written by Jeannie Pitt
author, designer, entrepreneur

Copyright © 2012
Published by Jeannie Pitt at Smashwords
All rights reserved. No part of this material may be sold, duplicated, distributed, used on other websites, incorporated in commercial documents or products, photocopied or used for promotional purposes without written permission from the copyright holder.

101 Things to Sell Online -
Make Money Online Selling Things You Never Dreamed People Would Buy

You’ve heard the success stories of people who start selling shoelaces online and strike it rich. You might have wondered, ‘Why didn’t I think of that?’

There is no magic potion for selling online. A bit of marketing helps a great deal, but aside from that, you just have to offer a product, any product really, to someone looking to buy that product. 

This ebook will give you 101 ideas for things that you can sell online, many of which you might never have thought of. I’ve been selling online since 1997, and I’ve successfully marketed a wide range of products. My focus now is offering items that reflect my own true passions. I love nature and I love to make things.

While there are many websites online that provide individuals a way to sell handmade creations, gently used items and vintage collectibles, I never found a website that focused solely on my own areas of interest. In early 2012, I created Driftwood Mall, a marketplace where buyers and sellers can enjoy a wide range of natural and artistic supplies and handmade arts and crafts.

As a person seeking a way to generate online income, you’ll be pleased to discover a huge list of items which people are seeking to buy. Many of these items may be found right in your hometown or even your very own backyard. Likewise, if you are artistic or creative in any way, you’ll find an outlet for your unique and one-of-a-kind crafts and supplies right at Driftwood Mall.

Account signup is free, as is listing your items for sale in the marketplace. Check out the list of 101 Things to Sell Online and start gathering and creating. Sign up for a free account and open a vendor shop in the mall. I look forward to welcoming you and gazing in awe at your lovely contributions and amazing creations. 

As a related tool to Driftwood Mall, you might want to sign up at the HouseofJunque.com blog. HouseofJunque runs frequent contests offering free handmade giveaways. If you’d like to feature your product on the blog or offer a donation to be given away in the contest, contact me via the site. Offering a free giveaway can bring significant traffic and attention to your products and shop.

Disclaimer: In this ebook, I share a lot of information about looking for, collecting and selling natural materials, as well as offering handmade or edible items. There are many rules, regulations and laws concerning this type of behavior. I am not responsible for any of your choices, and I encourage you to look into any laws concerning the steps you plan to take before proceeding.

Best Regards,
Jeannie Pitt
http://www.driftwoodmall.com
http://www.houseofjunque.com

________________________________________

Following are 101 things to sell online. These ideas range from natural supplies to handmade arts and crafts. You’ll find ideas under Supplies from the Woods, Supplies By the Water, Upcycled and Recyclables, Handmade and Art, Business and Consulting, Themed Items and Parties, Edibles and Consumables, Home Décor, Woodworking, Half-finished Projects and Miscellaneous.

Supplies from the Woods

1. Pine Cones

There are all types of pine cones and spruce cones lying about on neighborhood streets, forest paths and everywhere you look. If you don’t have these lovely little gifts from nature piled up in your own backyard, you probably know someone who does. People buy all manner and size of tree cones for many special crafting projects, as well as for a food source for certain types of wild or domestic animals. 

If you have access to any type of pine cones or spruce cones, start collecting them and put them up for sale online. You’ll be surprised at the creative ways people use them.

Look for tiny pine cones, rounded spruce cones, large pine cones or any types of cones that are interesting. Make sure they are clean and in good shape. This will ensure more sales. There are various ways to clean and dry pine cones. Use Google as a research tool for discovering the best ways to do this.

2. Acorns

Many people buy acorns and acorn tops for various reasons as well. You will often find acorns that are still connected to their tops, and these are the most popular. However, you can also sell each part of the acorn separately. People buy acorn tops for use in crafting projects, and acorns without tops may be used for other various reasons. 

You may also wish to take extra time to glue acorn tops on for added product integrity, but be sure to disclose this in your product listing. There are various ways to clean and dry acorns. Use Google as a research tools for discovering the best ways to do this.

Look for patches of acorns under and around various types of oak trees. Be sure the acorns are clean and free of bugs. Collect single caps as well for a variety of listings in your shop. 

3. Tree Bark

Many different types of trees produce bark that is unique and eye-catching. The birch tree is just one type of tree that is lovely to look at and produces bark that is used for many crafting and decorating purposes. Native American people make many things from birch bark, including canoes, baskets, birdhouses and ornaments. Other bark pieces can also be used for various creations.

Look for sheets or sections of bark that are pleasing to the eye. Please don’t ever cut bark from a live tree! This is not only disrespectful (and potentially harmful) to the tree, but it is a serious violation to nature and Mother Earth. I may sound like a tree-hugger at this point, and in fact, I guess I am. I am inviting you to promote and share the beauty of nature, not to violate, exploit or damage it in any way.  

In most forests or woodsy areas, especially those that are older, you’re likely to find as many down and dying trees as live and flourishing ones. Look for those trees that are lying on the ground. It’s generally easier to remove bark from chopped or fallen trees, and you’ll be rewarded for respecting your surroundings.

Always get permission from landowners before walking into a forest and removing anything. Trespassing can get you into a lot of trouble.

4. Autumn Leaves

Autumn leaves are some of the most fun natural supplies to collect and sell. Because fall leaves only hold their beautiful colors for a small amount of time, and only in certain parts of the country, their value is heightened. As soon as leaves begin to change in the fall, get out there and start collecting. In my experience, oak and maple leaves are the most popular and beautiful, however any brightly colored leaves are likely to bring attention.

Many brides-to-be begin ordering naturally colored leaves for their weddings, sometimes up to a year in advance. Autumn-themed weddings are very popular and you might find yourself selling out of fall leaves very quickly. There are many other uses for fall leaves as well.

You may find the simplest way of preserving these leaves is simply by flattening and drying them out. They will hold their colors for quite some time, and all you’ll need to do is dry them between two pieces of cardboard or similar material. Some people enjoy coating them with resin or a decoupage type substance. There are many options here and it’s up to you which one you’ll choose.

Look for fall leaves that are beautifully colored with reds, oranges, golds and greens. Be sure they are clean and dry (dry them out if they are wet) and are without holes or other damage. Try to keep the stems, as your customers can then decide whether or not they are necessary for the project. 

You may find sorting them into general sizes is advantageous, or you can list them as assorted lots. Try maple and oak leaves to begin with, and hunt around your area for other types of beautifully colored fall leaves.

5. Green Leaves

At this point, your mind is probably beginning to open up to all sorts of new possibilities for selling online. Fall leaves are absolutely wonderful, but people also use other types of leaves for jewelry-making, crafting and art. 

Any types of leaves can be used for an unlimited number of possibilities. If you have access to interestingly-shaped or colored leaves, start collecting them. You’re likely to find it very exciting when you start to learn what wonderful items people create from leaves.

Again, collect only undamaged leaves, and try to avoid pulling them from trees in large numbers. Spread your collection over many trees, selecting only the best leaves for your lot. Better yet, collect only enough to take several good photos, and make note of the location for pre-orders.

I’ve seen wonderful pendants made from leaves, both natural and gold-dipped. There are many possibilities and the interesting leaves native to your area may not grow all over the world, therefore making them a popular selection for other locations.

6. Twigs

Selling twigs has been the most surprising of discoveries for me. Twigs of various sizes and shapes can be used in all sorts of woodworking projects and crafty creations. Think picture frames, dolls, wall art, tribal jewelry and the list goes on…

The best candidates for sales in this area are twigs from fallen or dead trees. As mentioned earlier, I discourage bothering live trees as much as possible, and it’s nearly impossible to find saleable twigs from live trees anyway. Many forest areas and chopdowns hold hundreds of thousands of dead twigs, lying on the ground, free for the taking. These twigs and sticks can be sorted into lots of varying sizes and offered for sale to artists and handicrafters.

