The craft business has seen a rebirth in a world that appreciates the handcrafted and distinctive more and more. For those with artistic tendencies, crafting can not only be a recreational activity but also a lucrative commercial endeavour. If you are passionate about turning your artistic abilities into a sustainable enterprise, you are in the right place. Here in this article, we have listed the best craft business ideas that can be started with little money.
What is a Craft Business?
An enterprise that focuses on producing and marketing handcrafted or artisanal goods is referred to as a craft business. Craft companies are distinguished by their use of manual skills, creativeness, and traditional skills to create one-of-a-kind, frequently customised products. These companies engage in a variety of tasks, such as working with materials including wood, leather, and textiles as well as creating jewellery, clothes, and home décor.
Mass production is not as important in a craft business as the artisanal quality of the products is. Craftspeople generally use their abilities to create unique objects that showcase their creative vision and individual touches. These companies can operate in a range of sizes, from modest home-based ventures to larger ones with their studios or workshops.
What are the Characteristics of a Craft Business?
Craft businesses are often associated with the following characteristics:
- Handmade Products: Craft businesses revolve around the creation of products made by hand. Whether it’s intricate jewelry, hand-sewn clothing, or handcrafted furniture, the emphasis is on the artisan’s touch.
- Creativity and Innovation: Crafters often bring a high level of creativity to their work. They might experiment with different materials, techniques, and designs to produce unique and innovative items.
- Personalization: Many craft businesses offer personalized or customizable products. This allows customers to have a unique, one-of-a-kind item tailored to their preferences.
- Artisanal Quality: Craft products are known for their quality and attention to detail. Crafters take pride in their workmanship, and this dedication to quality can set their products apart in the market.
- Diverse Materials: Craft businesses work with a wide range of materials, from traditional materials like wood, metal, and fabric to more unconventional or recycled materials.
- Entrepreneurial Spirit: Many crafters turn their passion into a business venture, showcasing an entrepreneurial spirit. They may sell their products at craft fairs, online marketplaces, or through their storefronts.
Is Craft Business Profitable?
The profitability of a craft business can vary widely based on several factors. It includes the niche, target market, marketing strategies, and the quality of craftsmanship.
It is seen the craft-related business has grown in the last 10 years. Online marketplaces like Etsy reported a 19.4% year-over-year increase in active sellers.
According to this report, the global arts and crafts market size was $44120 Million in 2021 and is projected to reach $74457.88 Million by 2031.
67 Craft Business Ideas
#1. Handmade Jewelry Crafting:
Crafting exquisite jewelry by hand offers a personal touch that machine-made jewelry often lacks. From beaded bracelets to intricate silver necklaces, there’s a market for every style. You need to master diverse techniques, such as wire wrapping or bead weaving. Consider establishing an online presence through platforms like Etsy or your website.
Learn More: How to Start Jewelry Making Business
#2. Arts & Crafts Instruction
If you enjoy crafts and have expertise in any specific arts or crafts, then you might consider starting an arts and crafts instruction business. Success in this type of business hugely depends on your expertise. You can also get clients by having a business relationship with arts and crafts suppliers or retailers.
#3. Baby Room Mural
Crafting a baby room mural is a self-rewarding and lucrative business. Often parents want to have a bright and colorful interior wall painting for their child. The possibilities and opportunities in this business are enormous. With small startup capital, any individual can initiate this business.
#4. Bamboo & Cane Handicrafts
These eco-friendly products are light in weight and have their style and elegance. These products have a high life with minimum maintenance. You can use bamboo strips and various types of canes to produce different utility and decorative items. The list may include mats, lampshades, trays, baskets, flower vases, wall hangings, ornaments, etc.
#5. Basket Weaving
To start a profitable basket-weaving business, one requires thoughtful planning and a high level of creative mind having a flair for design. Using a wide range of raw materials an entrepreneur can initiate a customized basket-weaving business with moderate capital investment.
Learn More: How to Start A Basket Weaving Business
#6. Bone & Horn Crafts
Bone and horn craft items ensure good revenue. You can use cow horns, buffalo horns, stag antlers, and tusks in horn crafts. You will need to carve the desired object out from the solid part of a horn after soaking it in water. Similar to horn crafts, the making of bone crafts also involves a series of elaborate procedures.
