We’ve all been there. You’re scrolling through social media, see someone selling a painted rock for twenty bucks, and think, “I could do that.” And you know what? You probably can.
The idea of turning a hobby into a little side cash is tempting, but getting started can feel overwhelming. Do you really need a vinyl cutter the size of a small car? Do you have to be a master painter?
Nope. Not even a little.
I’ve been exactly where you are, staring at a pile of craft supplies and wondering if any of it could actually pay for itself. After a lot of trial and error (and a closet full of failed experiments), I’ve found the sweet spot: projects that are genuinely easy, use materials you can actually find, and—most importantly—actually sell.
So, forget the pressure. Here are 20 easy DIY crafts you can start making this weekend to pad your wallet a little. 🙂
The “I Have Zero Artistic Talent” Section
Let’s kick things off with crafts that require skills you probably already have. If you can hold a glue gun without hurting yourself, you’re qualified for these.
1. Custom Painted Plant Pots
This is my go-to recommendation for beginners. Grab some plain terracotta pots from the dollar store, a can of spray primer, and some acrylic paint.
- The Craft: Paint the pots in solid, trendy colors (think sage green, terracotta, or matte black). You can even use painter’s tape to make clean stripes or geometric patterns.
- Why it sells: Everyone has a plant these days, and the standard plastic nursery pot is an eyesore. People pay for an upgrade.
- Pro Tip: Seal them with a matte varnish. Nobody wants a muddy water ring on their windowsill. It makes the whole thing look way more professional.
2. Tassel Garland
Forget the expensive ones at boutique home decor stores. You can make these in about 20 minutes.
- The Craft: All you need is some skeins of yarn in complementary colors and some string or cord. Wrap the yarn around a piece of cardboard, cut one end, and tie it off. Boom, tassel. Make a bunch and tie them to your cord.
- Why it sells: They’re perfect for nurseries, dorm rooms, or party decorations. People love customizable color schemes.
- Personal Anecdote: I once made a garland in my local football team’s colors. It sold within an hour of posting it online. People are weirdly loyal to their teams. :/
3. Dip-Dye Kitchen Textiles
Plain white flour sack towels are a blank canvas, and they’re cheap in bulk.
- The Craft: Mix up some fabric dye (Rit dye is my favorite) in a bucket. Dip just the bottom third of the towel in the dye. Hang it up to dry, then wash it.
- Why it sells: It looks incredibly chic and expensive, like something from a high-end catalog. The color blocking hides stains, too.
- FYI: You can do this with oven mitts and aprons to make a matching set. Sets always sell for more than single items.
4. Chunky Knit Blankets
You’ve seen these everywhere. They look complicated, but I promise you, if you can use your arms, you can make one.
- The Craft: Use “roving” yarn (the super thick, fuzzy stuff). You literally just use your forearms as knitting needles to create giant, loose stitches.
- Why it sells: They’re a huge trend and people are willing to pay a premium for a cozy, handmade throw.
- The Reality Check: The yarn is pricey, so your profit margin per blanket is high, but the upfront cost is too. Start with one or two to see if they move.
The “Slightly More Effort, Way More Profit” Section
These require a tiny bit more skill, but the payoff is usually worth it. We’re leveling up, people.
5. Resin Coasters
Resin is having a moment. It’s a little messy, but the results are stunning.
- The Craft: You’ll need a silicone coaster mold, epoxy resin, and some fun additives like dried flowers, gold flakes, or even just a few drops of alcohol ink to create swirls. Mix the resin according to the instructions, pour, and wait.
- Why it sells: They look like expensive art pieces but are totally functional. You can also make sets of four, which are great for gifting.
- IMO: Start with coasters before you try making a whole table. Small projects teach you how the resin behaves without wasting a ton of money.
6. Marble Clay Ring Dishes
Air-dry clay is a miracle substance. It’s cheap, easy to work with, and doesn’t require a kiln.
