I’ve been selling my handmade items for years. It started with my friends seeing what I made and asking me to make something for them. Then it moved to local shops and craft fairs. Now I make a full time living with what we make and sell for profit online! (NOTE: I should add that I do make some money off the blog, too. Which is technically something that I make but not a craft.)
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Best Things to Make and Sell for Profit
I limited this list to non-edible craft items. Food can also be made and sold but there are a lot more legal aspects to selling food. I don’t have any experience in that area so I don’t even want to get into it. Maybe someday I’ll interview some of my friends who sell their handmade candy and share their expertise on the subject.
{{{See a complete list of what’s in my toolbox and supply cabinet.}}}
Personal Care
I didn’t include makeup in this list because I thought that might be a little advanced for a beginner looking for something to make and sell. But if you already know how to make your own makeup that is another option.
Also, check into the legal aspect of selling items that people will be using on their skin. I don’t think these are as strict as the food laws but you want to make sure before you start selling.
Soap
Check out these soap making basics if you haven’t tried this craft before.
Lotion
DIY Lip Balm
Body Scrubs to Make
Other Personal Care Items to Make
These didn’t really fall into any other categories.
Fashion Accessories
Jewelry
Handmade jewelry is what got me started selling at local shops. A friend saw something I made and told me I should show it to the owner at Room With a Past. She thought my style would fit in perfectly there. And sure enough, the owner loved my jewelry and offered me a shelf at the front of the store.
I will tell you that jewelry is one of the easiest things you can make and sell. Which is a blessing and a curse at the same time. Because it’s so easy there are THOUSANDS of online sellers! Many of them are hobbyists who are willing to sell for not much over the price of the supplies! That makes it hard for those of us who want to turn our hobby into a business.
I do have a LOT more hints for those of you who want to make jewelry. I’m just going to have to write an article JUST about making and selling jewelry online and at craft fairs. Leave a message or send me an email if that’s something you’re interested in knowing more about.
Now, if you want to take a try at making jewelry to sell, take a look at these DIY ideas:
DIY Bracelets to Sell
- Easy Textured Cuff
- Hand Stamped Bracelets
- Leather Cord Bracelets
- Leather Bracelets from Old Purses
- Beaded Bracelets with Colorful Tassels
- Beaded Leather Bracelet
- Tape Measure Bracelet
- Leather Baseball Bracelet (with Baseball Beads)
Earrings to Make and Sell
- Easy Charm Earrings
- Washi Tape Feather Earrings
- Resin Earrings (and other Resin Jewelry)
- Tassel Earrings
- Leather Earrings
- Decoupaged Wooden Floral Earrings
Necklaces to Make and Sell
Purse Charms
Scarves
I have some scarves in the past but my problem is that I don’t crochet very fast. And knitting drives me crazy… not relaxing at all! But I know some of you love knitting and crocheting. And if you are already making these while you watch TV, ride in a car, wait for your kids, etc. why not sell some to make extra money?
- 1.5 Hour Chunky Scarf (Crochet)
- Waffle Stitch Scarf (Crochet)
- Infinity Scarf (Crochet)
- Seed Stich Scarf (Knit)
- Diagonal Scarf (Knit)
Caps
Knit and crocheted beanies don’t take much time and again, you can make them while you’re doing other things!
- 1.5 Hour Crocheted Beanie
- Messy Bun Beanie (Crochet)
- Copy Cat CC Beanie (Knit)
Keychains
Keychains are super easy to make. Look for a niche market or something special that sets your keychains apart. If you get into hand stamping, personalized keychains are a best seller!
Purses
Honestly, I’ve never made and sold purses but I do have a couple of friends who have.
Home Decor Ideas to Make and Sell
DIY Scented Candles
Handpainted Signs
Signs are HOT these days at all the craft shows! Once you find your style and your target market finds you, you’ll be selling out of your hand-painted signs in no time!
Wreaths to Make
DIY Pillows
Potholders
- Ribbed Crochet Potholder
- Cute Country Kitchen Potholder, ala Pioneer Woman!
- Round Quilted Potholder
Kitchen Towels
Other Home Decor
These handmade home items didn’t really fit in any other category.
- Personalized Cork Coasters (Wood Burned)
- Wood Photo Holder (with Clip)
- Pin Cushions Out of Vintage Items
Christmas Decor to Make & Sell
There are soooooooooo many Christmas crafts you can make and sell for profit that I’m going to have to put those in another article. But this short list will get you started.
Christmas Signs to Make
I usually make my Christmas signs with stencils. My favorite stencils are from Stencil Revolution.
- Nativity Scene Signs on 1″ x 6″ Boards
- How to Make an Easy O Come Let Us Adore Him Christmas Sign with Stencils
- Signs with Christmas Tree Farm Stencils
DIY Christmas Ornaments
Christmas ornaments are by far our BEST SELLERS! We could make only Christmas ornaments and make a living!!!
- Cast Iron Star Ornament
- Upcycled Faucet Handle Christmas Ornaments
- Vintage Salt Shaker Ornament
- Scrabble Tile Christmas Ornament
- Yardstick Christmas Tree Ornaments
- 30 Easy Snowman Ornaments You Can Make
- 18 Rustic Style DIY Christmas Ornaments
Christmas Wreaths
I don’t make a lot of wreaths myself but I see them all the time at craft shows. They look like they’re selling. I always see customers walking around the show with wreaths!
- Candy Cane Christmas Wreath Tutorial (with mesh)
Other Holiday Items You Can Sell
More Crafts to Make and Sell for Profit
These next few categories are for kids. Again, you’ll want to check for the legal aspects of selling children’s products and use extra care that your handmade products are safe for children.
Plush Toys
Baby Blankets
- Baby Bear Blanket (crochet)
- Minky & Flannel Baby Blanket (sewing)
- No-Sew Baby Blanket
Thanks for Reading Things to Make and Sell for Profit
Wow… after writing this list I want to make every one of these projects! I hope this list of things to make and sell for profit has inspired you to start your own handmade business. Leave a comment and let me know what you’re going to sell and where. AND, don’t forget to sign up for our business tips email list! Thanks!
‘Til the next project,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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Suzanne says
This is a great list! One of the best things about you is you’re happy to share ideas and tips that have helped make you a success with others. I so appreciate you!
Heather says
I totally agree with Suzanne!!! I would love to sell my wood burning plaques but I’m not confident enough yet. I did sign up for your need letter for small business, thank you!!
Heather says
News letter … Always proof read before posting!! Ugh.