#7. Bonsai Farming
If you love gardening, you can consider starting a bonsai business. Bonsai is a Japanese art form. Bonsai is an ornamental or show plant. However, creating beautiful bonsai demands specific skills and expertise. You can sell bonsai both from offline and online marketplaces.
#8. Book Binding
Starting bookbinding and repairing with an attractive cover page can be a fun way to earn handsome money. The equipment and consumables for this work are also cheap and easily available.
#9. Brassware
Brassware is often known as brass handicrafts. You can produce beautiful and decorative utility and home decor items from brass. However, you must have specific skills and knowledge to start this business. Additionally, you will need to procure the raw materials and necessary equipment or hand tools.
#10. Cactus Arrangements
Cactus comes under the segment of the succulent plant. The cactus is a member of the plant family Cactaceae. Any individual can start and operate this business with little capital investment.
Learn More: How to Start A Cactus Arrangements Business
#11. Calligraphy
Calligraphy is the visual art of fonts or letters. People also practice this craft to release pressure. In business, calligraphers mostly are in demand for invitation card making for any event. If you enjoy playing with fonts and characters, consider starting a calligraphy business.
#12. Candle Making
Candle-making business can be initiated with a small start-up budget. People purchase candles not only for religious purposes but also to scent and decorate their homes and business places. The popularity and consumer demand for scented and decorative candles have inspired many individuals, especially women to enter this industry.
Learn More: How to Start a Candle-Making Business
#13. Caricature
If you are a cartoon artist and love to create cartoon figures you may consider starting a caricature business. It is an ever-popular art globally. Now it has become easier to create these figures electronically. A quality caricature artist is always in demand in the print industry.
#14. Charcoal Portraits
Charcoal portraits are ancient art. Still today charcoal is often considered the best medium to give a final touch to portraits. If you are an expert in this art, you can turn this hobby into a profitable business.
#15. Chinese Brush Painting
Chinese brush painting is not quite simple. If you already know the subject line you will need to learn a lot about this art. You can sell these products from retail gift stores or online marketplaces.
#16. Ceramic Items
The popularity of ceramic items is increasing. You can create gift items, and domestic products like ceramic plates and sell them to customers.
#17. Craft Shows
Arranging and organizing arts and crafts shows is a profitable business. In developing countries, you will also get help from Government departments. Networking and media promotion are crucial factors in achieving success in this business.
#18. Craft Supply Store
This is one of the most profitable retail businesses in the art and craft industry. Craft persons often look for craft supply stores that sell a variety of items. Simply, a craftsperson can find every item that he or she needs. The business demands moderate capital investment.
#19. Crochet Knitting
A crochet knitting business opportunity is ideal for passionate crochet knitters who want to turn their hobby into a profitable venture. Also, one can consider starting this business when he or she has any other knitting business already.
Learn More: How to Start A Crochet Business
#20. Cross Stitching
Cross stitching is considered as counted thread embroidery. There is a good demand for handmade cross-stitching products. Any type of pattern and design can be made through cross-stitching.
#21. Custom Buttons
Custom buttons can be made with various items such as wood, metals, clothes, glasses, etc. According to the product, you must select the equipment and raw materials.
#22. Customized Glass Etching
The glass etching business is an artistic and profit-making craft-related business. An aspiring entrepreneur who has a creative mind, passionate about glass etching, can start this business with little money. Customized glass etching business includes products like gifts, awards, and décor items for both domestic and corporate business clients.
#23. Customized Mug
Customized mugs are the most popular gifts in the personalized gift industry. You can start the business in two ways. You can start this from home or a retail storefront.
#24. Customized T-shirt Making
People buy customized t-shirts that give special messages. Globally, the customized t-shirt market is increasing very fast. You will need to procure a digital print machine and bare t-shirts for starting this business.
Learn More: How to Start A T-Shirt Printing Business
#25. Custom Mobile Cover Printing
The business is all about printing images on smartphone covers as per your client’s specifications. And you can operate the business entirely online from an eCommerce store. Additionally, you can operate the business from a retail location too. In that case, the startup cost will be much higher.
Learn More: How To Start Custom Mobile Cover Printing Business
#26. Designer Bindi Making
Designer bindi is an essential beauty product for the women population. And there are various types of bindis available in the market. The women population has replaced traditional kumkum with the decorative designer bindi.