Look for twigs with or without bark, dried, straight or bent. Some buyers will prefer smooth twigs of a certain shade of wood, while others will be looking for some character on the twigs, such as knots, bark or other characteristics. Choose whatever types of twigs interest you and it will become an even greater adventure.

7. Moss

Certain types of moss are so popular that they are even offered at many local craft stores. Spanish moss, for one, is a very popular seller. If you have certain types of attractive moss growing in and around your local area, offer it up for sale. (Here is a very good place to offer a reminder for checking into local, state and federal laws for collecting, selling and shipping plant materials.) 

Moss makes a very good material for decorating so many different types of arrangements, wreaths and wall-hangings. Moss grows from trees and on rocks in various parts of the world, and differs depending upon location, climate and other environmental factors.

8. Grasses and Buds

Many different types of grasses and tree buds are attractive and used for flower-arranging or other crafting purposes. Off the top of my head I’m thinking pussy willows, wheat, Pampas grass and Sea Oats. 

Often, these grasses can be dyed an array of wonderful colors and can be used for interior decoration to brighten up any room. There are many other uses as well.

It’s important to note that Florida, in particular, has laws against picking Sea Oats. If you live on a private beach where these laws do not apply, this may be a wonderful way to start earning money online. Likewise, other types of grasses and wheat may be legal to collect. Play around with ways to color these grasses so that you can offer your customers a wide selection.

Many types of grasses are simply weeds that grow along roadsides and in meadows. These ‘weeds’ can grow already colored in beautiful hues. Keep your eyes open along your travels.

9. Pods and Seeds

Some types of seeds or pods are interesting, unique and often used in flower arrangements or crafts. As you are walking through nature, looking for possibilities, notice the beauty of pods and certain types of seeds. 

Many pods contain seeds that can be used in crafts and jewelry-making. These can be colored or offered naturally. There are endless possibilities with this choice, and you’re likely to discover something interesting that may not yet be available for purchase. 

10. Nuts and Nutshells

Nuts and nutshells are often very unique and easy to work with. Many countries have trees unique to that area. The Tagua nut, for example, is a type of nut or seed used by many artisans for beading and jewelry-making. They are beautiful and each one is unique. 

If you live in an area with interesting nuts or nutshells, start collecting them and offer them online to craftspeople and artists. You may discover how to dye these items or you could let others take care of this after purchase. Again, the possibilities are limitless, and you may often make sales without ever finding out what your nuts and nutshells are used for.

11. Mushroom/Artist Conks

Mushrooms are available in all sorts of species and are used for many different things. Certain types of mushrooms, referred to as shelf mushrooms or artist conks are shaped in a way that makes them perfect for use as an artist’s canvas.

Shelf mushrooms usually grow outward from the sides of trees. You might find them still intact on fallen trees or growing happily 5 to 8 feet up on the side of a standing tree. These mushrooms are often securely connected, so removal may require some force. Despite this, you can usually detach them without ruining the mushroom or the tree.

Depending upon the size and beauty of the surface, artist conks are fairly valuable. Painters, carvers and those who enjoy woodburning love to use these natural beauties as their canvases. 

12. Flower Petals and Dried Herbs

Flowers and herbs are equally fun for a plethora of reasons. Creative and artistic naturalists will often see the beauty of colors and petal shapes of various plants and flowers. 

Jewelry artists use flower petals for use in making pendants, charms and other accessories. Petals can be glazed with clear substances or coated with gold or silver to give them a whole new look. Likewise, petals can be used for other kinds of art, such as mosaics, collages or cardmaking.

Dried flowers and herbs have long been used in the crafting world. There are numerous uses for these as well, and many pattern books are available for creating art with this medium. 

If you are already passionate about drying flowers or herbs, you should have no trouble finding buyers. If you adore beautiful flowers, why not try picking some pretty petals? You could sell them as is, or coat them with a glaze and drill a hole, etc. Some people prefer to do the process themselves, and others would rather buy petals ready to be attached to jewelry and other crafts.

**When flowers and plants are involved, there are all sorts of rules and regulations. Please don’t ever pick endangered plants or flowers, and check out any rules for transporting certain plant species across state and international lines before shipping.

13. Feathers

Feathers can be found in forests, in backyards and even on the beach. Feathers have always been popular for crafting and making fly-fishing lures. Any types of feathers can be used, but obviously the more colorful, the more popular.

Some birds produce feathers that are already very colorful. Please don’t harm any birds for the purposes of collecting feathers! If you happen to find interesting feathers in your travels, do pick them up. You never know who might buy them and for what purposes.

You might also look into dying feathers. Feathers that are easy to come by may be enhanced with some type of coloring process. Do some research using Google to find out the safest and most productive ways to dye feathers.

14. Claws, Quills and Other Interesting Things

Many of our ancestors are known for using each and every part of animals they have hunted and killed. Not only was meat used for meals, but skin was used to make leather, muscles for twine and talons, teeth and other parts for jewels, talismans and amulets. 

This is not a job for the squeamish. 

If you happen across a dead porcupine, you might find the quills are valuable to someone. Likewise, claws, talons, teeth, bones and other parts of many types of animals can be collected and offered for sale. (Another great place for me to remind you that I take no responsibility for your choices. Make safe choices and be reasonable. Don’t hurt animals and always wear gloves!)

You might find it interesting and amusing that many different types of animal dung (yes, poop!) are used in crafting. Dried out and formed into shapes, people have been known to make high-end pendants and jewelry from this potentially disgusting substance. Have fun with that one, and no I’m not kidding!


Supplies by the Water

15. Rocks, Pebbles and River Stones

Rocks, pebbles and river stones are used for many types of projects. The shape, size, color and type of rocks helps to determine what they may be used for.

Smooth stones and pebbles may be used for painting, while jagged rocks could be turned into a unique mosaic design. Tiny colorful stones can be used as beads or embellishments, where gemstones, crystals and agates are collected for various reasons.

You might find collectible and desirable rocks anywhere, really, but rivers and oceans generally produce smooth stones which require less work for the recipient. Many people tend to prefer smooth stones, and water helps this process greatly. 

Jagged stones, however, can certainly be tumbled and polished, and often certain types of stones can only be found inland. You might find agates, geodes and different gemstones by digging hillsides or otherwise mining in certain areas. This type of prospecting usually requires some background knowledge, but if you’re already interested, you could easily start selling your discoveries online.

16. Shells and Beachcombing

People love to collect seashells whenever they visit beaches and shorelines. Many people don’t have access to the ocean, but still love to create beach-themed projects.

It’s likely that your beaches have certain types of seashells. Some kinds may be plentiful and other kinds may be a special and rare find. Turn your passion for beachcombing into a profitable online venture.

Look for anything that you can find easily and often. This may include certain types of shells, sand dollars, starfish or shark teeth. Tiny, colorful shells may turn up in piles by the millions, or you may be able to find numerous sizes of mussel shells. You may live at a beach where an occasional large conch shell is discovered, or teeth and bones may be prevalent.

You might also find a market for shell pieces. People love to create mosaics. You might dye the shell fragments or offer them as is. Sand dollars are always popular and the occasional glass or foam buoy may also be a one-of-a-kind treat.

17. Seaglass

Seaglass is prevalent only on certain beaches around the world. It seems that beaches on rocky coasts present the most opportunity to find seaglass. If you live in one of these areas, you’ll find that your natural, original, non-manufactured seaglass is a hot commodity.

Sometimes referred to as beach glass, seaglass is made up of glass fragments, either new or very, very old, that have been in the water long enough to become smooth. Seaglass comes in all colors, mostly from old bottles and jars. Browns and greens are common, but indigo blue, lavender and light green can be much harder to find.

