10 creative hobby ideas to make money in 2021
From time to time, I think of creative hobby ideas that I just need to try. I get strokes of inspiration to start a new skill… a new something or other. Nothing is more exciting than learning a new skill… and then selling your creations for some extra side cash or even to start a new business.
Crafts are particularly good on Etsy so check out this post for some top Etsy tips underused by sellers. If you need help getting started, check out these 50 great Etsy support groups!
Too often I hear people saying they’re not creative or artsy. Habitually, when we think of art, we immediately jump to the idea of precise pencil drawing or masterful acrylic painting. What about something completely different… something fresh? You never know, it could become your new, favourite pastime.
Creative Hobby Ideas:
Hobby 1: Candle Making
My Personal Favourite Creative Hobby Idea!
Candle making brings along a wide array of possibilities. From shapes, colours and scents, there are endless possibilities. You want a star shaped, red candle that smells like pine forest? You go for it.
Making candles really is a lot of fun. You could make standing candles, or even candles in an assortment of different jars. Have you seen carved candles? If not, I urge you to look that up right now – you won’t be disappointed.
This is one of my favourite creative hobby ideas… I’m currently working on new candles in the shape of human figurines!
Hobby 2: Woodcarving and pyrography
There really is a wild range of options with woodcarving. From making bowls and plates to statues and figurines, why not give it a go and see if it’s for you? It can be a really relaxing pastime. All you need is a block of wood and a knife to get started! Pyrography is where things get even more interesting. Burning pretty patterns into wood? Sign me up.
Hobby 3: Soap making
I think it’s safe to say we all like to be clean… why not try your hand at this creative hobby idea this year? Using different ingredients, different blends of natural scents or colourings, texture modifiers – soap making really could be your new thing.
Hobby 4: Mosaic making
From this list of creative hobby ideas, this one takes me back to school. I feel like many of us may have had a go at making mosaics in school… at least I did.
It was great smashing up tiles and picking pieces that looked good or fit the image I was trying to create. Slotting the pieces together like your own made up jigsaw puzzle – it was great fun. But… what if none of the pieces I have fit in the gaps? Simple. Smash more tiles.
Hobby 5: Macrame
Another Personal Favourite Creative Hobby Idea!
Who doesn’t like a bit of rope play? That didn’t sound right. But seriously, using string to tie knots into beautiful patterns is so relaxing.
You can make earrings, wall hangings, bunting to hammocks – it really is a diverse skill. Learning the different types of knots is good fun, and when you put them altogether in a piece it truly can look magical. Advice… learn the square knot first and you’re ready to go.
Hobby 6: Calligraphy & card making
Want to feel like a royal from the ages of dragons and mythical creatures? Why not try calligraphy? It is a beautiful method of writing.
Try different fonts, stroke directions, ink colour and pressure in order to get lettering that you love. You could even design a range of cards, from birthday cards to greeting cards to Christmas cards. Plus, everyone is always amazed at fancy lettering!
Have you heard of an app called Procreate? It allows you to draw anything you like, but also to practise and make beautiful calligraphy on an electronic device instead of paper. This is wonderful for anyone talented with technology who doesn’t want to use paper.
Hobby 7: Acryllic pouring
We’ve all heard of basic painting techniques using paint brushes, as well as the basic mediums such as watercolour and oils. I’m also sure you’re familiar with acrylic painting, but perhaps not acrylic pouring?
This is most definitely the messiest of the skills mentioned, but coincidentally one of the most beautiful. Mix paints together, add a medium such as PVA glue and pour that paint onto a canvas. Yes, it can be that simple with stunning results.
Hobby 8: Basket weaving
You came here looking for a unique skill… I like to believe basket weaving is one of those. By weaving pliable materials together, you can create all sorts of furniture, mats, baskets and more.
Our ancestors found basket weaving an incredibly useful skill. By weaving baskets, they could forage for food easier. The styles of furniture you can create is really unique, personalised and can be quite visually stunning.
Hobby 9: Pottery
Final Personal Favourite Creative Hobby Idea!
This is another of my personal favourites on this list of hobby ideas. This primeval yet practical skill is a beautiful way to produce a range of household items from clay. As you gain skill, you could mould vases, pots or even intricate, household decorations.
Final Creative Hobby Idea: Concrete crafts
Personally, I haven’t met many people who partake in cement crafting. It’s a shame because the results can be so beautiful.
Get some cement mix, use anything you can find as a mould, a lick of paint and bingo, you can make something. I’ve seen some stunning plant pots made out of cement… but the possibilities are limitless. Examples include: coasters, geometric planters, candle holders, bookends, jewellery holders, magnets and more.
Conclusion
2020 was a rough year. Why not take some time for yourself to explore new creative avenues? I urge you to look at this list and try one out for yourself. If you don’t like it, try another, and another, and another. One of these hobbies could bring you so much joy, and who knows, if you’re good at it why not start an Etsy shop?
If you’re interested in money, why not check out these 10 great ways you could make an extra £2000 a month, or even these 10 easy ways to save an extra £250 a month.
Let us know in the comments if you do any of these already. Or, let us know if you’ve got an even better imagination and you’re doing something completely different!