24 Home Craft Projects That Can Earn You Extra Income

24 Home Craft Projects That Can Earn You Extra Income 2026

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I’ve always liked working with my hands, but at some point I realized that the things I was making just for fun I decide therefore could actually help me bring in a little extra cash. When bills start to pile up, or when you just want that small cushion, it’s surprising how much difference a few craft projects can make.

Most of what I’m sharing here are things I’ve done myself and also seen friends do. They’re not hard to start, and they don’t require fancy tools or huge investments. The real key is making something people actually use. Folks are more likely to buy a cutting board they’ll cook with, or a tote bag they can carry every day, than something that just sits on a shelf.

So here are 24 home craft projects that can really earn you income. Each one is practical, simple, and worth trying if you enjoy making things at home.

1. Concrete Plant Pots

One project that worked well for me was making small concrete plant pots. I used simple molds sometimes just plastic containers or silicone trays and mixed quick-setting cement.

Once they dried, I sanded the edges smooth and sometimes painted them with earthy tones or geometric patterns. These little planters are perfect for succulents or herbs, and people love them because they’re both sturdy and stylish.

They sold quickly at local craft markets and even on Instagram, since they photograph really well. The best part? They don’t cost much to make, but buyers are often willing to pay for sets of two or three.

2. Handmade Soap Bars

I got into soap-making after a friend showed me how simple it can be with melt-and-pour bases. Later, I tried cold process soap for more control over ingredients.

Using natural oils, oatmeal, and dried herbs gave them a rustic, handmade look. People like knowing what’s in their soap, and bars with lavender or charcoal always sold first. I wrapped mine in recycled paper with hand-stamped labels.

It’s not just about hygiene handmade soaps feel like small luxuries, and they’re lightweight for shipping. Selling them in bundles or gift sets was an easy way to earn more per sale.

Supplies I Used

3. Resin Coasters

Another craft I tried was resin coasters. Resin takes a little practice, but once you get the hang of mixing and pouring, it opens up a lot of creative options. I embedded pressed flowers, gold flakes, or small shells into mine.

Each piece came out unique, which made people feel like they were getting something special. Coasters are functional, so customers don’t hesitate to buy them as housewarming gifts or for their own tables.

Selling them in sets of four worked best for me. The shine of resin really catches the eye at markets, and once someone picks one up, they often want to buy.

Supplies I Used

4. Woven Wall Baskets

I once learned basic basket weaving from tutorials and decided to try making wall baskets from natural fibers. They turned out better than expected lightweight but strong.

I sold a few as storage baskets for small items, and others as decorative wall hangings. Handmade baskets stand out because they give a natural, rustic feel to a room.

What I noticed is people appreciate the time and handwork behind them. Even simple, shallow designs sold quickly. They take more patience than some crafts, but the payoff is that each one looks authentic and one-of-a-kind.

5. Clay Jewelry Dishes

Making little clay dishes for jewelry was another fun project. I started with air-dry clay, rolled it out, and shaped small bowls with uneven, organic edges.

After drying, I painted some with metallic rims or marbled patterns. These small dishes are perfect for holding rings, earrings, or even keys by the door. They don’t take long to make, but buyers see them as thoughtful handmade gifts.

I bundled a few together for “his and hers” sets, which sold well around Valentine’s Day. What I liked most is that even simple designs looked charming, so I didn’t need advanced pottery skills to make something people wanted.

6. Upcycled Denim Aprons

I once turned a stack of old jeans into aprons, and people loved them. The denim is tough enough for kitchen or workshop use, and the pockets come in handy for tools or utensils.

I cut and stitched them into simple cross-back or tie-around styles. What surprised me was how much interest came from gardeners and woodworkers who needed something durable. Each apron had its own unique wash or patchwork, so no two were alike.

It felt good giving worn jeans a second life, and buyers appreciated the eco-friendly angle. They sold well at local craft fairs and even through word of mouth.

7. Fabric Storage Bins

Another project I tried was sewing fabric storage bins. These foldable cubes are perfect for organizing shelves or kids’ toys.

I made mine with stiff interfacing so they’d stand upright, and I added handles for easy carrying. Neutral fabrics like canvas and linen gave them a clean look, while patterned ones worked well for children’s rooms.

They’re useful in almost any home, which makes them easy to sell. I noticed parents in particular liked buying sets of three or four to match their kids’ spaces. They don’t cost much to make, and since they’re lightweight, they’re also simple to ship.

8. Wooden Phone Stands

I started making small wooden stands for phones and tablets out of scrap wood. Just a few cuts and sanding, and you’ve got a practical item people use every day.

I experimented with different angles so the phone sits comfortably while charging or during video calls. Some stands I personalized with initials using a wood burner.

These were quick to make, and since they’re functional, buyers snapped them up as gifts. They don’t take up much space on a craft table, and you can make a batch in one afternoon. Small, practical items like this often sell faster than big projects.