#27. Designer Blouse Making
A blouse is an essential readymade garment for women. Generally, this apparel was popular in the Asia Pacific region in ancient times. And women used to wear blouses as daily wear. Nowadays, with the changing fashion style, designer blouse is increasingly popular globally. And women can drape designer blouses with sarees, lehenga, and even with some Western outfits.
#28. Designer Pillows
This is another great craft business you can start with little money. You can produce different types of designer pillows in several ways. You can use embroidery, applique, mirror work and beadwork. Additionally, different types of gorgeous printed pillows are also very popular these days.
#29. Dokra
Dokra is a special type of craft business that produces decor items, utility items, and jewelry. This is brass art. And definitely, you must have specific skills and expertise to start this business. Dokra has huge popularity in the Asia Pacific region. However, these days it has a worldwide presence.
#30. Embroidery
Embroidery is ancient needle art. And it is one of the most popular needlework for designer garment making. Additionally, embroidery is very popular in any type of decorative bag, home decor, and home furnishing industry.
Learn More: How to Start Embroidery Business
#31. Florist or Flower Arrangements
This is another craft business you can start with little capital investment. There are numerous ways you can promote this business. However, business demands skill. And you must be careful as you will handle perishable items.
#32. Gift Basket
An individual having a creative mind can initiate this business with small start-up capital. Other than domestic purposes there is also a big market for corporate gifts. The industry is ever-increasing. People always love to present a customized gift basket with a personal touch.
Learn More: How to Start a Gift Basket Business
#33. Greeting Card Making
Greeting card-making business idea is perfect for those who enjoy creativity and want to turn their creative minds into successful ventures. A greeting card is an illustrated piece of card or high-quality paper featuring an expression of friendship or another sentiment. Greeting cards are a billion-dollar industry now. People need it for plenty of reasons like birthdays, anniversaries and as well as for business reasons.
#34. Hand Painted T-shirts
This is another great craft business that you can start with a small investment. If you are an artist, you can consider this business. For creating beautiful hand-printed t-shirts you can use different types of fabric colors and brushes.
#35. Hand Painted Utilities
Hand-painted products were always very popular in the early days. Hand painting can be done on pottery, clothing, leather, jewelry, or any metal item.
#36. Iron Sculptures
Iron sculptures or metal sculptures are popular craft items. And you can make beautiful items out of scrap or nothing. Also, this item comes with indoor decoration and a patio. Generally, craftspersons use casting and assembling to prepare beautiful sculptures.
#37. Jewelry Box Making
Designer jewelry box making is one of the most profitable home-based crafts-making businesses you can start with specific inventory. In starting this manufacturing business, selecting the right product and attractive design is an important factor.
#38. Quilt Making Business
Quilting is an art that combines precision and creativity. Crafting unique quilt designs and personalized patterns can turn this traditional craft into a profitable venture. It is advisable to develop your signature style and offer customization options for clients.
#39. Junkyard Sculpture
Junkyard sculpture is a very popular product among crafts buyers. If you know the subject and love to create a sculpture with useless products, you might consider starting a business. This is one of the most profitable home-based crafts-making businesses and the margin is high.
#40. Jute Bag Making
Jute is an eco-friendly fabric. You can produce different types of jute bags with different sizes, patterns, and designs. Decorate your bags with embroidery, mirror work, or beads. Due to their higher durability, jute bags are popular among a wide range of the population.
#41. Lamp Shades
Creating lampshades is a profitable craft business. Additionally, this business demands moderate capital investment. You will need to procure different items for producing lampshades. Generally, you can use different fabrics, wood, glass, etc for preparing lampshades.
#42. Leather Handicrafts
Stuffed leather toys are the most popular items in this segment. Apart from the toys, the product range includes small furniture, home decor items, and jewelry. The leathercraft business comes with a lifestyle product.
#43. Mirror Art
Mirror art is always a popular item in the home decor industry from the early days. Other than personal use people buy mirror art for gift purposes also. It can be made by using glass, metals, jute, clothes, and many other items.
#44. Mobile Art Gallery
Starting a mobile art gallery demands a comparatively small capital investment than starting an art gallery traditionally. The business demands moderate capital investment and strategic planning. Additionally, you must have some sort of prior experience in the industry.
