When I first started making things at home, I treated it like a hobby. In way to relax after work, something to keep my hands busy. But over time, people began asking, “Hey, can you make one of those for me?” That’s when it clicked these small crafts weren’t just fun; they could bring in extra income.
The truth is, turning your hobby into a side hustle doesn’t have to be complicated. You don’t need a big studio or thousands of dollars. Most of the projects I’ll share here are things you can do at your kitchen table with a few supplies. What matters is making something people can actually use or gift.
Think of this as me walking you through 25 craft ideas I’ve tried, seen others do, or know work. I’ll explain the process in simple steps, tell you what sells best, and give you small tips I learned along the way. That way, you can pick one or two and start building your own legit sides hustle from home.
1. Fabric Wall Art Panels
If you’ve got leftover fabric, you can turn it into wall art. Here’s what I do: stretch fabric over a wooden frame (like a canvas frame or even scrap wood), pull it tight, and staple it at the back. You end up with a clean, fabric-covered panel.
I’ve made sets of three using coordinating colors or patterns, and they sold well as affordable home decor. The trick is picking fabric that looks stylish linen, bold prints, or textured cloth work best. These panels don’t take long to make, and people like buying them in groups. Plus, they’re light, so they’re easy to ship if you sell online.
2. Painted Terra-Cotta Herb Pots
Terra-cotta pots are cheap, but with a little paint, they become gift-worthy. I buy plain ones, clean them, and paint simple designs stripes, geometric shapes, or even chalkboard paint so people can label their herbs. After sealing them with a waterproof finish, they’re ready to use. I’ve sold them in sets of three with basil, mint, and parsley seeds included.
People love the idea of growing herbs at home, and the painted finish makes them look nicer than store-bought. This is a side hustle you can scale up easily make a dozen in one afternoon and you’ve got stock for a market table.
3. Hand-Painted Wooden Spoons
I once bought a pack of plain wooden spoons and turned them into something unique. Using non-toxic paint, I decorated the handles with patterns dots, stripes, or color blocks then sealed them with food-safe oil.
They’re still completely usable for cooking but look much more fun. I sold them in sets tied with twine, and people often picked them up as gifts for new homeowners or for kitchen baskets. The good part is you can make them in bulk, and even simple designs stand out. They’re affordable for customers but still leave you a profit.
4. Embroidered Canvas Totes
Instead of just sewing tote bags, I took plain store-bought canvas totes and embroidered designs on them. Flowers, initials, or simple quotes worked best. It doesn’t take heavy embroidery just small accents that make the bag feel personal.
People really appreciate that handmade detail, and I found custom orders (like someone’s name or a logo) sold best. This project is great because you don’t have to sew the whole bag; you’re just upgrading a basic one into something worth more. It’s easy to ship, and buyers see it as a reusable bag with character.
5. Decorative Light Switch Covers
This one surprised me. I started covering plain light switch plates with fabric, wallpaper scraps, or even painted designs. After sealing them with clear varnish, they turned into little pieces of home decor.
I priced them affordably, and they sold because they’re small but make a room feel unique. People often bought multiples for different rooms. It’s a simple project, but it shows how even the smallest household item can turn into a side hustle when you add creativity.
6. Handmade Fabric Book Covers
I once made slip-on fabric covers for notebooks and journals, and they turned out better than I expected. All you do is cut fabric slightly larger than the book, sew simple seams, and leave flaps so the book slides in. I added a ribbon bookmark to some for extra charm.
These are great because people love customizing their journals, and they’re reusable when the notebook fills up, the cover can go on another one. I sold them at markets bundled with blank journals, which made them feel like ready-to-gift sets.
Fat Quarter Fabric Bundles
Details: Pre-cut cotton fabric in assorted patterns, perfect for book covers or small sewing projects.
👉 Suggested Supply: Check price on Amazon.com 🔗
7. Cement Candle Holders
Working with cement is easier than it looks. I mixed quick-dry cement and poured it into silicone molds sometimes cups, sometimes geometric trays. After they hardened, I sanded the edges and added felt pads underneath. They work well for tealights or small pillar candles.
