Making and Selling Craft

Putting your hobby to work for you!

Making and Selling your own craft work can not only be satisfying, but is a tremendous money earner if you research your product and marketplace.

If you don't already have a craft or hobby that you can turn into a money earner pick a craft that won't cost much to set up. You can always expand your interests later when you have earned enough to take classes or purchase books etc.

Here are a couple of book titles to look out for that won't break the bank!

The Complete Guide to Starting and Running your Home Craft Business

by Terry Couch

A very detailed book that tells you what you absolutely must know if you want to have a successful craft business. Some of the topics covered include :

Organization and taking your craft business to a profit making venture.
Pricing techniques
Getting your products into gift and craft stores
Delivering your products safely and economically
Setting up your online craft business including selling on eBay

For your instant download go to : http://newidea.net

101 Easy Craft Project Ideas

by Dagmar Szimcsik

A few of the ideas in this ebook cover special events such as :

Spring, summer, autumn and winter projects
Easter Crafts
Mothers' Day crafts
Father's Day crafts
Halloween crafts
Christmas crafts
Plus Crafts for All Occasions

You can download this eBook from : http://dagsse58.net

Here are a few ideas to help you get your creative juices flowing -

Artwork - Oils, Pastel, Acrylic, Folkart

You don't have to be a Picasso or a Rembrandt. The only thing I could draw was my breathe until I met a lady who did beautiful Folkart. She started me off and I was surprised at how good some of my artwork was. I have not tried any other form of drawing or painting as yet, but Folkart is a great place to start. Our local market has some wonderful bits and pieces done by local folk artists, ranging from Welcome signs to plaques of all sorts.

There are usually art teachers to be found in most towns and quite often Folkart is taught at community centers.

I won't recommend any books here as your local Library or Magazine Shop would be the best place to look. There is also a huge range of teaching guides available, all you need do is search on Google or your favorite search engine.

Wooden Toy Making

This is an ideal work at home business or hobby for couples - one makes the toys while the other paints and decorates them. You can even get the children involved in this one.

The use of all non-toxic materials is very important for young childrens toys.

There are numerous books and guides written on this topic - check your local library first before paying for books on toy making.

Soft toys

(using all natural fillings)

You can really use your imagination and creative talents making soft toys. (My granddaughter's favorite was a knitted doll that was eventually named Pearl "purl"!!) Despite the huge soft-toy retail market, the homemade soft cuddly doll or teddy bear is still a big favorite and will be for many years to come.

You will find patterns for a wide range of soft toys either online or at your favorite craft and fabric stores.

Pet clothing, toys etc

Pet owners love to spoil their pets and won't hesitate to bring out their wallet for something cute! You could create your own range of "designer pet wear". Start off with small items first(less fabric and cheaper to make) then move to the larger dog wear after you gain confidence and your products sell. Ebay is a great place to sell this type of item.

Items to consider would be - coats, pyjamas, hats and believe it or not some people go to the extremes of footwear for their pet.

Babywear - bedding, cot quilts etc

Many new mothers look for originality when designing their new baby nursery and so very few can actually sew or knit to make the items themselves.

My daughter designed, made and sold cot quilts and made to order bedding, including sheets, blankets and wraps (bunny rugs).

Take a browse through the Mother/Baby Shops and Fabric stores and take note of what is available and the price of retail goods. Many fabric stores have ready-to-make cot quilt fabric, also check the pattern books etc.

Matching bed and cot sets in various colors together with hanging mobiles,drapes, nappy bags etc. to match would be a great range to start off with.

Candy Wrappers

This is a really novel idea and with just a small outlay you can set-up your own Candy Wrapper business. Just think personalised candy wrappers for all occasions. Ideal for school fetes, flea markets, special occasion gifts, Easter, Halloween, the opportunities are only limited by your imagination. Don't just stop at Candy - what about soaps, candles the list goes on.

There is a very good downloadable software program, (very reasonably priced too)that provides more than 50 templates that can be used over and over again, plus you can customize them by adding you own pictures or photos.

You can get the incredible Software Package at Candy Wrapper Software

Face Painting

Here is a good little money earner! Very easy to learn and a great way to show-off your artistic talent.

Start off at markets, call on friends with children to have a free introductory demonstration, word will soon get around telling of your services. Plus you could do a letterbox drop (where permitted) and contact local schools and clubs etc.

Once you have this type of "side-line business" up and running, your services will be called upon for fetes, flea markets, children's parties etc. etc.

The following book by JoAnne Westcott would be a good investment :

Easy Face Painting: How An Amateur Face Painter Can Get Professional Results ... Even If You've Never Picked Up A Paintbrush.

Cake decorating

Wedding favors, party favours

Recommended reading :
* Fabulous Favors: Favors for Parties, Weddings, and Holidays ..
by Beverly Clark

This is a truly fun hobby. You can put your creative talents to work on designing and making all sorts of favors for all sorts of occasions. Let's face it not many brides (or their families) have the time to make wedding favors - this could open a new market in your particular area.