#45. Nursery
Nursery or lawn care business is easy to start. The business demands moderate capital investment and specific knowledge and expertise. In this business, you can address both domestic and corporate clients.
#46. Online Coloring Books
Nowadays, initiating a small online shop is not very complex. Additionally, there are several options you can explore for starting and promoting an online coloring book business. Promoting a niche online business is much easier than an online store that caters to wide categories.
#47. Online Fabric Store
Starting an online fabric shop is an easier option than a retail store. However, the business demands moderate capital investment, hard work, and strategic planning. Different types of fabrics have huge demand. Additionally, you can sell other sewing items including different threads from the same store.
#48. Photo Frame Making
The designer photo frame is itself an industry. This business requires small capital to start. Adequate knowledge of frame-making ideas is required in starting this business. You can also avail of tutorials online or in person from experts.
#49. Portrait Making
Portrait making is a profitable home-based craft-making business you can start with a small budget. If you are an artist and can create awesome portraits of anyone, you might consider starting a portrait-making business. Other than domestic demand there is always a good market for portraits for business use. You can also add portrait photography and advise people about portrait posing.
#50. Pottery
Pottery is fired ceramic wares that contain clay when formed, except for technical, structural, and refractory products. Different regional people have developed this product in many different ways. Other than home decor items pottery is often used as household utility items also.
If you like to create products with ceramics, you might consider starting this business. This product has very good market demand globally.
Learn More: How to Start a Pottery Business
#51. Resin Jewelry Making
The resin jewelry-making business is very profitable. You can learn the process and different designs online or by attending classes in person.
#52. Rubber Stamp Making
A rubber stamp is an essential item for every small and large business. It is also a consumable item for educational organizations and government offices. The required startup capital for this business is comparatively low. The manufacturing process is simple and requires simple equipment and tools.
#53. Scrapbook Making
The scrapbook is a popular item. Most people want to have one but don’t have the expertise to create one. If you are an expert in scrapbookmaking, you might consider starting a scrapbookmaking business and earning handsome money by helping others. It is also a wonderful idea for women entrepreneurs.
#54. Seashell Jewelry Making
Jewelry made of seashells is considered now a fashion apparel item. The global market for seashell jewelry is good and the demand is increasing. You can sell the jewelry from your retail store or other retail gift or jewelry stores on a wholesale basis. Seashell jewelry also can be sold online.
#55. Specialty Soap Making
Specialty soap-making business enterprise evolves from an individual’s craft hobby. The business can easily be set up and run from home and will not require much startup capital investment to get the ball rolling.
#56. Stained Glass Making
Generally, the stained glass comes with added metallic salt colors. Stained glass, as an art and a craft, requires the artistic skill to conceive an appropriate and workable design, and the engineering skills to assemble the piece.
#57. Stencil Art
Stencil graffiti is a form of art that makes use of stencils made out of paper, cardboard, or other media to create an image or text that is easily reproducible. The desired design is cut out of the selected medium and then the image is transferred to a surface through the use of spray paint or roll-on paint.
The process of stencilling involves applying paint across a stencil to form an image on a surface below. Stencil art is often used as a home decor item and gift item.
#58. Tortoise Shell Art
Generally, tortoise shells are used to create beautiful and decorative jewelry boxes. Also, you can produce earrings, bracelets, solid bangles, and necklaces. However, in starting this business, you will need to ensure the easy availability of tortoise shells.
#59. Wall Hanging
The wall hanging is a popular home decor item. Also, these are great gift items too. You can produce different types of beautiful wall hangings with different types of fabric, jute, cardboard, wood, etc. The business is easy to start.
#60. Wall Murals
Generally, murals are popular for both interior and exterior applications. Nowadays, 3D-printed murals have maximum demand. You can produce different types of murals at home and sell them through online marketplaces. Sometimes people prefer customized and innovative murals.
#61. Wind Chimes Making
There are huge ideas and different styles of wind chimes you can make at home. Wind chimes are popular home decor items and the demand is also increasing. Designer wind chimes can be made with seashells, vintage cups, different beads, stones, metals, etc.
Learn More: How to Start Wind Chimes Making Business
#62. Wine Stand
Beautifully crafted wine stands have huge demand both in developing and developed countries. You can produce different types of wine stands in different sizes, designs, and patterns. Additionally, you can use a variety of raw materials. You can use wood, aluminum, and other metals for making a wine stand.