The raw, industrial look is very popular, but you can also paint them with metallics for something more polished. They’re inexpensive to make and feel heavy in hand, which makes buyers see the value. I noticed these sold well to people decorating apartments or buying gifts for housewarmings.
Quick-Set Cement Mix
Details: Easy-to-use cement for small crafts, sets fast and works with silicone molds.
👉 Suggested Supply: Check price on Amazon.com 🔗
8. Knitted Coffee Cup Sleeves
Instead of sewing felt cozies, I tried knitting a batch of reusable coffee sleeves. They slide over a standard cup and keep hands from getting too hot. I kept the stitches simple so I could make several in one evening. Sometimes I added buttons or small patches to give them character.
They sell easily because they’re affordable and practical coffee drinkers like the idea of having their own sleeve instead of grabbing a cardboard one from a café. Plus, they make thoughtful gifts when paired with a bag of coffee beans.
Acrylic Yarn Starter Kit
Details: Soft yarn in multiple colors, durable enough for washable coffee sleeves.
👉 Suggested Supply: Check price on Amazon.com 🔗
9. Painted Wooden Wall Pegs
Using scrap wood, I cut short pegs, sanded them smooth, and painted the ends in bright colors. Once the hardware was attached, they became sturdy wall hooks. They don’t take long to make, and they add a playful touch to entryways, bedrooms, or kids’ rooms.
I sold them in sets of three or five, and people liked mixing colors. They’re functional but also decorative, which is why they caught attention at markets. If you package them neatly with screws included, they look store-ready without much extra effort.
Sanded Wooden Dowels
Details: Pre-cut wood pieces you can paint and turn into decorative wall pegs.
👉 Suggested Supply: Check price on Amazon.com 🔗
10. Decorative Serving Boards
I started with plain wooden cutting boards and turned them into serving boards for cheese or snacks. Instead of painting the whole thing, I only decorated the handles using wood-burning designs, food-safe paint, or resin pours.
That way, the food surface stayed safe but the board still had a handmade look. They’re practical for hosting and always popular as gifts. I noticed they sold best in pairs or bundled with a set of wooden spoons. The work is straightforward, but buyers see them as both useful and stylish, which is the sweet spot for a side hustle craft.
Bamboo Cutting Boards (Set of 3)
Details: Smooth boards ready for wood-burning or resin decoration.
👉 Suggested Supply: Check price on Amazon.com 🔗
11. Handmade Clay Incense Holders
Air-dry clay works perfectly for this. Roll a small disk, shape it into a shallow bowl, and poke a hole in the center for a stick of incense. After it dries, you can paint or glaze it in simple patterns.
I once made a batch with marbled clay and gold edges, and they sold fast. They’re small, affordable, and easy to package, which makes them great for markets. Pairing them with a bundle of incense sticks is an easy way to raise the value of each sale.
12. Quilted Table Runners
If you’ve got a sewing machine and fabric scraps, quilted runners are a smart project. I cut strips of fabric, stitch them together, then back the runner with plain cotton. They’re functional because they protect tables, but they also brighten up a dining space.
People love seasonal ones autumn colors, holiday patterns, or light pastels in spring. I once sold a set to someone who wanted different runners for each season, which showed me the repeat potential. They take more time than small crafts, but the payoff is bigger too.
13. Upcycled Wine Bottle Torches
I turned empty wine bottles into outdoor torches by cleaning them, filling with lamp oil, and adding a wick insert. Then I wrapped wire around the necks so they could hang on fences or sit in stands.
They gave off a warm glow, and people liked them for patios and garden spaces. The best part is the materials are cheap or free if you already have bottles. I sold these in pairs, and they were a hit with folks decorating for outdoor gatherings. Just make sure you explain safety when you sell them.
14. Stenciled Pillow Covers
Instead of sewing whole pillows, I bought plain pillow covers and added stenciled designs with fabric paint. Patterns like leaves, geometric prints, or words like “home” or “relax” sold the best.
