50 Handmade Business Ideas to Start

Top Handmade Business Ideas

If you’re interested in selling your original creations online or at a local craft store, a handmade business model may be right for you. Here are some business ideas to consider.

1. Jewelry Making Business

handmade business ideas

ewelry makers can offer a huge range of products, from beaded jewelry to those made with precious metals. You can start small and then grow your own jewelry line over time.

2. Fashion Designer

Start your own line of hand-sewn clothing, like dresses, tops, or entire outfits.

3. T-Shirt Designer

You could also specialize in customized t-shirts. There are many printing services you can use to print your own designs on demand or in bulk.

4. Woodworking Business

handmade business ideas

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Those skilled with woodworking tools can sell a huge array of products, from furniture to birdhouses.

5. Toy Maker

Offer handmade toys like plush animals, wood puzzles, or knit dolls.

6. Knit Goods Seller

If you’re a skilled knitter, there’s a nearly endless selection of products you can sell, including hats, scarves, blankets, and socks.

7. Print Seller

If you create any sort of original art, sell prints of your work at a low price point. You can even offer digital files that customers can print on their own.

8. Painter

However, many artists also choose to sell original versions of their work. These are generally priced higher, but can only be sold one time.

9. Custom Illustrator

Artists may also offer custom portraits or drawings that each buyer can select or change. For example, you could draw people’s pets or create cartoon versions of families.

10. Calligrapher

Calligraphers can sell signs or prints of their letters. Many also this skill as a service for things like wedding invitations.

11. Handbag Maker

Create your own line of purses and bags out of fabric, leather, or other materials.

12. Leather Goods Business

If you’re skilled at working with leather, there are a variety of products you can sell, including wallets, watch bands, and bags.

13. Scented Candle Maker

Candles are popular gifts, and can come in a huge array of scents and designs.

14. Stationery Business

Design your own greeting cards and paper products to sell. You can offer originals or create prints of your work.

15. Ornament Maker

Create your own custom holiday ornaments to offer around the Christmas season. Personalized options where customers can add a name or date tend to be especially popular.

16. Bead Maker

Make your own beads using hand-blown glass, clay, or even felt. Then sell them in bulk to other crafters.

17. Quilter

Create your own quilts or offer customizable products. You’ll need a sewing machine and lots of fabric, but these products can command high prices.

18. Basket Weaver

Weave baskets using natural materials like reeds, bamboo, and seagrass.

19. Gift Basket Service

You can also arrange various handmade products, foods, and gift items into gift baskets.

20. Screen Printing Business

Use screen printing supplies to add your own custom designs to various products, like hats, bags, and mugs.

21. Scrapbooking Business

Use scrapbooking materials to create custom pages for customers, or offer supplies they can use to make their own designs.

22. Pet Accessories Business

Pet owners are always looking for unique products for their furry friends. Offer handmade toys, outfits, or pet collars.

23. Digital Product Designer

There are a variety of digital products you can sell online, like planners, signs, or spreadsheets.

24. Sculpture Artist

Create 3D artwork out of various materials and sell it online or through local galleries.

25. Ceramics Business

handmade business ideas

If you enjoy working with clay, create unique products like bowls and mugs to sell to customers.

26. Candy Maker

There are many different candy products you can make by hand and then sell online or through local bakeries or gift shops.

27. Baker

You could also offer baked goods like cookies and pastries. They will need to be packaged fully if you plan to offer them online.

28. Landscape Photographer

Take photos of beautiful landscapes and then sell prints of your work online.

29. Graphic Designer

Use graphic design software to create digital artwork that you can sell as prints. You could also offer custom designs by working with clients one-on-one.

30. Weaving Business

Use yarn and other fibers to create woven artwork or wall hangings for customers to display in their homes.

31. Hair Accessories Shop

handmade business ideas

Make handmade hair accessories like bows and headbands. These small items can easily be packaged and shipped.

32. Dried Flower Artist

Collect flowers and leaves that you can dry or press to create one-of-a-kind artwork.

33. Mixed Media Artist

Mixed media art includes various materials combined to make one collage or piece of art.

34. Furniture Upcycling

handmade business ideas

Take old pieces of furniture and use paint, upholstery, and new materials to make them into something fun and unique.

35. Floral Designer

Create bouquets and floral designs to sell or deliver locally. Many florists also work on special events like weddings.

36. Men’s Accessories Shop

Many handmade accessory businesses focus on women’s styles. However, you could carve out a unique niche by selling men’s accessories like cuff links and watch bands.

37. Kids’ Clothing Shop

handmade business ideas

Kids’ clothing is also a popular niche that is always in demand.

38. Phone Case Business

Design unique phone cases that customers can purchase to protect and upgrade their devices.

39. Book Binder

Use board, adhesive, and heat tools to create professional-looking books or journals. If you’re a writer, you can even hand-make your very own book to sell.