You will find that all shapes, sizes and bits of seaglass are popular. Beach glass can be bought at a local craft store, but you’ll find that this is not often authentic glass. Artisans generally prefer the real thing. Get your bags and buckets and go hunting for seaglass.

18. Driftwood

Driftwood is so much fun to find. This type of wood washes up on seashores and river banks after floating in the water long enough to become smooth, twisted or otherwise formed into amazing shapes and angles.

Bleached driftwood is often popular, as it has been in the sun and sand long enough to become a cool, light gray color. River and ocean driftwood that is unique can often be sold for quite a bit of money. 

Anytime you are near water, keep an eye out for interesting pieces of wood. Driftwood of all shapes and sizes, including very large all the way to very tiny, is used by many professionals and hobbyists. Taxidermists often use driftwood for their projects, as do landscape artists, interior decorators and florists. Likewise, reptile owners and pet stores often need large pieces for reptile habitats. 

Once you’ve found some eye-catching driftwood, you’ll just need some great pictures, and a way to weigh the piece for the purposes of shipping estimates. Driftwood is popular and like with seaglass, people are usually more interested in purchasing the real thing.

Upcycled and Recyclables

19. Board Game Pieces

Vintage and gently used board game pieces are all the rage for cool arts and crafts. People use these pieces for 3D collage, sculpture, hair accessories, wall art and more. Stop by your local thrift store and search for low-priced board games. 

Scrabble tiles are very popular for jewelry and hair accessories. People also use these flat-tiled letters for decorating scrapbooks, creating mosaics and personalizing many different items. Vintage is always more sought after than new, so if you can find older Scrabble games, don’t pass them by!

You might also search yard sales and friends’ attics for old Monopoly games, Life games, old chess pieces and games with marbles, tokens or people. Anything colorful and interesting is sure to catch someone’s eye.

In addition to the game pieces, some people also make great art with colorful boards. If you discover a board game with a unique board that’s eye-catching and in good shape, you might find interest for that as well, especially if it’s vintage.

20. Other Recyclable Plastics

Any interesting plastic pieces and parts can be used for arts and crafts. Yard sales, thrift stores and recycle yards are perfect places to scour for such things to sell. 

Plastic rings, plastic bottles, milk caps, inner gears, old buttons, legos and other types of plastic pieces in bulk present a fantastic opportunity to make some money. Even if you can’t figure out what these things might be used for, 9 times out of 10 you’ll find someone else who is looking for just that very thing.

One man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Keep this in mind when shopping second hand stores and eyeballing junk piles. If it’s interesting, someone is willing to buy it from you.

21. Wooden Parts

Just like recyclable plastics, wooden parts are used in making all types of handmade goodies. Since wood is often easier to work with, you’ll find that different kinds of artists are interested in your wooden recyclables. These might include people who are already accustomed to woodworking, as well as sculptors, interior designers and teachers. Wooden parts are one of the top ingredients for many crafts for children.

Look for things like clothespins, old thread spools, old blocks (plain or painted with shapes and letters), wooden beads, popsicle sticks (clean ones, of course), and the list goes one. Remember, people can buy clothespins and wooden beads anywhere, but if you find a cheap stash of vintage wood that can’t be bought in stores, you’re in business.

As with any supplies that you find to resell, you may choose to sell them as-is or do a little prep work yourself. People will buy raw materials with no questions asked, but there are many others who will pay a little extra to have some of the work done for them. 

You might drill holes, paint, dye or otherwise ‘prepare’ your wooden parts for any possible type of crafting. You might also create your listings with the raw materials and suggest to buyers that any number of these preparations can be done for an added fee.

22. Glass and Ceramic Parts

Glass and ceramic pieces and parts have many uses for artists who like to experiment with different mediums. One of the most common uses for glass parts is mosaics. Mosaics are pictures that are assembled by using smaller pieces of different types of materials. Artists who create mosaics are often very talented and require thousands of pieces in many different colors.

One of my favorite ideas for creating mosaic pieces is to buy colorful plates at thrift shops. You can often find old plates with one or two chips near the edges and pay only 25 to 50 cents each. Use a rubber mallet and some really good safety judgment to break up these plates and create a lovely collection of mosaic pieces. 

This process can really be done with any type of china or glass, and this makes a great case for recycling. Rather than dump a chipped plate into the landfill, be a part of the process of turning it into art, and make some cash in the process. 

Old ceramic tiles often make great art canvases, as well. If you come across an inexpensive box of tiles, you might not want to pass them by. Keep shipping costs in mind if you plan to sell them as-is, but if you are artistic yourself, you might paint or decorate them and offer your creations to those who love interesting and upcycled art.

23. Metal Parts

Take the tiny innards from any interesting mechanical device and you’ve got a potential sale. With the rise of the ‘steampunk’ lifestyle, you’ll find many artists who create jewelry, wall art, accessories and even clothing from gears and other metal scraps. 

Look for old watches, old clocks, small pipes, ball bearings, spent bullet casings, old typewriter keys or cash register buttons, and other metal doo-dads that can be taken apart. Collect parts and sort them or offer a lot of various shapes and sizes. Remember, this isn’t something that can be found at your local craft store. Artists who use recyclable metals may be in need of your contribution. 

Again, browse thrift shops, junkyards, recycle stations and yard sales for cheap or broken pieces that can be torn apart to make use of each piece. Art comes in many forms. You might not see the potential, but someone will. 

24. Bottle Caps

Speaking of recycled metal parts, bottle caps can be used for all sorts of arts and craft projects. People make art, mosaics and accessories from bottle caps and bottle cap images.

If you have (or can get) a large collection of real bottle caps, you could fashion those into an artistic picture, mosaic, mural or tabletop design. Bottle cap art is unusual and fascinating.

There are also companies that sell plain bottle caps for arts and crafts. People like to flip them over, insert tiny 1” images in the underside and use them in craft projects, such as hair accessories, bows, pendants and bracelets. Bottle cap images can be bought or printed at home, and you can theme these images any way you wish. 

Personalize bottle caps with names or cute sayings. Create images for your favorite ball teams. Fashion them into a charm bracelet or come up with your own creative design.

25. Computer and Techie Parts

Much like old plastic pieces and metals, computer parts are often used in the making of jewelry or sculptures. I’ve seen some really interesting necklace pendants made from pieces of a computer motherboard. There are enough ‘geeks’ in the world today who are proud of their computer savvy and intellect, and who will respond with a dropping jaw at the sight of pieces which speak to their very hearts.

If you have the skills, you might locate a collection of old computer parts and fashion these into pendant size squares yourself. (Carefully) do some cutting, drill a hole and package. Sell these pieces as ready-made charms. You can always net more income if you offer pieces already prepared for use.

In addition to motherboards, you might have luck with scratched CDs or DVDs cut into shards, old fans, keyboard keys, floppy disks, memory sticks or printer cables. Keep those obsolete computer parts out of the landfill and make some money.

26. A Side Thought

As I’m writing this I’m thinking of more and more ideas and keeping notes as they come to me. I’m not even sure how to categorize this latest lightbulb experience, so I’ll throw it in right here.

Old record albums have a ton of creative and artistic uses. Sometimes you’ll come across highly valuable Kiss, Beatles or Elvis albums, in mint condition with documentable flaws or odd release labels. For heaven’s sake get these appraised and make yourself a fortune!

As for all the other record albums that sit and collect dust on thrift shop shelves across America, these can be had for pennies on the dollar. Not only can the albums themselves be used for painting canvases, but cool album sleeves make great wall art. 

I once saw a headboard fashioned from album covers of the same music genre. Basically a rock n roll headboard made from about 10 or 12 eye-catching covers connected together and secured to the wall above the bed. That idea has never left my brain, and though I haven’t done it yet, I’m going to someday. Maybe I’ll buy your fun rock and roll album covers from your shop!