- The Craft: Roll out some white clay, cut out a small circle, and drape it over a crumpled-up ball of foil to create a curved dish shape. Before it dries, press a small trinket (like a shell or a button) into the clay to create a pattern. Once dry, paint it with marble-effect swirls using gray and gold paint.
- Why it sells: Everyone needs a place to put their rings by the sink or their jewelry on the nightstand. They’re the perfect “little treat” purchase.
7. Fabric Scrap Bookmarks
Got a bunch of leftover fabric from other projects? Perfect.
- The Craft: Cut two identical rectangles of fabric and one of heavy interfacing. Iron the interfacing to the wrong side of one fabric piece. Sew the two fabric pieces together (right sides facing), leaving a small gap. Turn it right-side out, sew the gap shut, and topstitch around the edge. Add a tassel if you’re feeling fancy.
- Why it sells: Book lovers (like me) can never have enough bookmarks. Plus, they’re eco-friendly and a great way to use up scraps.
- Engagement Question: Am I the only one who constantly uses random receipts as bookmarks? No? Just me? These are a much classier option.
8. Geode Bath Bombs
Bath bombs are a classic, but the geode ones look next-level.
- The Craft: You’ll need a basic bath bomb recipe (baking soda, citric acid, Epsom salts, and oil). Press the mixture into two halves of a spherical mold. Before you stick them together, fill the center with a different colored, chunkier mix. When you crack it open, it looks like a crystal geode.
- Why it sells: They’re visually stunning and make for great unboxing videos on social media. People buy with their eyes first.
The Paper & Stationery Section
Don’t underestimate the power of paper. These are some of the lowest-cost, highest-margin crafts you can make.
9. Hand-Painted Greeting Cards
You don’t need to be an artist. Simple watercolor washes or even just a few brush strokes of ink can look amazing.
- The Craft: Buy blank cards and envelopes in bulk. Use watercolors to create simple abstract designs, paint a single flower, or even just splatter paint for a modern look.
- Why it sells: Sending a handwritten card is making a comeback. People love having a stash of beautiful, unique cards on hand for birthdays and thank-yous.
10. Personalized Notebooks
Plain composition notebooks are super cheap, especially during back-to-school sales.
- The Craft: Cover the front with decorative scrapbook paper or fabric using Mod Podge. You can add a label to the front that says “Recipes,” “Gratitude Journal,” or “Dream Log.”
- Why it sells: It turns a boring, utilitarian object into a beautiful, personalized gift. People love the prompt of what to write inside.
11. Pressed Flower Bookmarks
This is a craft that requires patience, but the result is so delicate and pretty.
- The Craft: Press small flowers and leaves in a heavy book for a week or two until they’re flat and dry. Arrange them on a strip of cardstock, cover with a piece of clear contact paper or laminate it, and punch a hole in the top for a ribbon.
- Why it sells: They have a very romantic, nature-loving vibe. They’re perfect for weddings, baby showers, or as little extras in an order.
The “Home & Hearth” Section
People are always looking for ways to make their homes feel cozier. Let’s give the people what they want.
12. Scented Soy Candles in Vintage Cups
Candles are easy, but the vessel is what makes them special.
- The Craft: Source unique vintage teacups, espresso cups, or small ramekins from thrift stores. Clean them thoroughly, center a pre-tabbed wick, and pour in your melted soy wax mixed with your favorite fragrance oil.
- Why it sells: Each one is one-of-a-kind. You’re not just selling a candle; you’re selling a curated piece of decor.
- The Hunt: Thrifting for the cups is half the fun. I once found a set of gorgeous Florence ware cups for a dollar each. Best day ever.
13. Macrame Plant Hangers
Macrame is basically just tying knots. If you can tie your shoes, you can do this.
- The Craft: You’ll need some cotton macrame cord and something to hang your work on while you knot (a clipboard works great). Learn a few basic knots—the square knot and the lark’s head—and you can follow a million free patterns online.
