I’ve always been into crafts, when I was a little girl I had a huge box full of arts and crafts, I was always creating something. That passion and desire to create are still within me, that’s why for the past three years I have been earning extra money by creating and selling things online. I’ve created a number of online courses, and digital printables and even published my very own planner. These are just some of the things you can create and sell online, but there are so many other ways you can use your talents and your passion to earn extra money.
So, if you love creating and making things from scratch, then have a go at making some extra money from your talents. Below are 10 easy things you can create and sell online for extra money. Keep reading for the pros and cons of starting and growing your own craft business.
1. Digital printables
The first way I made money online was by creating and selling digital printables online. Selling digital printables might sound unusual, but it’s actually a very popular way to make extra money. There is a huge community of people who love printables. It’s also a very quick and easy product to make. If you love graphic design and know how to make beautiful printables which people can benefit from, then this is worth trying. The digital products I’ve created and sold include yearly calendars, workbooks and eBooks.
2. Art and prints
Selling art and prints online is another great way to earn extra money. If you spend your free time creating beautiful photos, drawings or paintings then you already have your product ready. Sites such as RedBubble will print and sell your product for you, all you need to do is create it. Of course, by doing it through an external company you won’t make as much profit as if you were printing and posting the items yourself.
3. Publish your own book or journal
If you have a story to tell or if you would love to create a journal or planner, then you can do this and earn extra money every month. I’ve created and published two planners through Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) which means they’re available to purchase on Amazon. Amazon prints and ship the planner and take about 60% of the profit. Which isn’t bad considering all you need to do is create the book and promote it. Amazon will take care of the printing, posting and any returns.
To create my planners I first took an online course and group coaching programme called Publish with Purpose which is run by Sarah Steckler. Sarah taught us how to create and publish our own journal in 60 days. I created my planners through Canva Pro, which I would highly recommend using for your blog. I then promoted my planners through my blog and social media.
4. Sewn or knitted gifts
I have a sewing machine at home which I’m still trying to get the hang of, but for those who are skilled at sewing or knitting then this can be a great way to make some extra money from your craft. There are so many different types of sewn items for sale on Etsy, each of them very different. Such as toys, clothes, decorations, cushions, aprons and many more.
5. Home-baked goods
If you’re a natural in the kitchen, you could use your talent to bake and sell cakes, cookies, sweets and chocolates. You could start your own blog to advertise your products, or by setting up an Instagram or Facebook page to advertise to your local area.
6. Wedding stationery
I’m getting married next year and of course, I’ve been doing a lot of wedding research and checking out where to find beautiful wedding stationery. I’ve been spoilt for choice, there are so many different designs to choose from and many designers to purchase from. The first place I checked out was Etsy which seems like a great place to advertise your products, such as save-the-date cards, wedding invitations, table cards, seating plans and many more.
7. Bath bombs and soap
Homemade bath bombs and soaps make lovely little gifts. I’ve been gifted homemade bath bombs and soaps before and what I love most is that each one has been completely different. Different scents, different colours and different shapes. This means you can make your product completely unique and put your own branding on it.
Get started: How to make bath bombs
8. Cards
If you love making cards then why don’t you turn your talents into a business. Creating and selling handmade greeting cards can give you the opportunity to earn extra money on the side, or build your own business and replace your full time income.
9. Online courses
Creating and selling online courses is a great way to share your knowledge of a subject and earn some extra money. I’ve created a number of online courses and hosted them through Teachable. Teachable have a free option so if you’re launching your first course you can host it on their platform at no charge. Udemy is another popular platform which lets you share your online course with people all over the world.
Get started: How to create an online course
Pros and cons of starting your own creative business
Pros:
- You will make extra money from your creative talents
- Independence to be your own boss and make your own decisions
- Control over what you create and sell
- The incredible feeling of selling your own products
- Free to create what you want and how many you want
Cons:
- It can be time-consuming to sell online
- You will have to put your own money behind the business when you start
- There will be a lot to learn in regard to business, marketing and legal requirements
- It can be disheartening when you put your effort into creating something if you don’t get the results you want
- You have to be self-disciplined, you’re your own boss and you’re the only employee
How will you use your creative talents to sell online?