With that said, there’s probably something really cool that someone does with cassette tape cases. You just never know… open up your brain and allow those creative thoughts to jump right in. If you aren’t creative yourself, be the visionary between the items and the people who are already that creative.

27. Vintage Fabrics

Oh how fun it is to stumble across a huge stash of vintage fabric! They just don’t make designs and patterns like they used to, and with the reemergence of the ‘retro’ style, having the real thing is not only ‘groovy, man’ but it’s NOT cheap! Retro style items are expensive, and authentic retro furniture, curtains, wallpaper and clothing can easily break your piggy bank, or fill it up if you’re the lucky one on the right side of the cash register.

One of the ways that the sewing fanatics of the world get around this is by making new things with old fabric. Since it’s often difficult to find large pieces of geometrically designed fabric, sewing geniuses know how to make do with scraps. 

If you discover old fabric pieces that are nice to look at, don’t walk away empty handed. Favorite patterns include anything that remotely resembles something in-your-face from the 60s or 70s, such as geometric and bold patterns, the bigger, the better. People also like pretty, dainty flowers, interesting animal scenes or anything related to children. It takes a good eye to pick out some things which will resell, but most people can spot a vintage pattern when they see it.

Fabric scraps are fine, but make sure not to forget cool clothing with vintage patterns. Some vintage clothing will sell for a fine penny all by itself, but you might find that other pieces can be used for scraps. Since vintage designs usually show up on older clothing, look for apparel that is well-used with holes or tears. Those sewing geniuses will have a field day with the fabric.

Likewise, there are a few amazingly creative people who make clothing from old neckties. Ties with exciting patterns might not be available in bulk, and it takes quite a few ties to make a skirt or dress. Become a supplier of awesome neckties for bulk prices. If you are one of those sewing geniuses that I keep referring to, use vintage ties to make something amazing. 

Remember to never pass by old sample books, either. Fabric or even wallpaper samples can be used in a number of interesting ways. 

28. Paper and Ephemera

Speaking of wallpaper, different types of paper and ephemera are used in many very exciting upcycle projects. Since these items are very lightweight and often inexpensive, you might make an entire business out of selling cool paper and variants of it in your shop. In fact, if I sat here long enough, I bet I could come up with 101 ideas for recycled paper alone.

With paper goods, you can either sell the paper items as they are, and let the crafters do what they may, or you can work a little crafting magic yourself. Vintage paper items are collectible, but not necessarily worth so very much. Made into fun shapes, however, they become valuable little gems. 

Get some different shaped paper punches at your local craft store, and start hunting for old paper items. Favorite shapes include hearts, circles, squares, flowers, etc. 

Awesome paper and ephemera items to ‘reshape’ or cut out include old sheet music, vintage books, maps and atlases, old wallpaper, obsolete calendars, old advertisements, vintage magazines, and on goes the list.

29. Jewelry Findings, Gems and Beads

Repurposing jewelry can turn into a full-time job, and bring in more dollars than you dreamed were possible. There are millions of amazing, one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces created by artistic crafters using new and unique jewelry components. But if you already have an eye for awesomeness, you can find tons of old junk and costume jewelry, tear it apart and turn it into very valuable pieces.

Check anywhere and everywhere for old, broken and ugly jewelry. You should have no problems finding this type of thing at a very low cost; maybe even free. With a good vision/imagination, you might invent a whole new line of fabulously upcycled jewelry pieces.

If you’re a little less of a visionary, you might just start collecting old jewelry and taking it apart. Sort the pieces into beads, findings, metals, wood, glass, plastics and more. Sell the odds and ends for others who might make use of an awesome collection of once-forgotten junk.

30. Repurposed Furniture, Shelves and Other Stuff

Old furniture can be made new again with a little bit of sanding and paint. An old wooden chair that has a bit of character can be sanded and painted with bright, funky colors. Likewise, furniture can be recovered, redesigned or pieced together with other parts to make something wild and entertaining.

You can also use old shelving to make something new. Use an old spice rack for a craft or jewelry shelf, turn a vintage end table into a plush pet hideaway or gut out a banged up guitar to make a shelf or wall art.

Use old book covers as a headboard decoration, use fancy vintage doorknobs as cabinet pulls or dress up a bathroom decorated toilet paper rolls as garland. At this rate, you’ll never throw another thing in the garbage!

31. Recycled Art

Anything can be recycled into art. If you don’t believe me, check out the Pinterest website for inspiration. You can take any number of the things listed above or whatever flips your fancy, and turn it into unique, one-of-a-kind artistic creations.

For example, you can use colored or painted plastic bottles to make a garden fence. You can recycle chip bags and candy wrappers into fun and colorful purses and accessories. You can use milk jugs as bird feeders, toilet paper rolls for garland and old silverware as jewelry. 

Recycled art has unlimited possibilities. Before you throw anything away, take a look and see what kind of valuable artistic delights might be there.

Handmade and Art

32. ACEO (Art Cards, Editions and Originals)

ACEOs have become a popular way for artists of all kinds to sell and trade creativity.  These tiny, collectible art pieces are done on playing card sized paper or canvas, 2.5 x 3.5 inches. 

While many ACEOs are miniature paintings, mixed media artists have used all types of talent to create amazing work. These mini wonders are often original and one-of-a-kind, but the more popular artists also offer prints. They can be framed, or not, depending upon the value.

Try your hand at miniature art by creating an ACEO. Paint, sketch, draw, color, collage, 3D, graffiti… you name it. It all makes for cool ACEOs.

33. Digital Art

If you know how to use Photoshop, you can create some very cool digital art. Play around with Photoshop, or similar programs like Gimp (which is free) to create an artist niche worthy of signing your name to.

Suggestions for digital creations include fractal art, bottle cap images, ACEOs, collage, abstract, photo manipulation and more. 

34. Illustrations

If you can draw, whether by hand or on the computer, there are many outlets to sell your work. Sell originals or prints of your drawings for wall art or save your designs to have printed on T-shirts, bags or other wearables.

The possibilities are unlimited. Design clip art, sketch graphics, draw tattoo flash. Open up your mind to the vast number of ways to cash in on your talent.

35. Music

With copyright laws securely in place, many people are searching high and low for music to be used royalty free on websites, in recordings and for video marketing. Likewise, people’s music tastes are expanding and music, by definition, is transforming.

Create music and put it up for sale. If you already know how to use all that fancy recording equipment, get to it and let loose. You might also dabble with free software, like NanoStudio, that can be easily found online. Create entire albums in your favorite music genre, or simulate a collection of sounds that are sought after for people’s online and corporate needs.

36. Paintings

You don’t have to be a famous artist to paint. And you don’t have to paint on canvas with an easel and palette. Art, craft and hobby stores sell all manner of paint for all manner of ‘canvases’. 

Paint on things that people don’t expect to be painted. Purchase used leather jackets at thrift shops or consignment stores, and add a touch of graffiti or tattoo flash with permanent paint pens. Paint on rocks, sticks, shells or driftwood. Paint on decals with waterproof paint, and offer to add them to vehicles. If you have talent, there’s an untapped niche just waiting for your skills.

37. Photography

Much like with illustration or music clips, the world of photography has changed as well. The days of needing an entire studio with high-tech equipment are gone. (Well, maybe not for the really professional people, but for the rest of us looking to make a few hundred bucks a day online, we don’t have to go that far!)

If you’ve got an eye for inspiration and a halfway decent digital camera, you’ve got a market. All types of photos sell online for many different reasons. There will always be people who appreciate a lovely, framed photograph of a sunset or a beautiful garden, but if you can get weird, you’ll develop a following a hundred miles long.

Ever seen that picture of different doors in New York? What about hippie bus photos or pictures of oddly-dressed people?

