Crafting – Frugal LA Living

Top 4 Places to Sell Handmade Items

Many people are getting in touch with their creative side during the pandemic, but what does one do with all the things they make after gifting to friends and family? Even if you don’t want to make crafting your full-time job, you can still use it as a great side hustle that’s fun and brings in a little extra money.

AMAZON HANDMADE

It probably comes as no surprise that the biggest website in the world has a pretty popular handmade section. You have to apply to sell on Amazon Handmade, but the process is pretty simple and the monthly fee is waived for handmade artisans (although they do take a 15% fee from each sale).

ETSY

The most well-known handmade marketplace, Etsy is the most popular place for artists to start selling their products. The platform is very simple to set up and the website attracts a more targeted market looking specifically for handmade items. Etsy charges for each listing on your page, as well as a transaction fee per sale. You can also market on Etsy and through Google right on the Etsy platform!

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ARTFIRE

ArtFire is similar to Etsy, but not as well known and has a little different vibe. This is a great place to sell alternative wedding-specific items, steampunk pieces, leather goods, knives, etc. Plans start at $5/month and include great seller tools!

ZIBBET

Zibbet is a little different than the pages above, as it connects to multiple sites (Etsy, Zibbet, AC Moore, and Stitch), but you only pay for the websites you use at $5 each (plus fees that the website charges, like the $0.20 listing fee on Etsy). This is a great tool to centralize and streamline your business!

Now that you know the “where”, you’re ready to start selling! Whichever platform you choose, don’t forget to check out the seller tips for super helpful info on photography, listing language, setting prices for your work, and more!

13 Fun, Easy Crafts (Kid Friendly!)

When the crafting mood strikes, for most people it can be tricky to find something you can make with what you have on hand, rather than going out to spend $50 on supplies to make something you could have bought for 1/2 the price. The vast majority of tutorials below will include supplies you already have, as well as many upcycling crafts that are good for the planet and your wallet!

I’ve made marbled paper in art class before, but never like this! The secret ingredient is something you probably already have at home, and it looks like so much fun to make! See the full tutorial here.

This lovely wind chime design is the perfect use for pretty buttons, beads, charms, and other knick knacks you have lying around. A perfect craft to make and hang in your yard!

I love this upcycling project! The possibilities are endless and it keeps usable items out of the landfill!

This cute no-sew scarf is made from upcycled t-shirts! Such an awesome way to still use a shirt that no longer fits or has a small stain.

Such a brilliant idea, this easy tutorial turns empty cans and rope into these adorable planters! These pair so well with succulents and cacti for a rustic south western look.

Another sweet, rustic craft, this charming photo album could easily be customized however you’d like! The perfect picture frames to preserve memories of family camping trips.

Another super fun way to marble on hard surfaces like ceramic, this tutorial uses nail polish to achieve the effect!

Homemade paper is such a fun craft that creates beautiful, usable products. Growing up, we also used to make paper with upcycled blue jeans!

This awesome infographic provides 4 easy sugar scrubs you can make at home for a day of pampering!

Another simple infographic for a charming craft project! For a hint of color, you can try mixing in a drop of food coloring with the Epsom salt.

This quick video will show you how to create your own one of a kind masterpiece using just paint, canvas, and tape!

Turning an old book into a journal is a great on-going craft project! If you don’t have a puncher like in this tutorial, you can easily use a drill to put holes in the cover and a regular hole punch for any papers.

Finally, a use for those glass “gems”! These jars create a surprisingly gorgeous display when lit up and are so easy to make.