Sean Wedgwood
Are you one of those lucky people who is good with their hands and looking to earn an extra income? Then why not utilise your hobby and start making money from crafts?
Craft fairs are hugely popular throughout the UK and other parts of the world as people are looking for different types of gifts for loved ones rather than standard shop bought goods. Artisans are making money every weekend, some enough to leave their jobs, or make a decent second income, and you can make money too.
To test the market and see if people are interested in your craft ideas, why not show your items to friends, family and work colleagues? You may even get some sales this way! You could consider joining an online forum specialising in crafts where you can post a picture of your items and gain feedback from experienced crafters.
If you have received positive feedback from people who love your craft ideas, why not check your local paper or shop noticeboard for the next craft fair in you area? Ring up and book a table and sell your wares. At the very least you will have an enjoyable day out where you can meet like-minded craft people. However, if your items are interesting and well-made you may sell one or sell-out! Items I have seen at recent craft fairs include: hand knitted scarves, home-made candles, shell frames, hand-made cards and scrapbooks, soaps, shelves made from old railway sleepers, even items made from old tins! I purchased a lizard made from old wire! The list of arts and crafts is indeed endless.
If you are unsure what hobby interests you but want to start a craft business, a simple internet search for videos will bring back lots of ideas on everything from how to make a cushion cover to how to knit a bag or how to make new jewellery from old beads and broken pieces. You can also buy basic kits from hobby and craft shops or online if you prefer to start from scratch.
To promote your craft, you do not need to spend a lot of money. You can set up a simple one page site or blog with a description of your products and a contact email address and a few pictures of your items. Free business cards are available at the few clicks of a mouse (you usually pay for postage) to give to people you meet or you could put a simple postcard/leaflet in your local shop window.
Talking to stallholders at craft fairs, some very nice cash profits were being made. Obviously this is dependent on the quality of your items and your marketing efforts, but if you love arts and craft consider earning money from your passion!
Good luck!
As a writer and internet researcher, I am constantly finding new and exciting money making ideas and I would like to share them with you. please visit http://money-making-ideas-expert.com