Take something you love and spin it in an unexpected direction. Make a habit of searching out the unfamiliar or manipulating the normal to create photographed art.

38. Prints

Following right along nicely after photography, you can make so much more money by having prints made of your original art or photos. Whether you are a painter, photographer, mixed media or digital artist, find a way to create prints of your work.

The beauty of selling prints is that you can sell more than one for having done the majority of work only once, in the beginning. It’s like residual income. You can even limit the number of prints, because limited-edition work creates extra perceived value. 

39. Sculptures

As with so many different forms of art these days, you don’t need to have titles or art degrees to make sculptures that people will buy. Sculptures can be made with many different materials and in many different ways.

Some of my favorite sculptures are those that feature recyclable materials. You might have seen those adorable dogs made from scrap metals for sale in craft stores around the country. My dad was making those, along with cows from 50-gallon drums, way before they became mass-produced for people’s lawns.

People make sculptures from watch parts, bottle caps, soda cans, matchbox cars, and again the list is only limited by your imagination. 

If you enjoy making sculptures, you’ve no doubt already discovered that you’re artistic. Why not try to sell some of your art? People love interesting and unique things.

40. Accessories

Wearable art is also all the rage right now. The term ‘accessories’ includes anything that a person would wear that isn’t considered clothing. Think hats, headbands, sunglasses, belts, wearable charms, ties, gloves, etc.

These items can be made in a number of different ways, depending on your talents. If you’re good at sewing and have heaps of fabric in the garage, why not make some interesting accessories? You could also crochet, bead or paint these types of items, and my favorites, of course, are accessories made with upcycled clothing.

Try taking old clothing and repurposing it into something else. Make gloves or arm warmers, leg warmers, headbands, scarves or whatever from old jeans, old sweaters, old ties, etc. 

41. Bags and Purses

Women love bags and purses, especially when they are unique and colorful. Purses not only hold things that are near and dear to our hearts, but they also make a fashion statement. They say, ‘This is me. I am colorful. I am unique.’ 

There are hundreds of ways to make purses, too. They can be sewn with upcycled materials, like an old pair of pants, or from vintage fabric. Purses can also be made from candy wrappers, chip bags, old books or plastic canvas. Again there are tons of possibilities.

You can get so many inspirational ideas by searching online. The next time you visit your local thrift store, you’ll find so many things that can be made into a cool purse.

42. Hair Accessories

While hair accessories do fall into the category of ‘accessories’, they deserve their own section for two reasons. First, they have become a very popular fashion statement lately, even more so than in recent years. Secondly, there are so many different types of hair accessories that make very good sales online.

Feather extensions are HOT right now. If you can discover new and unique ways to create feather hair extensions, you’ll be sitting on a gold mine. Even if you recreate an idea that’s already out there, you’ll still do well. For as many people who are making feather extensions, there are more people looking to buy them.

Bows are also very popular, especially for little girls. People make bows for special occasions and for everyday wear. Bows can be made from many different materials, and decorated with just as many embellishments. Crochet flowers, use bottle caps with fun images or attach feathers to a bow. 

Hippie and vintage style is also very popular right now. If you can find a way to recreate an authentic hippie look with headbands, flowers or beads, you’re bound to get sales. 

43. Hats

Hats seem to go in and out of fashion, but right now they are hot. Not only for special occasions, but many people wear hats on a daily basis. Hats serve several purposes, including keeping your head warm, showing off your favorite team/logo or thought, or offering a fashion statement.

Hats come in all styles and can be worn by anyone. If you make things from yarn, fabric or felt, you’re in business. Come up with a hat idea and market it in your shop. Some of my favorites include crocheted elf hats and animal hats with the ears that pop up on top of your head. You can also make hats for weddings with lace and mesh cloth. 

Bandanas and head wraps are popular with people of who possess a particular type of style. Print your own bandanas or make fun headwarmers or headbands out of many different types of material.

44. Jewelry

This is another category that could be broken down into at least 101 different things. Not only can existing jewelry be repurposed, but you can make many different kinds of jewelry with all kinds of materials.

Use clay, fabric, feathers, beads, yarn or floss to make rings, bracelets, necklaces and pendants, anklets, rings and more. Get creative. Whatever you’re good at and passionate about is where you should begin. 

Long and bold earrings are back in style. Gauged earrings are also hot. Rings and bracelets never go out of style, and if you can make something unique and eye-catching, you’ll find people buying you out faster than you can make them.

45. Shoes

Now, you might be thinking, ‘How in the world can I make shoes?’ If you know how to make shoes, that’s super cool. But what’s even more fun is painting on existing shoes.

If you’re artistic with drawing or painting, or you can afford equipment that can print designs on shoes, you’ll get lots of customers. ‘Custom kicks’, as they are affectionately called, are very popular. All types of canvas shoes can be decorated in so many ways. Draw pictures or colorful designs to attract different people who love unique and exciting shoes. 

Shoes can also be dyed for special events or repurposed into other kinds of art. Get out of the box and let your imagination run – pun intended.

46. Socks

Socks are fun, too. Many people only wear unique and colorful socks because beige is just no fun! You can either make socks from yarn or similar materials, or you can make sock art.

Crochet striped knee socks or repurpose old socks into puppets. You can find socks cheap at yard sales and thrift stores. Get creative and make something different to sell in your shop.

47. Slippers

It’s hard to find slippers in the big department stores that will fit well with a vibrant personality. Fuzzy slippers are about as wild as it gets. Since slippers are warm and also worn as a fashion statement, find ways to create something that solves both of those voids.

Make slippers with your favorite materials, sole them if you know how, and decorate them in unique and interesting ways. You can get ideas online or find existing patterns and change them to add your unique flavor. Slippers are worn by people of all ages, so make pairs that will appeal to each age group and style type.

48. Dolls

Dolls have always been a favorite for girls of all ages. Dolls tend to have their own personalities, often assigned by us, and they help us to see ourselves in new ways. When some of us think of dolls, we may think of the traditional dolls like Barbie or collectible porcelain dolls adorned with beautiful Victorian dresses.

With so many people discovering their inherent creativity, the dolls category takes on a whole new meaning. You can use yarn, fabric or recycled toilet paper rolls. Dolls can be tiny or huge, depending upon the intended use. 

Create your own fairies, goddess dolls or gothic dolls. Think up a new idea that isn’t being done, or get inspired by dolls already for sale online and add your own creative spin. Make dolls that carry a message or just create them because they are lovely. If you love them, many other people will, too.

49. Toys

Toys are great because they, too, can be loved by kids and adults alike. Here again there are a million possibilities, so look around and get inspired. Choose the type of crafting you are most passionate about and figure out how to make some toys.

You can make original toys or reproduce popular toys in a new way. You can also repurpose old, vintage or gently used toys and use them in different and exciting ways. Decide whether you’d like to sell baby toys, kids’ toys or toys that appeal to adults, collectible toys for display or durable toys that can be safely thrown around the house or yard. These are all ideas for your next venture. Narrow it down, pull out the scrap bin and get to work.

If you’re good with papier mache, you might find a huge market for recreating toys that are nearly long-forgotten.

Along the lines of repurposing, you might scavenge yard sales or thrift stores to find beat up toys that were highly popular years ago. Salvage the good parts and use them in another project, such as jewelry, wall art or supplies. 

50. Crochet and Knitting

If you love to knit and crochet, no doubt you’ve already had several ideas up to this point. Working with yarn is becoming more popular, and buyers now realize the value behind these unique works of art. 20 years ago you couldn’t get $10 for a crocheted blanket at a local Church bazaar, but now people gladly pay $100 or more for a well-done, uniquely beautiful work of yarn art. 

All types of knit and crocheted items are popular now. You could make clothing, accessories, home décor or jewelry. Discover vintage patterns and recreate highly popular fashion of days gone by. Hippie, boho and gypsy fashion is in style right now, and people make and enjoy all manner of colorful, trendy, fashionable and interesting items made with yarn.