#63. Woolens Knitting
Woolen knitting is an ancient craft business. Nowadays, several types of knitted garments are very popular. People use woolen garments in the winter season. Sell your products online marketplace like on Etsy and eBay.
64. Wooden Craft Making
Wooden craft-making business can be initiated with little investment. Different boxes, spoons, candle stands, bookshelves, sitting arrangements, toys, photo frames, jewelry, cutting boards, and so many other products can be made like a wooden craft.
65. Artisanal Bath Products
The bath and beauty industry is receptive to handmade products. Crafting artisanal bath bombs, soaps, and skincare items can find a niche market. It is advised to experiment with unique scents and ingredients.
66. Art Supplies Store
If you enjoy dealing with art and craft items and have good networking skills, an art supply store is just for you. Find out an appropriate retail space, collect art items, and there you go. Art supplies are the products that have a good retail margin also.
67. Potpourri Crafts
You can also craft scented items like potpourri, sachets, and room sprays using natural fragrances and botanicals.
How to Start a Craft Business?
Starting a craft business involves several steps to ensure that you create a unique and successful venture. Here is a guide on how to start a craft business:
Step 1: Identify Your Niche
Start with crafts you are passionate about and have skills in. Your enthusiasm will show in your work. You need to identify the demand for your chosen crafts. Look at trends and what competitors are offering.
Step 2: Develop Your Craft
Hone your craft through practice and, if necessary, additional training or workshops. Determine what sets your crafts apart. It could be a unique style, use of materials, or a specific theme.
Step 3: Create a Business Plan
Clearly outline the type of crafts you’ll create, your target market, and your business goals. Estimate startup costs, including materials, tools, and any initial marketing. Set competitive yet profitable prices.
Step 4: Legal Considerations
Choose a legal structure for your business (sole proprietorship, LLC, etc.) and register it accordingly. Check local regulations for any permits or licenses required to operate a craft business. Also, select a catchy business name for your craft business
Step 5: Set Up Your Workspace
Designate a workspace that is comfortable and suits the needs of your craft. Ensure good lighting and organization. Invest in quality tools and materials. Establish relationships with suppliers.
Step 6: Build an Online Presence
Build a professional website showcasing your crafts. Include an online store if applicable. Utilize platforms like Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook to showcase your work and engage with potential customers.
Step 7: Marketing and Branding
Develop a brand identity, including a logo and consistent branding across all platforms. Use both online and offline marketing strategies. Consider participating in craft fairs and markets.
Step 8: Set Up Sales Channels
Consider selling on online marketplaces like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or eBay. Explore local options such as craft fairs, markets, or consignment in local shops.
Step 9: Shipping and Packaging
Establish a shipping process, including reliable carriers and packaging that protects your crafts.
Step 10: Customer Service
Provide excellent customer service. Respond promptly to inquiries and address issues professionally. Encourage customer feedback to continually improve your crafts and service.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right craft business idea for me?
It is important to consider your skills, interests, and the market demand. Choose a craft that aligns with your passion and has potential customers.
Is it necessary to have formal training in crafts to start a business?
While formal training can be beneficial, it’s not mandatory. Many successful crafters are self-taught. Continuous learning and practice are key.
Can I start a craft business part-time?
Yes, many crafters start their businesses part-time. It allows you to test the market and build your brand gradually.
How do I determine pricing for my crafts?
You need to factor in the cost of materials, your time, and a reasonable profit margin. In addition, research competitors’ pricing to ensure competitiveness.
What are the best online platforms to sell handmade crafts?
Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and eBay are popular online marketplaces. Having your website is also recommended for brand control.
Are craft fairs and markets still relevant in the digital age?
Yes, physical events provide opportunities for direct customer interaction and can complement your online presence.
Should I specialize in a specific type of craft or offer a variety?
It depends on your preferences and market research. Some businesses succeed with a niche focus, while others offer a variety to appeal to a broader audience.
How can I handle custom orders and personalized requests?
Clearly outline your customization options on your website. Communicate with customers to understand their needs and provide a personalized experience.
Is it necessary to have a physical store for a craft business?
No, many craft businesses operate successfully online. A physical store can be an option as your business grows.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.