40. Alterations Service

handmade business ideas

If you’re skilled with a needle and thread, offer alterations and repair services to people in your local area.

41. Studio Photographer

You can also sell photos or provide photography services in a local studio. These often include portraits of families, couples, seniors, or pets.

42. 3D Printing Business

You can print just about anything using 3D printers and various resins. Create your own digital files and then sell either the products or the designs.

43. Bath Products Shop

handmade business ideas

There are tons of bath and beauty products you can make from scratch, including bath salts, scrubs, and lotions.

44. Digital Photo Business

Many photographers also sell digital versions of their photos. You can either use stock photo sites or just sell the digital files on your own site.

45. Holiday Decor Business

For the more festive entrepreneurs, consider building a handmade business around holiday decor, making parties and supplies a main selling feature of your shop.

46. Pattern Maker

handmade business ideas

Crafters often use patterns for sewing, knitting, and crocheting products. If you make your own patterns, consider selling the digital files to other crafters.

47. Stamp and Stencil Business

Make stamps or stencils out of rubber or plastic and market them to crafters for use in their own projects.

48. Hand-Dyed Yarn Shop

You can also spin and/or dye your own yarn using wool and other fibers.

49. Fabric Supplier

handmade business ideas

Or design your own fabric or dye textiles that you can offer to others for sewing projects.

50. Craft Supply Shop

You can even combine multiple craft supplies into one shop and offer a variety to those interested in trying multiple hobbies.

CategoryHandmade Business Ideas
Jewelry & AccessoriesJewelry Making Business, Handbag Maker, Bead Maker, Men's Accessories Shop, Hair Accessories Shop, Phone Case Business
Fashion & ClothingFashion Designer, T-Shirt Designer, Kids' Clothing Shop, Alterations Service
Wood & FurnitureWoodworking Business, Furniture Upcycling
Art & IllustrationPrint Seller, Painter, Custom Illustrator, Mixed Media Artist, Sculpture Artist, Digital Photo Business, Holiday Decor Business
Writing & CalligraphyCalligrapher, Book Binder, Stamp and Stencil Business
Leather & TextilesLeather Goods Business, Knit Goods Seller, Quilter, Basket Weaver, Weaving Business, Hand-Dyed Yarn Shop, Fabric Supplier
Toys & GiftsToy Maker, Ornament Maker, Gift Basket Service
Printing & DesignScreen Printing Business, Graphic Designer, 3D Printing Business
Scented ProductsScented Candle Maker, Bath Products Shop
Stationery & Paper ProductsStationery Business, Pattern Maker, Craft Supply Shop
Food & ConfectioneryCandy Maker, Baker
PhotographyLandscape Photographer, Studio Photographer
Pets & AnimalsPet Accessories Business
Digital ProductsDigital Product Designer
Ceramics & GlassCeramics Business
Floral & BotanicalDried Flower Artist, Floral Designer

Choosing the Best Handmade Business Ideas: Our Methodology

For evaluating handmade business ideas, it’s important to consider factors that highlight the uniqueness and appeal of handcrafted products, while also ensuring viability and marketability. Here’s an overview of the key criteria and their importance scale:

  • Quality and Uniqueness of Handmade Products
    • Importance: Essential (10/10)
      The distinctiveness and high quality of the handmade products are crucial for setting the business apart.
  • Market Demand and Niche Targeting
    • Importance: High (9/10)
      Understanding the market demand, particularly in niche areas, is vital for the success of a handmade business.
  • Scalability While Maintaining Craftsmanship
    • Importance: Moderate (7/10)
      The ability to scale the business without compromising the quality and uniqueness of the handmade products.
  • Cost Efficiency and Pricing Strategy
    • Importance: High (9/10)
      Balancing the costs of production with competitive yet profitable pricing is key for sustainability.
  • Brand Building and Storytelling
    • Importance: High (9/10)
      Developing a strong brand that tells a story can significantly enhance the appeal of handmade products.
  • Online Presence and E-Commerce Viability
    • Importance: High (9/10)
      A strong online presence and e-commerce capability are essential for reaching a broader audience.
  • Supply Chain and Material Sourcing
    • Importance: High (9/10)
      Reliable sourcing of quality materials is crucial for consistent production of handmade items.
  • Marketing and Customer Engagement
    • Importance: High (9/10)
      Effective marketing strategies and customer engagement are vital for building a loyal customer base.
  • Environmental Sustainability
    • Importance: Moderate to High (8/10)
      Utilizing sustainable practices can enhance the brand’s appeal, especially in markets that value eco-friendliness.
  • Adaptability to Trends and Customer Preferences
    • Importance: Moderate (7/10)
      Being adaptable to changing market trends and customer preferences can help in staying relevant and innovative.

What is a handmade business?

A handmade business is one that sells products made by hand or designed by an independent artisan. There are tons of handmade goods that fall into this category, from furniture to prints.

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