Keep in mind that there are also millions of other people who make things. If you’re not into spending hours and hours on a huge project, make small items as supplies for other crafters. People possess different sorts of talent. If you love to crochet, make granny squares, appliques or lace borders to offer as supplies for people who might be more inclined to ‘finish the job’. 

51. Clothing

Fashion has expanded over the years to include unique and one-of-a-kind items that aren’t found on the racks at your local department store. People enjoy wearing clothes that make a statement about their personalities.

You can make clothing from scratch with yarn, fabric and other fun materials. You can also repurpose second-hand clothing by adding to, removing from or piecing together multiple pieces.

Make skirts from old ties, cut up jeans and add cool patches, flairs, colored bell-bottoms, or use old sweaters to make arm warmers. What’s your favorite idea?


52. Appliques

Embellishments and appliques are used by crafters of all kinds to dress up their own items and add a little pizazz. You can make appliques and patches in any number of ways. These are added to hair bows, sweaters, afghans, jeans, purses, jewelry and more.

If you know how to crochet little flowers, sew cool images or make beaded pictures, you can start a business selling appliques. The great news is this type of item can be made quickly and easily, and you can sell them for a pretty decent price.

53. Mobiles

Mobiles are fun for people of all ages. This phenomenon seems like it was most popular starting with babies and children’s rooms, but it has expanded into its own art form.

Kid’s mobiles can be made with colorful and bright shapes, plush toys, ribbons and yarn. People also love photo mobiles or any themed items you can put together nicely (or even not so nicely). If it looks cool and it’s eccentric, you’re almost sure to find someone who wants to add it to their collection. 

Mobiles can be crafted from yarn, wire, beads, recycled items and more. Command the popular lifestyle themes of the now with collage mobiles, gothic decorations or upcycled art. One-of-a-kind pieces are also in special demand. 

54. Patterns

Offering patterns is also big business. Keep in mind that you can never, ever resell someone else’s pattern as your own, but if you’re really creative, you can come up with your own PDF patterns and sell them time and time again. 

If you’ve got a unique creation that you’ve invented yourself, whether it’s with yarn, beading, felt, paint, wood, papier mache or fabric, turn it into a pattern you can sell. Type out a document with step-by-step instructions and a few pictures, making sure to carefully and clearly detail every step of the process. Explain your copyrights, too. For example, let people know that they cannot resell your patterns, but they can (or cannot) sell the items crafted from the pattern.

You may also be able to resell old or vintage patterns discovered during your second-hand shopping trips. Take this a step further and find out about public domain with older patterns and reprint/repurpose those patterns for which you can gain rights to resell. If you find a lot of amazing vintage patterns that people can no longer find, you’ve got a goldmine.

55. Tutorials

Very much like patterns, tutorials are a hot commodity. A tutorial is a more in-depth explanation of a process; more like a how-to. Tutorials are often done in video format, giving the viewer a visual of how to complete the task at hand.

Tutorials are popular for projects that may be difficult to explain on paper. You can create tutorials for any manner of things. Figure out something you know how to do well and create a how-to video, set of CDs or collection of documents. Offer it on a website or link it into an email once a purchase is made.

The biggest thing to keep in mind here is that you don’t have to have secret knowledge that no one else knows about to successfully sell a tutorial. When you’re really good at something, you might suspect that everyone else has the same talent. This is not the case. Think about something you do that your friends and family rave about. Maybe you make the best tuna sandwiches in the world, or maybe you’re a master at organizing a closet space. Whatever it is, it’s a gift and you could profit by sharing that gift with others.

Business and Consulting

56. Advice and Readings

If you’re knowledgeable in a certain area, or you have personal gifts that you can share with the world, you can develop a business around personal readings or advice.

Whether it’s astrology, psychic intuition or a traumatic situation that you’ve grown and strengthened from, you can offer people advice for money. 

If you’ve got friends who always come to you for advice on a certain subject, start up a consulting business and offer people one hour of your time. This can be done for business, home improvement, marketing, emotional traumas or anything else you can think of.

57. Business Cards and Printables

If you’ve got a good printer and a great eye for design, you could create business cards, brochures, flyers or catalogs. While online business is where most of us are at now, people still need printed materials to include in packaging or to pass out in their local areas.

Come up with a few amazing designs and personalize these items for people who require them. Many people don’t have the time or know-how to create cool business cards. Price them right and you could get new customers and repeat business regularly.

If you’re serious about this endeavor, you’ll need a decent printer. As for business cards, you can buy cardstock in bulk at a local paper company. Have it cut for a small fee at a Kinko’s or other copy/fax/print shop.

58. Article Marketing, Writing for Websites

If you have a knack for writing, so many business owners could benefit from your talents. Search engines can only list a few of the best websites at the top of the listings. They determine which sites are the best by certain influential factors. One of those factors is content that is helpful, informative and popular.

If an Internet user browses and finds an article that catches his or her interest, it will be shared, forwarded and linked to all over social media sites. Those who have an online business who wish to get more traffic to their sites can really benefit from a packet of related articles that can be posted to blogs, article sites and their own website news section.

If you already know about Search Engine Optimization tactics, or you have the capacity to learn, you can earn an excellent living writing articles. Practice your art by submitting some of your articles to online writing sites, then offer packages to current business owners. You can be paid handsomely for well-written articles and blog posts.

59. Logo Design

Logos are big business for many people online. Designing a logo takes a special sort of talent and some software know-how. If you are good at creating graphics, you can make a fortune this way, too. 

Many of the online shops (including Driftwood Mall) offer an easy way for shop-owners to further personalize their shop pages with a logo. Likewise, banners are often used to advertise the shop and products as well. Shops with a professional banner and image are more likely to get business, as people have more trust for a shop with a good-looking, well-written profile page. 

Design some logos and banners to show people what you’re capable of. Then accept custom orders for a fee. You might get so many orders you’ll have to train friends in the art of logo design.

60. Web Design

At this point in time, it’s almost more cost-effective and faster for a business or individual to get products online using a shop that’s already established. With so much competition, building a website from scratch may not be the best solution anymore.

But…

For people who sell handmade goods, arts and crafts online, a blog can be extremely beneficial. Likewise, there are other people who still require a website to help advertise their type of business. And designing a website isn’t for everyone.

If you have the skills to create websites or blogs, you can offer this service for pay. Choose a niche that you’re passionate about and design an example website or Wordpress blog. Offer to create websites for people and watch the payments come flying into your account.

61. Online Sales Consulting

If you’ve experienced success at online selling, you have an opportunity to package up what you know and sell that information. Share tips, tricks and secrets to a booming online business and people will flock to buy that treasure.

Information is big business anyway, and when you can sell something that will actually help people, you’ll get rave reviews. They’ll share with their friends and so the snowball begins to grow.

Offer packages of information via video, articles, CDS or teleseminars. Train people exactly how to put their products online, use social media tools to spread the word and fulfill orders on a timely basis.

62. Social Media Tips and Tricks

One of the tricks to gaining online sales is acquiring a loyal following on the popular social media sites, like Facebook and Pinterest. Facebook has some cool apps that allow business owners to gain even more popularity to pages and groups.

If you know these tricks, offer to design Facebook group pages or work with apps. Explain to potential clients the benefit of having a FB group or entry page offering free product or contest entries. You can get paid handsomely for boosting traffic to a brand or website.

Themed Items and Parties

63. Personalized Products

People have always been drawn to personalized items. Somehow seeing our own name imprinted on something makes us feel special. Likewise, having an inscription, slogan or event message written on a special item is a constant reminder of that business, event or circumstance.

