-Generated Content is any content created by individuals, not by brands themselves. Companies use UGC to illustrate their products in real-life settings, giving potential customers a sense of how the product can be used or enjoyed. In crafting, this could mean showing off how you’ve used a specific tools, or supplies to create something beautiful.
Semi-passive strategies in crafting industry
There is a lot of buzz around the topic of "passive income". Passive income refers to the earnings generated with minimal effort or active involvement once the initial setup is complete. Unlike traditional income, which typically requires continuous work and effort, passive income allows individuals to earn money while they focus on other pursuits or "even while they sleep", when they are not actively working. However, it's important to note that while the idea of passive income is enticing, it often requires a significant amount of work upfront. That is why I prefer calling these strategies "semi-passive".
There are many ways to build semi-passive income streams in the crafting industry. Let's take a look.
Online courses and workshops
If you’re comfortable with technology and enjoy teaching, online workshops can be an excellent addition to your business. They provide a unique opportunity to reach a broader audience, allowing you to connect with individuals from various geographical locations who share a passion for craft hobbies. By leveraging digital platforms, you can create engaging content that not only showcases your skills and knowledge but also encourages interaction among participants. In summary, online workshops can significantly enhance your business by offering a scalable, interactive, and community-driven approach to teaching your craft expertise.
Subscription-based services
A subscription business model is when customers pay a recurring fee to access a product, instead of paying a one-time fee. This approach allows you to provide value to your customers regularly, whether through curated craft kits (as brought out earlier), exclusive digital patterns, or access to special crafting content and communities.
Patterns and templates
For many crafters, patterns and templates are the perfect blend of creativity and scalability. They allow you to share your unique designs with a wide audience without having to actually make the items. Plus, they appeal to a wide range of skill levels: from beginners looking for step-by-step instructions to experienced crafters looking for fresh inspiration.
Dropshipping
Dropshipping is a business model that allows entrepreneurs to sell products to customers without the need to maintain an inventory of goods. In this model, the retailer acts as a middleman between the customer and the supplier. When a retailer receives an order from a customer, they simply forward the order details to a third-party supplier, who then ships the product directly to the customer’s address. Since there is no need to invest heavily in inventory upfront, individuals can start their own online stores (or expand their selection) with relatively little capital.
While contemporary dropshipping often focuses on mass-market items, aggressive marketing, and excessive consumption, crafters can use it in a way that adds value rather than waste. In the craft industry, there are some dropshipping opportunities, from selling handmade indie brands to selling craft supplies and uppsell items.
Content creation
Blogging and social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, give crafters the tools to turn their crafting journey into engaging content for a global audience. It takes time, creativity, and consistency to see results. Building an audience doesn’t happen overnight, and monetization often comes after months (or even years) of effort. However, the results can be huge if you manage to engage your audience. For example, some really famous and successful YouTube crafters can make incredible amounts of moolah. Obviously, it takes a lot of work to get nearly 4 M subscribers.
One thing here to keep in mind is the lifespan of the content: not all platforms require the same effort or deliver the same long-term value. Some platforms demand constant, high-frequency posting, while others allow you to create evergreen content that continues working for you over time. You can read more about this topic in the book.
Final words
If you want to make a living from crafting, you will probably need to use a combination of strategies. You could, for example, have an online store for your handmade crafts, but also sell patterns, subscriptions, or supplies. Trying will clarify your own path to success. However, to avoid working 24/7, I strongly recommend that you focus on a few well-thought-out income strategies and channels.
A steady crafting business that provides financial security without leading to burnout will be my main theme in this website. A big part of a joyful business is marketing that feels right, not pushy and stale. Also, I maaay have more to say about creative tourism and concious business!
Stay tuned!
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