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You are probably searching for things to make and sell from home. And why not?! Research shows that 50% of millennials are opting to find a way to make extra cash on the side, averaging about $8,000 per year. (source) Selling crafts and handmade projects is a creative way to make cash from your favorite hobbies. Whether you are a beginner or limited in how much time you can invest in your side hustle, finding the most profitable and easy things to build and sell will help you start earning money fast!
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Also see:
– How to sell stuff on eBay
– Dog toys to make and sell for profit
– Easy Christmas crafts for kids to make and sell
– How to start a candle business from home
– Pallet wood projects that sell
Choosing Easy Things to Make and Sell for Money
When you are choosing things to make and sell for profit, make sure to research crafts and wood projects that sell on Etsy and trending crafts on Pinterest.
Simply checking out your competition is a great way to guide you toward the most profitable crafts to sell. You will definitely want to sell similar items to start your business. Make sure you don’t copy your competition but put your own personal twist on a popular product.
Searching Pinterest is a great idea to see what types of crafts and DIYs are trending. Many people love the idea of creating their own handmade projects, but they don’t have the time, tools, or talent to make it happen. Find out what is trending on Pinterest to find popular things to make and sell!
Crafty Side Hustle Business
Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, have a full-time job, or are a retiree wanting to make some extra money, starting a craft business can be a fun side hustle project, especially if you enjoy being creative. If your goal is to make money with your craft hobby, then you will definitely want to set yourself up for success from the beginning by treating this as a small business. To set your business up for success, you should put some time into:
- research what people want to buy in your area
- marketing/advertising
- branding
- set up a small website
- create an email list
- track your expenses and income
- set aside money for taxes
Another important consideration is to be sure your business is legal to operate. StartingYourBusiness.com has a lot of free resources to help make sure your business is set up right.
I know not everyone is crafty, but most people want to be able to make some extra money to pay bills or save for a vacation. In addition to crafts, here are some resources for the craftily challenged:
– How to earn free gift cards
– Flipping stuff from garage sales
– Make money from home by taking online surveys
If you’re ready to start using your creativity to make money, then let’s jump into this list of the most wanted handmade items that are easy things to make and sell out of wood.
Small Woodworking Project Ideas that are Easy to Sell
These simple woodworking project ideas are easy to build for beginners and easy to sell! You may want to sell these woodworking projects on Etsy or at a local craft fair. We’ve put together 10 DIY tutorials for beginners that you can follow to start building your inventory.
1. Cutting Boards
Cutting boards are easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re always in high demand. Mix different wood species for stunning patterns and colors. Add juice grooves or handles for extra functionality. Personalize with pyrography for that special touch. With high-profit margins, these kitchen essentials are a craft fair goldmine!
2. DIY Wood Storage Chest Project
Stylish and functional, these wood storage chests are a hit at craft fairs! Easy to make with basic tools, they offer endless customization options. Paint them, stain them, or add decorative hardware for a unique touch. Perfect for organizing toys and linens or as a rustic coffee table. Buyers love their versatility!
3. DIY Phone Holder for Desk
A must-have for any workspace! These simple yet elegant phone holders are quick to make and sell like hotcakes. Customize with different wood types or add a personal touch with pyrography. They’re practical, stylish, and make great gifts. Plus, the low material cost means high profit margins!
4. DIY Art Organizer
Creative souls will flock to these handy art organizers! Build them easily with scrap wood and dowels. Perfect for storing brushes, pencils, and art supplies. Add a splash of color or keep it natural for a rustic look. These organizers are not just functional but also decorative, making them irresistible to buyers!
5. DIY Succulent Wall Planter
Tap into the succulent craze with these charming wall planters! Easy to construct and customize, they’re perfect for small spaces. Use reclaimed wood for an eco-friendly appeal. Add multiple tiers or paint them in trendy colors. These planters are a hit with plant lovers and interior decorators alike!