If you have the equipment or talent to personalize items, you can boost your sales in a big way. Choose a niche to market to, such as brides, children or businesses. Offer to engrave, paint or otherwise permanently inscribe names, dates, messages or logos on shirts, rocks, toast glasses, bracelets or party favors. 

64. Weddings and Brides

A lot of time and effort goes into a fabulous wedding. This is a bride’s special day and there are so many things to consider. If you have party planning experience or enjoy being a part of the wedding culture, offer wedding-themed services or products.

There are almost a million ways to approach a wedding theme. You could make decorations, create hairpieces, design invitations, dye shoes, make up guest favors or offer bridal consulting. 

Figure out where your best talents lie and approach the wedding from that angle. Brides-to-be will be relieved to pay you to help them with one aspect of their weddings.

65. Baby Showers

Everyone loves a baby shower, and there are many fun ways to make a new mom’s baby shower the best one ever. 

Very much like with weddings, you can help to plan out a baby shower, or simply offer a baby-shower themed line of products. Diaper cakes are one of the most exciting things I’ve seen recently. You can create unique baby shower games, make one-of-a-kind gifts or help offer suggestions for party planning.

66. Retirement

Retirement parties have taken on a whole new spin in recent years. Retirement themed gifts span a huge array from comical t-shirts to useful items that will benefit someone who has earned the right to stop working.

Pour your creativity and artistic flair into creating products themed for retired persons. It’s a celebratory event that deserves presents and attention. People will love to buy your unique retirement gifts for their friends and family who have achieved this honor.

67. Kids Room

Lots of people like to get really creative with their kids’ rooms. Themed rooms include special paint designs, decals, light switch covers, personalized toy boxes, mobiles, pillows, blankets and so much more.

If you love kids and have a special talent, center your efforts around a kids theme. Trains, dinosaurs, princesses and cars are always big hits. Create any number of themed items that appeal to people who want to complete their kids’ rooms in exciting and colorful ways.

68. Party Favors

Party favors are popular for birthdays, weddings and other parties. It’s always nice to offer guests a goodie bag full of interesting things. With the increasing popularity of handmade items ‘from the heart’, you’ll find it easy to sell party favors to the party planners of the world.

Examples of party favors would depend on the event, but you could make trinkets, collect unique items from outside, crochet flowers or paint on small rocks. There are always so many possibilities when your mind’s wheels begin to turn.

69. Inspirational

Inspirational items are always a popular choice for those of us who love to wonder, dream and uplift. Short sayings like ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ and ‘Dream Big’ always make collectible items a bit more special.

Inspirational sayings can be put on clothing, sewn into blankets, etched on stones or painted into wall art. Help spread love, compassion and peace by sharing your uplifting thoughts and creations with the world.

Some very popular inspirational items of today include word rocks, wall signs, note cards, charms and car decals. You can make any number of these things by painting, printing, engraving or piecing together colorful mosaics. 

70. Period Themed Items

Periods throughout history have left us with some very cool trends, fashion and creative ideas. Many people today love to wear fashions that have nearly been left behind, both for everyday purposes, as well as festivals, gatherings and themed parties.

Find a historical theme that appeals to you and research how people are incorporating designs and lifestyles from that period. Hippie, goth, bohemian and renaissance are all popular choices. Modern hippies love to wear colorful and bold prints, as well as lots of flowers, fringes and hair accessories. Renaissance Faires all over the world are attended by people who love to dress up in costumes from those periods.

You might create capes, footwear, hooded jackets, wands, canes, eyewear, banners or flags. Just Google it and get tons of inspiration for the historical period that interests you.

71. Pet Themed

Pets are like people and most pet owners are keenly aware of the personal relationships we form with our pets. Getting involved in the pet industry opens up many avenues of possible profit.

You can begin with traditional pet items such as handmade leashes and collars or doggie jackets for cold days. Hand-weave food mats, sew bedding or dog cushions or create a non-toxic, but durable chew toys.

You might also be interested in creating adorable hair bows and dog jewelry for those pups who might have once been (or are even now considered) royalty. Dogs of all sizes may appreciate shoes to protect their precious feet. Dog shoes are now popular for both fashion and sporting. 

Let’s not forget our feline friends, as well as reptiles, birds, fish and other pets. Open your imagination to all the possibilities. Dress up fish tanks, create affordable but non-toxic bird accessories, fashion driftwood for reptile cages or make something lovely for finicky cats.

Edibles and Consumables

72. Baked Goods

Before I begin giving ideas for baked goods that can be sold online, first I must tell you that there are guidelines for selling anything edible. Please be aware that you must carefully research any FDA, local, state or federal guidelines for selling food or edibles, just to make sure you’re legal.

Once you have acquired any necessary legal paperwork and licensing, you are free to make all manner of edibles and goodies to sell online. If you’re a whiz in the kitchen, you can whip up fun dessert items, healthy snacks or ingredient sets for those cooks who love DIY cooking.

Make fudge, cookies, brownies or candies. Sell health bars or organic dried fruit and nut mixes. You can even dress up fancy jars and fill them with ingredients for healthy soup mixes, cake mixes or anything fun that is able to be legally and safely shipped.

73. Bath and Beauty

With the boost in awareness of healthy alternatives for both food and beauty products, many people are turning to organic and natural bath and beauty products such as soaps, lotions, makeup and skincare products.

All it takes is a bit of research to find out what ingredients are useful in reversing or preventing any number of conditions or ailments. Likewise, some nutrients and herbal remedies can increase skin, hair and overall health.

Mineral makeup has become very popular, as have herbal lotions containing only natural ingredients. If you have access to natural herbs, vitamins or essences, include these ingredients in your own bath and beauty creations. 

Please remember to check your local, state and federal guidelines for making and selling these types of products.

74. Tea

Herbal and flavored teas are very popular and an excellent beverage of choice for those who are more health-conscious. As with all edibles and consumables, do your research if you elect to sell tea online.

Different mixtures of herbs and flavorings can make some very good-tasting and healthful teas. Feel better, increase health and get back to your ancestral roots with certain types of tea. 

Make different teas available with your own ingredients and branding. Home-made or home-brewed tea can become a very popular item in your online store.

75. Herbs

Organic herbs are popular for a number of different uses. Herbs can often be purchased locally, but a growing number of people are interested in purchasing herbs that are entirely organic. As long as you follow a few rules and guidelines, you can sell completely organic herbs for people who love to make and even sell their own herbal products.

You can sell herbs to people who make their own teas, their own herbal remedies or people who create art with dried herbs. If you love to grow herbs, raise the bar and begin a production process for resale.

76. Jams

Jams are a popular favorite for many family meals and gatherings. Since jams and jellies can be flavored in many ways, this could become a popular sales outlet for you. 

Again, keeping with laws and regulations, you can make different flavored relish, toppings or jellies for resale. Experiment with different flavors and ingredients for unique types of condiments sold only by you. Your jam business will no doubt grow like wildfire when word of mouth begins to spread. Make yummy, healthy and organic jams to start off your online earning with a bang.

77. Pet Treats

As people begin to understand the health benefits of eating natural and organic foods, they realize that their pets will benefit from raw and natural ingredients as well. 

100% organic pet treats are a big hit online. Use a pet’s favorite ingredients, such as peanut butter or natural chicken flavoring, and form your cookies and treats into dog-friendly shapes to win dog-loving hearts the world over. 

Promote the health benefits to pet owners and keep your prices reasonable. Just like with any interesting option for new ways to improve your lifestyle, pet owners will come back to you and your organic pet treat shop again and again.

78. Plants

If you have a green thumb and own some interesting plants, why not take cuttings and develop a little greenhouse production for resale?

Many types of succulents and other plants aren’t available at a local greenhouse. If you know exactly how to take care of your plants and can provide cuttings, clippings and great instructions on how to care for these little, lively friends, make a business of selling them to customers who might be interested.