9. Beeswax Food Wraps

After trying to cut down on plastic wrap in my own kitchen, I started making beeswax wraps. It’s as simple as brushing melted beeswax onto cotton fabric squares and letting them cool.

They stick to bowls or wrap around fruit and bread, and they’re reusable for months. Friends were the first to buy them, and soon I was bundling them in sets to sell at local markets.

People love the eco-friendly aspect, and colorful fabric patterns made them even more attractive. They’re a low-cost project, and once you get the hang of it, you can produce quite a few in one sitting.

Supplies I Used

10. Leather Keychains

One of my smaller but steady-selling crafts has been leather keychains. Using scrap leather, I cut simple shapes, punched a hole, and added a key ring.

Then I stamped initials or small designs into the leather. Personalized items like this sell well because they feel thoughtful without being expensive. They’re quick to make and easy to carry around for markets.

I once offered a deal where someone could pick three for a discount, and that helped move more at once. Leather lasts a long time, so people see value in buying something sturdy that they’ll use every day.

11. Crochet Market Bags

I once crocheted a few reusable market bags, and they turned out to be a steady seller. They stretch to hold a surprising amount of groceries, yet fold up small enough to tuck in a purse. I used cotton yarn so they’d be washable and strong.

The patterns don’t need to be complicated simple netting styles look great and work well. These bags appeal to people who shop at farmers’ markets or want a stylish alternative to plastic.

A couple of friends even asked me to make them in specific colors to match their outfits. It’s the kind of craft that combines practicality with charm, and buyers really respond to that.

12. Handmade Soap Savers

At one point, I started crocheting little soap saver pouches out of cotton yarn. They’re like small bags where you can slip in a bar of soap, and they double as a gentle scrubber in the shower.

What I liked most is that they help use up every last bit of a soap bar, so nothing goes to waste. I made mine in neutral shades, but colorful ones caught people’s attention at markets. They’re quick to stitch up, and I often sold them in bundles with handmade soap bars.

Customers loved the eco-friendly angle, and since they’re lightweight, they’re easy to sell online too. Small, simple, and surprisingly useful that’s what made them a steady little income earner for me.

13. Felt Cozies for Cups

A simple but fun project I tried was making felt cozies for coffee cups. These slip over mugs or to-go cups to protect hands from the heat. I stitched them with colorful patterns, sometimes adding buttons or embroidery.

They don’t take much time, and you can make a whole batch in one afternoon. What surprised me was how many people bought them as gifts for teachers, coworkers, or coffee-loving friends.

Eco-conscious buyers liked the idea of reusing a cozy instead of taking cardboard sleeves from cafes. It’s a small item, but because it’s affordable, it sells fast.

14. Driftwood Candle Holders

Living near a lake, I collected driftwood and turned it into rustic candle holders. By drilling small holes to fit tea lights, I made pieces that felt natural and one-of-a-kind.

Some pieces were short and simple, while others held several candles at once. People liked them as centerpieces for dining tables or mantel decorations. They had a handmade, organic look that you can’t find in stores.

These sold best at craft fairs where people could see and touch them in person. It’s a low-cost project if you’ve got access to wood, and every piece has its own unique shape.

15. Embroidered Linen Napkins

I once made sets of linen napkins with small embroidered designs leaves, initials, or simple borders. They felt elegant but still practical since people could use them daily or for special dinners. Buyers liked that they were washable and reusable, especially those leaning toward sustainable living.

The sets of four or six sold best, and packaging them with a simple ribbon gave them a polished look. While embroidery takes a little more time, the handmade detail made each set stand out.

Around the holidays, they became popular as hostess gifts. It’s a project where effort really pays off in both appearance and sales.

16. Macramé Plant Hangers

I tried macramé during a quiet weekend, and those plant hangers ended up being some of my fastest sellers. All you need is cotton cord and a few knots, and suddenly you’ve got a stylish way to display plants.

People liked them because they save shelf space and add character to a room. I made mine in neutral colors at first, then later experimented with dip-dye for a two-tone look.

They don’t take much time once you get the pattern down, and buyers often pick up two or three at once. They also pair perfectly with small planters, which makes them easy to bundle for more sales.

Supplies I Used

17. Wooden Serving Trays

Using leftover wood, I built a few serving trays with handles, and those sold quickly. I kept the design simple rectangular with smooth edges but finished them with food-safe oil so they could double as cheese boards.

Some I painted with subtle patterns; others I left plain for a rustic look. Trays are versatile: people use them for breakfast in bed, organizing a coffee table, or as decorative accents.

What I noticed is that they sell especially well around wedding season, since they make thoughtful gifts. They’re not difficult to make, and each one feels substantial, so buyers see the value right away.

18. Ceramic Oil Burners

I once experimented with air-dry clay and later small-batch ceramics to create oil burners. These little holders for candles and essential oils became popular with people who enjoy aromatherapy.

