26 Craft and Handmade Business Ideas

Are you capable of transforming an unremarkable object into a thing of beauty? If so, you might find serious success as a crafter. Making handicrafts could be your ticket to financial independence as the US arts and crafts market is booming, and set to exceed $744 billion by 2031. 

As a crafter, you can make candles, jewelry, T-shirts, or mugs, do calligraphy, sewing or embroidery. The options are almost limitless. Check out the brilliant craft business ideas below to get your creative juices flowing.

1. Candle Making

Tools/Equipment Needed: Wax melter, wicks, fragrance oils, molds, dye blocks.
Products to Make and Sell: Scented candles, pillar candles, votives, and wax melts.
Marketing and Selling: Use Instagram and Pinterest to showcase the ambiance created by your candles, and sell on Etsy or at local craft fairs.
Tips: Experiment with unique scents and eco-friendly materials to stand out in the competitive market.

2. Painting

Tools/Equipment Needed: Brushes, canvases, acrylic or oil paints, easel, palette.
Products to Make and Sell: Custom paintings, abstract art pieces, and painted home decor items.
Marketing and Selling: Create a portfolio website, use social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest, and consider local art shows.
Tips: Offer commission work for personalized art to attract more customers.

3. Phone Case Making

Tools/Equipment Needed: Sublimation printer, blank cases, design software.
Products to Make and Sell: Custom printed phone cases, themed case series, eco-friendly cases.
Marketing and Selling: Utilize platforms like Etsy, eBay, and create a dedicated shop on Shopify.
Tips: Stay updated with popular trends and designs to keep your products relevant.

4. Custom Sticker Making

Tools/Equipment Needed: Sticker printer, vinyl cutter, design software.
Products to Make and Sell: Die-cut stickers, bumper stickers, waterproof stickers, custom labels.
Marketing and Selling: Use Etsy for unique custom stickers and leverage social media ads.
Tips: Offer bundles or themed packs to increase sales volume.

5. Welding

Tools/Equipment Needed: Welder, welding helmet, gloves, metal materials.
Products to Make and Sell: Custom metal furniture, art sculptures, garden art.
Marketing and Selling: Showcase your work at local markets or galleries and use a website to capture custom orders.
Tips: Safety first—ensure you are trained and compliant with safety regulations.

6. Greeting Card Making

Tools/Equipment Needed: Cardstock, stamps, inks, embellishments, design software.
Products to Make and Sell: Handmade greeting cards, holiday cards, invitation cards.
Marketing and Selling: Sell on platforms like Etsy or at local gift shops. Use Pinterest to inspire customers.
Tips: Offer personalization to add value to your cards.

7. Gift Basket Making

Tools/Equipment Needed: Baskets, cellophane, ribbons, gift items.
Products to Make and Sell: Themed gift baskets (e.g., spa, gourmet, baby).
Marketing and Selling: Use Instagram to display your baskets and sell on your website or through local businesses.
Tips: Source quality products for your baskets to create a reputation for luxury and care.

8. Mug Printing

Tools/Equipment Needed: Sublimation printer, heat press, blank mugs.
Products to Make and Sell: Personalized mugs, promotional mugs, mugs with quotes.
Marketing and Selling: Sell on Etsy and Amazon Handmade. Offer options for customization.
Tips: Create designs that resonate with specific audiences or occasions to boost appeal.

9. Vinyl Supply Shop

Tools/Equipment Needed: Vinyl rolls, cutters, storage solutions.
Products to Make and Sell: Vinyl sheets, custom vinyl decals, craft vinyl bundles.
Marketing and Selling: Build an online store and use SEO strategies to reach crafters and small businesses.
Tips: Offer tutorials and project ideas to engage your customers and drive sales.

10. Bath Bomb

Tools/Equipment Needed: Molds, citric acid, baking soda, essential oils, dyes.
Products to Make and Sell: Aromatic bath bombs, therapeutic bath salts, gift sets.
Marketing and Selling: Use platforms like Etsy and local artisan markets. Social media influencers can help promote products.
Tips: Focus on natural and organic ingredients to appeal to health-conscious consumers.

11. 3D Printing

Tools/Equipment Needed: 3D printer, filament, design software.
Products to Make and Sell: Custom figurines, home decor items, functional gadgets.
Marketing and Selling: Use an online store and participate in maker fairs. YouTube can be a great platform to showcase the making process.
Tips: Keep up with the latest printing technology to offer innovative products.

12. Floral Business

Tools/Equipment Needed: Shears, vases, floral foam, cooler.
Products to Make and Sell: Flower arrangements, wedding bouquets, sympathy flowers.
Marketing and Selling: Build partnerships with event planners and funeral homes, use Instagram for daily floral inspirations.
Tips: Offer subscription services for regular deliveries which will ensure steady income.