6. DIY Farmhouse Message Board
Combine rustic charm with practicality in these farmhouse-style message boards! Use pallet wood for an authentic look. Add hooks, a small shelf, or a wire mesh for versatility. Customize with chalkboard paint or corkboard. These boards are perfect for entryways and kitchens, making them a popular seller!
7. DIY Rustic Wood Star
Create a statement piece with these eye-catching rustic wood stars! Simple to make using scrap wood and basic tools. Experiment with different sizes and finishes. Add fairy lights for a magical touch. These stars are perfect for holiday decor or as year-round wall art, appealing to a wide range of customers!
BONUS: I also love this example of creating a rustic wood star for a season other than Chistmas!
8. DIY Wood Lanterns Project
Illuminate craft fairs with these beautiful DIY wood lanterns! Easy to construct using simple joinery techniques. Customize with different wood types, stains, or paint. Add glass panels or leave them open for candles. These versatile lanterns are perfect for indoor or outdoor use, making them a hot seller!
9. DIY Hoops Beer Pong
Score big with these unique DIY hoops beer pong sets! Perfect for parties and outdoor gatherings. Use quality wood for durability and add a fun finish. Customize with team colors or personalized designs. These sets are a hit with college students and young adults, offering a fresh twist on a classic game!
10. DIY Rustic Wooden Tray with Leather Handles
Blend rustic charm with modern style in these wooden trays! An easy-to-make upcycled project with basic woodworking skills. Use reclaimed wood for an eco-friendly appeal. Add leather handles for a trendy touch. Perfect for serving or as decorative pieces. These versatile trays are a must-have for home decor enthusiasts!
10. Simple Step Stool
Step up your craft fair game with these practical and stylish step stools! Easy to build with minimal materials. Customize with different wood types or add a pop of color. Perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, or kids’ rooms. These stools combine functionality with rustic charm, making them a popular seller!
How to Sell Your Wood Crafts
- Create a Brand – Think about how you feel about your favorite brands. Why do you spend the extra money on the items from that brand? What brings you back? Creating a brand is more than choosing a business logo and colors. It’s about creating an experience and community that your audience wants to belong to. You can brand your products through packaging, telling your story, and business cards.
- Price your Products to Sell – Price items competitively. Pricing your items too low can cause them to not sell. If your price doesn’t reflect value, then buyers won’t buy. Pricing too high can also cause buyers to not buy. Research competitor’s pricing, calculate materials & expenses, labor, and profit.
- Create Seasonal Products – Create products that can be sold specifically for holidays or seasons throughout the year. Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, 4th of July, etc. You can also create items for special occasions like weddings, birthdays, baby showers, or holiday decorations.
- Choose a Niche – Focus on a specific niche. Create items that people in that niche would love. For example, you could create rustic farmhouse woodworking projects for people who love farmhouse style. You could focus on people who love pets and create craft projects that have specific dog types on your products.
- Market Your Products – Grow your social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, and Pinterest) to reach a broader audience. Post consistently on your platform and show a behind-the-scenes look at how you create your designs. This can help establish your brand and build community with your buyers. You can also consider purchasing ads through your social media or on the platform where you sell your products.
Where to Sell Your Wood Crafts
You can sell your items online or in person. There are benefits to selling online like flexibility, lower inventory, and lower overhead. Selling in person gives you the opportunity to create relationships with your buyers and establish a presence in your community.
Places to Sell Your Crafts Online
- Etsy
- Facebook Marketplace
- Facebook Groups
- Handmadeology Market
- Handmade by Amazon
- Made It Myself
- Zibbett
Also see: Where to sell crafts: the best online marketplaces
Places to Sell Your Crafts Offline
- Craft Fairs
- Craigslist
- Farmers Market (See Crowd Pleasing Crafts To Sell At A Farmer’s Market)
- Local Businesses
- Craft Vendors
- Bazaars
- Flea Markets
Do you have a new craft business? Share it with us in the comments!