Once the paint sets, they’re washable and long-lasting. This project doesn’t take much time, and it’s easy to offer custom designs too. Since pillow covers are light and fold flat, they’re one of the simplest items to ship if you’re selling online.
Plain Cotton Pillow Covers (18×18 inch)
Details: Blank pillowcases perfect for fabric paint and stenciling.
👉 Suggested Supply: Check price on Amazon.com 🔗
15. Woven Key Lanyards
Using cotton cord or paracord, I learned to weave simple lanyards for keys and ID cards. It’s basically the same technique as making friendship bracelets, just sturdier. I added metal clips at the ends so they were ready to use.
These sold well to students and teachers, since lanyards are something they use daily. The nice thing is, once you get the pattern down, you can make several in an evening. They’re small, functional, and easy to sell in bundles or as add-on items at a craft table.
16. Pressed Flower Frames
I collected flowers and leaves, pressed them between heavy books for a week, then mounted them on cardstock inside simple frames. The results looked like delicate art pieces. Buyers liked them because they brought a bit of nature indoors and each one was unique.
You don’t need expensive frames thrift store finds work perfectly once cleaned up. These sold best when I grouped three together as a set. If you live somewhere with lots of seasonal blooms, this can be a year-round project with fresh variety.
17. DIY Bath Salts
Making bath salts is as simple as mixing Epsom salt with baking soda and a few drops of essential oil. I sometimes add dried lavender buds or rose petals for extra color. Then I pack them into glass jars with a handwritten label.
They look like something you’d find in a boutique but cost very little to make. I once bundled them with a candle and sold them as “relaxation kits,” which customers loved. Since the ingredients are easy to source and last a long time, this is a low-risk craft that makes a steady seller.
18. Hand-Carved Wooden Butter Spreaders
With a small knife and some sandpaper, I carved flat wooden spreaders out of scrap wood. They’re small, simple tools, but people love them for soft cheeses, butter, or jams. After sanding smooth, I treated them with food-safe oil to bring out the grain.
These are quick to make and look rustic, which appeals to buyers who enjoy handmade kitchen items. I sold them in sets tied together with twine. They’re light, easy to pack, and customers often bought multiple as gifts.
19. Decorative Bulletin Boards
I took plain cork boards, wrapped them in fabric, and added ribbons crisscrossed across the surface so people could tuck in photos or notes. It’s a simple project, but it turns a boring board into a piece of decor.
These sold especially well to students and people setting up home offices. They’re lightweight and practical, and you can make them in all kinds of patterns to match different rooms. I priced them so buyers could afford to grab more than one, and that helped move stock quickly.
20. Scented Beeswax Sachets
Instead of candles, I poured melted beeswax into small molds with dried herbs, spices, or flowers inside. Once hardened, they looked like little ornaments. You hang them in closets or tuck them into drawers for a natural scent.
I made lavender and cinnamon-orange versions that were especially popular. These don’t require wicks or jars, so they’re cheaper to make than candles, but they still feel luxurious. They’re also a good upsell item if you already make soaps or other body products.
21. Fabric Storage Bins
I once stitched fabric into cube-shaped bins with a stiff lining so they’d hold their shape. They worked perfectly for organizing shelves, toys, or craft supplies. I added handles on the sides, which made them even more useful.
These sold well to families who wanted storage that looked nicer than plastic tubs. You don’t need to overcomplicate the design neutral colors or simple stripes go with almost any room. They’re a bit larger than other crafts but easy to make in batches once you’ve got the pattern.
22. Leather Cord Bracelets
With just leather cord, clasps, and a few beads, I made bracelets that looked sleek but took little time. Some were simple wraps; others had knots or metal charms. They appealed to both men and women, which made them versatile sellers.
I found that people often bought more than one to layer on their wrists. Since they’re lightweight, you can bring a whole display to a market without much effort. They’re also easy to customize, which makes them a good repeat-order product.
Genuine Leather Cord Roll
Details: Strong, flexible leather cord for making bracelets, necklaces, or keychains.
