Turning Your Love for Arts and Crafts into a Second Income

Are you creative and crafty? Do you have a vision for certain things that you could create and possibly sell to others? In the crafting community, there is a definite need and want for finding specific craft supplies as well as purchasing items that are already handcrafted. If you have a specific knack for creating an item or you can provide the supplies to do so, you may be able to make a thriving business out of it. The good news is, most handcrafted items can be made in the convenience of your own home or workshop. Here are just a few ideas to get you started, and you can build your business from there.

Screen Printing and Custom Designs

If you’ve always dreamed of starting your own t-shirt business or you’ve been able to create one-of-a-kind custom logos and designs, screen printing may be good for you. It does require an eye for design and a substantial investment to get started. You’ll need a good design or logo software program like GraphicSprings and be able to know how to create designs that can be transferred to a screen printer. You may need the following to get started:

• Computer-aided design software, computer, and printer
• Manual screen printing press and ink
• Flash dryer
• Screen printing exposure kit
• Conveyor dryer
• Washout booth
• Screen printing start-up kit that includes all of the basic supplies and tools that you’ll need
• Items such as shirts, hats or other garments that you’ll want to print on

Having a good supplier like Next Level t shirts & apparel that you can trust is important as you launch your business. If you have graphic design experience, most of the creative process will come easily to you. If you’re looking for an advanced business start-up, you may wish to outsource most of the work to a graphic artist or design company. From there, market your business both online and locally. You’ll be able to create custom designs for several organizations and companies from just about everywhere.

Tie-Dyed Clothing

Something that is very popular at local craft shows and art fairs are tie-dyed items. They debuted decades ago and never seem to go completely out of style. With everything from shirts, dresses, scarves, and blankets, you can find a niche that will sell. Your main investment will be the inks, fabrics, and materials to dye the clothing. You can also sell kits so others can generate their own creations from home. With tie-dying, you can use both methods to generate a second income from home. You won’t need a lot of space to create a tie-dye creation, just enough room to dip, swirl and allow to dry. Consider a packaging area and shipping costs when investing in this type of crafty business.

Custom Jewelry Designs 

A craft that many people enjoy doing is creating and putting together their own jewelry. It can be a real money saver if you buy your beads and other supplies wholesale. Creating custom designs takes true talent and expertise. If you’re good at it, you may be able to make a profit through your own jewelry business. Charm bracelets or other custom bracelets are popular and well-sought after. Going through a jeweler or specialty artist can be pricey. If you know how, you can offer customers personalized bracelet making services. This allows you to reach out to a specific market. Using an online craft portal website or your own and marketing and promoting through social media can help boost sales. Adding rings, earrings and necklaces as packages is a great way to make extra money throughout the year. You may also visit stores like Windsor Jewelers and sell your custom designs.

Junk Journals

Part of the crafting rage falls in the papercrafting sector. Personalized journals are beautiful creations handmade by paper crafters and almost each one is different. Using a combination of paper, metal, and beads, the style and size of a junk journal is unlimited. Because a lot of time goes into creating one, from collecting ephemera and sewing the pages together, they can be expensive. If you learn the technique and find a good clientele, you can make a lucrative income by creating custom journals for customers and adding a personal touch. If you’re into scrapbooking or papercrafting, junk journal creations may be perfect for you.

Finding a craft or hobby that you can turn into a money maker may be right in front of you. Using your own expertise or asking for some assistance from a seasoned pro, will give you the jumpstart you need on your own crafty business.