These crafts make fantastic Small Businesses

Here are four creative hobbies that can go from pastime to profitable.

The demand for locally made, handcrafted items is higher than ever before, as an increasing number of Canadians look to support their local economy. This means now might be the perfect time for you to take that next step toward turning a creative pastime into a full-fledged business idea!
Most any creative craft can be turned into a viable small business, from candle making to invitation design; however, there are some hobbies that can more easily make the jump from fun hobby to financial source. Here are a few to consider:

Knitting and Sewing

Textile-based skills like sewing, knitting, crocheting, quilting, and the like can make incredibly satisfying small business ideas. Even something as simple as knowing how to hem a pair of pants can be commodified these days, when most people no longer have the time or skill to do it themselves.
Premade items can be easily sold via online storefront or at in-person craft shows. Best of all, if you already enjoy one of these crafts as an active hobby, you likely already own the required specialty tools like sewing machines, scissors and knitting needles, etc.

Candle Making

Like textile-based crafts, candle making is an age-old skill presently enjoying a return to popularity. It is relatively easy to do, affordable to start up, and the required supplies are easy to find.
To stand out from the crowd, try putting a creative spin on your candles, with new scents combinations, unusual shapes or packaging, and witty labels that turn your candles into something customers will love to display.

Jewelry Making

Jewelry making is an incredibly inclusive hobby that allows you to use the materials most accessible to your location and budget. In fact, pieces like bracelets, earrings and necklaces can be made with everything from metals and clay, to resin, wood, and even paper.
Whether this hobby becomes an offline or online sales opportunity, be sure to invest in high quality printed merchandising and shipping essentials like labels and cards.

Invitation Design

Do you enjoy making invitations and other stationery items for your family’s parties and other events? Maybe it’s to look into opening a small stationery business. All it takes in some design skill, and online store and a reliable printer or professional printing service. While there are designers who provide strictly digital invitation files, offering printed invitations that are made in, and shipped from Canada allows you to stand out from the crowd.

Getting Started

Creative businesses work well both online and offline, with printed materials being a powerful tool for both. Here are some resources that can help your business idea get off to a winning start!
Promotional Postcards - Use printed postcards to announce your business offline, to offer special, and to direct potential customers to your website or social media account.
Multi-Purpose Business Cards - are not only a powerful networking tool, but they can also be a valuable merchandising resources.
Product Labels – Add professional branding to product packaging with product labels in just the right shapes and sizes for boxes, bottles, jars, and more.
Shipping Labels – Delight customers before they even open their packages, with beautiful shipping labels.

Explore the products and professional printing services available here on avery.ca to learn more about how we can help take you from creative crafter to busy business owner!