13. Cricut Craft Business

Tools/Equipment Needed: Cricut machine, various materials like vinyl, cardstock, and fabric.
Products to Make and Sell: Personalized gifts, home decor items, custom apparel.
Marketing and Selling: Sell on Etsy and use Facebook groups to reach DIY enthusiasts.
Tips: Regularly update your project ideas and tutorials to engage customers and encourage repeat business.

14. Pottery

Tools/Equipment Needed: Potter’s wheel, kiln, clay, glazing supplies.
Products to Make and Sell: Handmade pots, decorative vases, custom dinnerware sets.
Marketing and Selling: Use Instagram to showcase unique designs, and sell at local art fairs or on your own website.
Tips: Host pottery workshops to increase engagement and attract a local customer base.

15. Crystal Shop

Tools/Equipment Needed: Sourcing or mining equipment, polishing tools.
Products to Make and Sell: Polished crystals, crystal jewelry, home décor items featuring crystals.
Marketing and Selling: Sell at holistic fairs and online marketplaces. Use Instagram stories to share the beauty and supposed healing properties.
Tips: Provide authenticity certificates to assure customers of the genuine quality of your crystals.

16. Glitter Business

Tools/Equipment Needed: Different types and colors of glitter, packaging materials.
Products to Make and Sell: Craft glitter, biodegradable glitter, specialty glitter for cosmetics.
Marketing and Selling: Target niche markets like cosmetic companies or party planners, sell on Etsy.
Tips: Highlight the eco-friendliness of biodegradable options to appeal to environmentally conscious consumers.

17. Screen Printing

Tools/Equipment Needed: Screen printing press, screens, inks, squeegees.
Products to Make and Sell: Custom t-shirts, posters, tote bags.
Marketing and Selling: Use online platforms like Etsy and local events. Offer services to local businesses and bands.
Tips: Keep designs fresh and trendy by following current pop culture and fashion trends.

18. Embroidery Business

Tools/Equipment Needed: Embroidery machine, threads, needles, hoops, fabric.
Products to Make and Sell: Embroidered clothing, bespoke home textiles, personalized accessories.
Marketing and Selling: Showcase on Etsy and social media. Attend craft shows for direct sales.
Tips: Offer customization to capitalize on the personalization trend.

19. Make Money Crocheting

Tools/Equipment Needed: Crochet hooks, yarn, patterns.
Products to Make and Sell: Crocheted hats, scarves, amigurumi, blankets.
Marketing and Selling: Sell on Etsy and at craft fairs, use Instagram to showcase patterns and final products.
Tips: Offer crochet classes online or in-person to build a community and additional revenue.

20. Bracelet Making

Tools/Equipment Needed: Beads, clasps, stringing materials, jewelry tools.
Products to Make and Sell: Beaded bracelets, charm bracelets, friendship bracelets.
Marketing and Selling: Sell on Etsy, at local markets, and through social media promotions.
Tips: Create and market seasonal or themed collections to keep offerings fresh and exciting.

21. Sewing Business

Tools/Equipment Needed: Sewing machine, fabric, threads, patterns.
Products to Make and Sell: Custom clothing, alterations, home décor items like curtains and cushions.
Marketing and Selling: Use social media for promotions and local classifieds for services like alterations.
Tips: Offer bespoke tailoring or specialize in a niche like vintage fabric restoration to stand out.

22. Woodworking

Tools/Equipment Needed: Saws, hammers, chisels, sanders.
Products to Make and Sell: Custom furniture, wooden toys, home decor items.
Marketing and Selling: Sell at craft fairs, online, and through local furniture stores.
Tips: Use sustainable materials and promote this aspect to attract environmentally conscious customers.

23. Soap Making

Tools/Equipment Needed: Molds, base (glycerin or soap), essential oils, colorants.
Products to Make and Sell: Handcrafted bars, liquid soaps, shampoo bars, soap gift sets.
Marketing and Selling: Use Etsy for crafts, local farmers’ markets, and craft fairs.
Tips: Offer workshops on soap making or create YouTube tutorials to build a following.

24. T-shirt Design and Print

Tools/Equipment Needed: Design software, screen printing or digital printing equipment.
Products to Make and Sell: Graphic tees, personalized event shirts, custom business shirts.
Marketing and Selling: Use online platforms like Shopify and print-on-demand services to minimize inventory risk.
Tips: Regularly update designs to stay relevant and engage with trends and customer feedback.

25. Calligraphy

Tools/Equipment Needed: Nibs, ink, high-quality paper, practice sheets.
Products to Make and Sell: Wedding invitations, event envelopes, decorative quotes.
Marketing and Selling: Promote services on Instagram and Etsy, collaborate with event planners.
Tips: Offer personalized stationery services to add a luxurious touch to any event.

26. Laser Engraving

Tools/Equipment Needed: Laser engraver, computer, various materials like wood, metal, glass.
Products to Make and Sell: Personalized gifts, engraved jewelry, custom signs.
Marketing and Selling: Use an online store, and approach local businesses for custom work.
Tips: Create unique, customizable products that cater to both personal and corporate markets.