23.12.14

Are you the crafty sort? Looking for some extra income?

Are you the crafty sort? Looking for some extra income? Try your hand at the craft shows! Most families could do with a little extra income ... thumbnail 1 summary
Are you the crafty sort? Looking for some extra income? Try your hand at the craft shows!

Most families could do with a little extra income these days. This is easier said than done, as many of us know. However, there are still a few realistic avenues left to explore. With the job market so tight, it's time to think outside the box. Why not create your own small business? One you can work right from the comfort of your own home, making your own hours?

One such opportunity exists in the craft show circuits. In a depressed economy, people are still looking for outings and entertainment. In fact, in a bad economic climate, people are looking for inexpensive ways to have some fun and buy hand made items that are both creative and don't bust the budget. If you're the artistic or crafty type, take a look at how you might use the tight economy to your advantage, making some extra income and have a lot of fun yourself.

Perhaps you have a hobby, that you've practiced for years, making gifts for family and friends. Do you knit or crochet? Raise bonsai plants? Make jewelry? Are you an amateur photographer? Maybe you're a garage sale fanatic, shopping the weekend sales for great bargains. Any of these hobbies can become a personal business, bringing in some income to offset rising expenses.

No matter how small a community you call home, there are craft shows in abundance, year around. The cost of renting a booth is nominal, usually no more than $25 for a weekend craft show. No matter what your talent, you can build up an inventory of product in your spare time at very little cost. If you follow the craft show circuits in your area, chances are good that you can sell out at each event. Your overhead is about as minimal as it can get, requiring a small investment in materials, work that you enjoy and a few weekends of selling throughout the year.

People who are artistically inclined are apt to be able to diversify their skills. For example, during the Christmas season, you can make decorations and wreaths. Crocheted or knitted caps and mittens sell well during this time. How about flower arrangements for Mother's Day? Jewelry sells well all year long. With an eye to the retro market, your garage sale finds can turn a profit. You are certainly not taking advantage of anyone. You've invested your time and savvy eye to finding what people want. The craft shows provide a venue that brings your talent to a wide audience, looking for something just a little bit different.

If you're looking for an extra source of ongoing income, put on your thinking cap and see how you might put your artistic talent to work for you. The rewards of participating in the craft shows might just fill the bill!