- Why it sells: It gets plants off the windowsill and adds a boho touch to any room. They’re a staple for a reason.
14. Poured Acrylic Art
This is for the control freaks who need to let go a little. You cannot fully control pour painting, and that’s the beauty of it.
- The Craft: Mix acrylic paint with a pouring medium (like Floetrol) and water until it’s the consistency of warm honey. Layer different colors in a cup, flip it onto a canvas, and then tilt the canvas to let the paint flow where it wants to.
- Why it sells: The results look incredibly professional and “gallery-worthy” with very little actual artistic skill required. The cells and patterns are mesmerizing.
15. DIY Leather Key Fobs
Working with leather sounds intimidating, but small projects are a perfect introduction.
- The Craft: Buy a small piece of vegetable-tanned leather and a key fob hardware kit. Cut the leather into a long strip, punch a hole for the hardware, and use rivets to attach it. You can stamp a simple design or initial into the leather.
- Why it sells: Leather goods have a high perceived value. A simple key fob looks like it cost $30, but your materials were maybe $5.
The “For the Kids (and Kids at Heart)” Section
Don’t forget the younger crowd. These crafts appeal to parents looking for unique gifts and fun items for their children.
16. Felt Plushies
Felt is cheap, doesn’t fray, and comes in every color.
- The Craft: Draw a simple shape (a cactus, a fox, a slice of pizza) and cut two pieces. Sew them together with a simple whip stitch, leaving a small opening to stuff with poly-fil before sewing it shut. Add a simple embroidered face.
- Why it sells: They’re cute, cuddly, and safe for little kids. You can make keychain versions for adults, too.
17. Glitter Slime
Yes, slime is still a thing. Get on board.
- The Craft: There are a million recipes online, but a simple one uses clear glue, contact lens solution (with boric acid), and baking soda. The magic is in the mix-ins: add tons of glitter, small foam beads, or even charms.
- Why it sells: Kids go absolutely bonkers for it. The sensory experience is the whole point. Just make sure you package it in airtight containers.
18. Painted Wooden Puzzles
You can find simple, unpainted wooden puzzles at craft stores or online.
- The Craft: Paint each puzzle piece with acrylic paint. You can paint them all one color, or get creative and paint each piece as a different character or object. Sand the edges lightly so they’re smooth.
- Why it sells: They make fantastic, screen-free toys for toddlers and young children. Parents appreciate the handmade, heirloom-quality touch.
19. Fabric Scrap Hair Bows
If you have a Cricut or good scissors, you can crank these out.
- The Craft: Cut fabric into strips, fold them into a bow shape, and secure the center with thread or a tiny piece of fabric. Glue or sew it onto a hair clip or headband.
- Why it sells: Little girls’ hair accessories get lost constantly. They are a consumable product that parents always need to restock.
The “Quick Cash” Section
This one is for when you need money now and don’t have time for complicated projects.
20. Decorative Wooden Signs
This is the classic “live, laugh, love” territory, but it works.
- The Craft: Buy some cheap pine boards or pre-made wooden plaques from the craft store. Stain or paint the wood. Use a stencil or vinyl decal to add a word or short phrase. “WELCOME,” “THE [LAST NAME]S EST. 2020,” or a funny kitchen saying are always popular.
- Why it sells: It’s personalized decor. People love seeing their own name or a saying that resonates with them on their wall. It’s a simple, fast project with a high perceived value.
The Grand Finale
So, there you have it. Twenty different ways to turn your crafting hobby into a little extra spending money.
The key is to just start. Pick one project from this list—the one that made you think, “Hey, I could actually do that”—and give it a shot this weekend. Make one. See if you like the process. If you do, make a few more and snap some photos in good natural light.
You never know where it might lead. Worst case scenario? You have a cool new plant pot and a fun story. Best case scenario? You’ve got a thriving little side business.
Now, go make something awesome. 🙂