👉 Suggested Supply: Check price on Amazon.com 🔗
23. Upcycled Tin Can Lanterns
I saved empty tin cans, cleaned them, and punched patterns into the sides with a hammer and nail. Once painted and fitted with a tealight, they became rustic lanterns that threw pretty patterns of light.
People liked buying them for porches, patios, or outdoor weddings. The best part is the materials cost next to nothing you’re literally reusing trash. These sold well in sets of three, especially when I painted them in coordinating colors.
Multi-Size Metal Hole Punch Set
Details: Hand tools designed to punch patterns in tin cans safely and cleanly.
👉 Suggested Supply: Check price on Amazon.com 🔗
24. Crocheted Market Nets
Instead of full tote bags, I crocheted lightweight net bags that fold down into a pocket. They stretch to hold groceries but don’t take up space when not in use. These became popular with people trying to cut down on plastic.
The best part is, they’re quick to make once you get the stitch pattern down. I sold them in earthy tones and bundled them in pairs. They’re functional, sustainable, and always in demand.
Cotton Crochet Yarn Set
Details: Eco-friendly cotton yarn, strong enough for market net bags.
👉 Suggested Supply: Check price on Amazon.com 🔗
25. Personalized Wooden Coasters with Pyrography
Using a wood-burning tool, I etched names, initials, or small designs onto plain wooden coasters. Even simple leaf patterns or geometric lines made them stand out. After sealing with a protective finish, they were ready to use.
Personalized sets sold especially well as wedding or housewarming gifts. Since coasters are small and flat, they’re one of the easiest crafts to ship. With just a little practice, you can make a batch in an evening, and each one feels custom-made.
Wood Burning Tool Kit
Details: Adjustable-heat pyrography pen with tips for writing, shading, and designs.
👉 Suggested Supply: Check price on Amazon.com 🔗
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need a lot of money to start a craft side hustle?
Not really. Most of these projects can be started with less than the cost of a dinner out. You don’t need to buy every tool at once start small, use what you already have, and reinvest profits into better supplies later.
2. Where can I sell my handmade crafts?
You’ve got options. Local craft fairs and weekend markets are a great way to test what sells. Online platforms like Etsy, eBay, or even Instagram and Facebook shops let you reach more people. Don’t forget word of mouth sometimes your first steady buyers are family, friends, or coworkers.
3. How do I know which crafts will actually sell?
The best approach is to start with a few items and see how people respond. Pay attention to what gets compliments, what moves quickly, and what people ask for in custom versions. Functional items things people use daily often sell better than purely decorative ones.
4. How should I price my crafts?
A simple formula is: materials + time + a little extra for profit. Don’t undersell yourself just to move items fast it’s better to price fairly and build a customer base that values your work. Look at what similar items sell for online, then adjust based on your costs.
5. What if my first craft idea doesn’t sell?
That’s completely normal. Not every project hits. Think of it as part of the learning process. Try something different, or adjust how you present it sometimes the same product sells better when you bundle it, package it differently, or market it as a gift. The key is to keep experimenting.
Wrapping It Up
We’ve gone through 25 different craft ideas, each one something you can actually do from home with tools and materials that don’t require a huge investment. The main point here is simple: crafting doesn’t have to stay a hobby. With the right approach, it can become a side hustle that brings in extra income while still letting you enjoy the creative process.
The key things to remember: start small, focus on projects that are useful or gift-worthy, and don’t be afraid to test what works. Some crafts will sell fast, some might not, but every try teaches you something new.
If you’ve been thinking about making that jump, I’d encourage you to pick one idea from the list and give it a try this week. You don’t need to have it all figured out right away the first step is just getting your hands moving.
And who knows? Maybe your first batch of painted pots or crocheted market nets will be the same way mine started: with a friend asking, “Can I buy one of those?” That small moment can be the start of a legit side hustle.
So go on make, test, sell, and enjoy the process. Worst case, you end up with a few handmade things for your own home. Best case, you’ve got a steady income stream from something you actually enjoy doing.
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Get in touch with him on Facebook (James Smith), twitter (@ jamessmith) and YouTube (James Smith).
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