I shaped them with simple cutouts so the light would shine through, creating a cozy glow. Painted in earthy colors, they looked modern but still handmade. Even though ceramics take longer, the end product feels special.

I noticed people bought them in pairs one for themselves, one as a gift. It’s a niche craft, but one that has steady interest if you find the right audience.

19. Wool Dryer Balls

One of the more practical crafts I made was wool dryer balls. They’re simple just tightly wound wool felted together but they replace single-use dryer sheets. I started selling them in sets of four, tied with jute string.

Eco-friendly households loved them, especially when I added a small bottle of essential oil for natural fragrance. Since they’re reusable for years, they feel like a smart purchase.

They don’t take long to make, and you can produce several in an evening while watching TV. This is one of those projects where functionality is the main selling point, and people are quick to buy.

20. Upcycled Glass Jar Lanterns

I collected empty glass jars and turned them into lanterns by adding wire handles and painting them with frosted or stained-glass effects.

With a tea light inside, they gave off a warm glow, perfect for patios or cozy corners indoors. People liked them because they were affordable and eco-friendly. Some customers even asked me to make sets for outdoor weddings.

They’re lightweight, easy to make in batches, and have a handmade charm. Plus, it felt good repurposing jars that would’ve just been tossed away. This was one of the simplest crafts I tried, yet it drew a lot of attention at markets.

21. Rope Baskets

I once made coiled rope baskets by wrapping thick cotton rope and stitching it into shape with a sewing machine. They turned out sturdy enough for holding blankets, toys, or even plants.

The neutral, natural look fit right into modern homes, and when I added leather handles, they looked even better. People liked that they were both decorative and useful.

Since they’re lightweight, they’re not hard to carry to markets or ship. These baskets take a little patience to stitch together, but once you get the rhythm, you can make a few in a weekend and sell them as a set.

22. Fabric Headbands

One of my easier projects was making fabric headbands. Using colorful cotton scraps, I sewed them with elastic backs so they’d fit snugly.

They appealed to both kids and adults, especially when I used trendy patterns like florals or tie-dye. What worked best was selling them in sets of two or three people liked having options to match different outfits.

They’re quick to make, don’t require much fabric, and they’re lightweight for shipping. I once sold a whole batch to a local dance studio for their students, which showed me how small crafts can lead to larger orders if you connect with the right buyers.

23. Pallet Wood Shelves

I tried using reclaimed pallet wood to build small wall shelves, and those caught attention right away. After sanding and staining, I added simple brackets so they could be mounted easily.

They worked as spice racks, book ledges, or display shelves. Buyers loved that they were made from recycled wood and had a rustic look. Since each pallet has its own character, every shelf came out unique.

They sold well both online and in person, especially with people who enjoy farmhouse or industrial-style decor. It’s a low-cost project if you’ve got access to pallets, and the results look much more expensive than the materials.

24. Personalized Doormats

The last project I’ll share is stenciling designs onto plain coir doormats. I started with simple “Welcome” signs, but quickly moved into custom requests family names, funny quotes, even seasonal designs.

It only takes some stencils, outdoor paint, and a steady hand. Doormats are practical, so people don’t hesitate to buy them, and custom ones make great housewarming gifts.

I once had a rush order from a realtor who wanted a batch as client gifts. They’re affordable to make, easy to personalize, and always in demand. This project showed me how far a little creativity can go when you put it on something useful.

Supplies I Used

5 Reasons Why I Wrote This Article

  1. To Share what’s worked for me
    I’ve tried a lot of different crafts over the years, and I wanted to pass along the ones that actually brought in extra income. These are real projects you can start at home without feeling overwhelmed.
  1. To Show That Small Crafts Add Up
    Sometimes we think only big businesses can earn money, but even small items like keychains, coasters, or soaps can bring steady income when done consistently.
  1. To Encourage Creativity With Purpose
    Crafting is relaxing and fun, but it’s even better when what you make has a function. People are more likely to buy something useful, and that’s the balance I wanted to highlight.
  1. To Offer Practical, Honest Ideas
    I’ve read plenty of articles that sound too polished or unrealistic. My goal here was to give you straightforward, down-to-earth ideas that you could actually picture yourself doing.
  1. To Inspire Someone to Start
    Maybe you’ve been thinking about turning your hobby into a little side income. If that’s the case, I hope this article gave you that extra nudge to try. Even starting with one project can build confidence and momentum.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, these craft projects aren’t about becoming rich overnight they’re about using what you have, learning new skills, and finding small but steady ways to support yourself. From plant pots to doormats, each idea here shows that creativity has real value when put to good use.

If you’ve made it this far, I’d encourage you to pick one project that feels doable and give it a try. You might surprise yourself with what you can create and who knows, it could be the start of something bigger.

For me, it started with a cutting board and a market stall. For you, it might be a jar lantern on your kitchen table tonight. Either way, the only way to know is to start.

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James Smith
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