Succulents can often easily be clipped and re-rooted after a few days. Likewise, miniature trees, such as bonsai, are a big hit with many appreciators of arts, plants and nature. If you have plants that can be separated and mass-grown, start a business selling these seedlings or cuttings to interested buyers.

79. Seeds

Selling seeds may be a popular online business, especially if you can guarantee the organic nature and provide a customer-friendly operation. Seeds can be sold for growing more plants, using as ingredients in recipes or eating as a natural and healthy snack.

Remember, when selling edibles, you must first acquire the proper licensing and clearance. Seeds, however, can be used as art and craft supplies, in organic beauty products or to start exciting and unusual plants.

If you have access to natural and organic seeds for any purpose, you’ll probably find quite a bit of luck making money online.

80. Recipes

For those kitchen nuts out there who have been using family secrets in recipes for years, you’ve got a unique opportunity to make some money online.

Create recipes for sale online. The best way to go about this is to make a dish, carefully record all the steps from beginning to end, and take a professional photograph of the end result. People love photos, and if you can make your potential customers’ mouths water over an image, you’ve got a sale for sure.

There are millions of recipes online for free, so you’ll want to keep your prices low, but make your case by revealing that long-standing family secret ingredient or whipping up your own unique dish. 

The great thing about selling recipes is that you’ll only have to do a bit of upfront work and you can sell your recipe to interested up-and-coming chefs over and over again.

81. Spices

Spices, like herbs, can be sold for many different reasons. To ensure your success, you’ll want to be able to prove that your ingredients are 100% organic, or that your customers can expect a full-flavored product that is unique and tasty.

Offer the spices themselves, or offer recipes for DIY spices. Come up with something entirely new to the tastebuds, or add your own flair to a tried and true standby. Mix and match or dress up regular spices into sets that people can’t resist adding to their kitchen décor.

82. Candles

People have been making their own candles for many, many years and this trend doesn’t seem to ever decrease in popularity. Now, with trend for all things organic and natural, you’ve got an opportunity to pour your loving creativity into every candle you make. 

Candles can be decorated, dressed up or made with natural ingredients. Create your own aromas for those who swear by aromatherapy, or make candles from recycled materials, such as crayons. 

Unique looking or smelling candles are a big hit. Find your unique sense of creativity and create a candle business.

83. Food Art

Art with food is becoming popular, as people begin to unleash their creative powers into the world. I’ve seen some amazing pictures created with coffee or tea. 

I’ve also seen Jesus burned into a grilled cheese sandwich.

In fact, someone took the Jesus grilled cheese idea and turned that into a huge business opportunity by making an instrument that decorated toasted bread with several different popular designs. Such a great idea…

So any sort of art with food is always eye-catching and a fun idea for parties or get-togethers. If you’ve got food art ideas, you might either make the foods and sell them, use foods to design art or wall-hangings, or come up with a set of food art recipes to share with your customers.

Food coloring may also come in handy in your art and craft projects. Use food coloring to dye seashell pieces for mosaic supplies or to turn other foods into crazy and unexpected, but edible colors.

Home Décor

84. Frames

Picture frames have always been a popular gift idea for family and friends. You can make and sell your own unique picture frames for a profit.

There are many ways to create unique gift-worthy picture frames from all types of materials. You can either purchase cheap picture frames at your local craft or department store (or even thrift stores, for an even bigger discount) and decorate them or personalize them for your customers.

You can also create picture frames from craft supplies or natural items. Use driftwood, seashells, vines, dried flowers, beads or leaves to make one-of-a-kind art. 

85. Lamps

Lamps are an interesting and functional ways to dress up a home and light up a room with a bit of personality.

I’ve seen some gorgeous lamps created with driftwood, deer antlers or stones. If you know a bit about lighting, or can research online and safely wire a lamp, you can sell these unique beauties online.

If the lighting portion doesn’t suit your interests, you can find lampshades to redecorate and repurpose as well. Paint interesting designs on a cheap, white lampshade, or decorate with decoupage, leaves, string art or dyes.

86. Magnets

Magnets and magnet sets are another great gift idea, and they are fun and often inexpensive to make. You can use clear glass beads and decorate the backsides with painting, magazine cutouts or printed pictures.

You can also make personalized magnets or create sets or art magnets with map locations (from cut up atlases) or appeal to old-time game fanatics with old board game pieces.

Fashion magnets from clay, use tiny utensils, parts from second-hand mechanisms or old bottles. Anything small and interesting can be turned into a cool magnet, and if it’s one-of-a-kind, you’re sure to find a buyer right away.

87. Pillows

Pillows are a favorite snuggle item for people of all ages. A few years ago, I made pillows and sold them at a local flea market. Believe it or not, we could make up to $1,000 in a weekend for selling pillows at $5 each. Unique, colorful and fun pillows are big business.

Since people are more inclined to buy handmade these days, you’re in business with your fun pillow ideas. Personalize, use fabric to appeal to the younger generation or decorate hippie, funky, colorful and oddly-shaped pillows for the bohemian crowd.

Decorate pre-bought pillows with your own unique style and flair using beads, appliques, fabrics or fabric paint. So many possibilities.

88. Pottery

If you’re into pottery or ceramics, you’ve probably already made hundreds of cool bowls, vases or figurines. You may think this is a lost art, but high-end artists are making a lot of money from their pottery.

Likewise, authentic pottery sold from some third-world countries is changing many lifestyles on our planet.

If you like pottery and ceramics, get inspired and make something unique. You never know what types of art collectors are out there ready to pay top-dollar for something they’ve never seen before. Think outside the ‘bowl’ and design your own eye-catching pieces for sale online.

89. Rugs

Rugs and carpets are a must have to create a warm, inviting or exciting environment in your home or office. Rugs can be handmade in a number of ways, and people often pay hundreds of dollars for excellent handiwork.

You can crochet some very interesting rugs. You can also latchhook, weave or sew rugs from many types of materials.

One of the most fun projects I’ve undertaken is using old torn t-shirts to weave a rug for my bathroom. You can find t-shirts super cheap at your local thrift store, and use them to complete some amazing projects.

No matter if you’d like to appeal to people who love colorful and funky rugs, or theme your rugs for children’s rooms, you’ll be able to drum up some interest in your amazing handiwork.

90. Vases

Vases are yet another creation that can be made from scratch or repurposed from existing materials. If you know how to blow glass, you can probably make some excellent pieces, including vases, bowls, beads and other cool items.

If you simply want to repurpose cheap vases from under the kitchen sink or from the free bin at a local thrift store, you can turn someone’s old dirty junk into the coolest vase in town.

Find a vase that’s chipped, worn or dirty. Clean it up and add beads, wire, yarn, etchings, engravings or whatever! Go online to get inspired and see what others are doing. Vases are not only fun to look at, but they are functional as well, giving them that added appeal. 

91. Wall Art

Wall art can be created in any number of ways for a whole bunch of purposes; mostly decorative. Help someone brighten up some bare walls with your creative talent.

You can create wall art in the form of paintings, illustrations, woven rugs, picture frames, stickers and collages. Anything themed, interesting, colorful or artistic has the potential to be a big seller.

Use your own unique talents and items that you have easy access to. Use recycled materials, colorful tidbits and craft supplies to create something fantastic.

92. Garden Themed

Especially in the spring and summer months, people become inspired to dress up their yards with flowers, plants and fun garden accessories. You can help with your unique and creative ideas.

Use recycled plastic bottles to create fencing or planters. Paint or draw fun designs and personalize popsicle sticks to help people keep track of their seedlings. Use mosaics to create stepping stones or paint inspirational or colorful designs on rocks and stones. 

People can do all these things themselves with DIY training, but many people aren’t as creative as you and would rather just pay someone else for something great. Look around your house and see what you’ve got to work with. Get some paint, some glue and some decorations and get to work!

Woodworking

93. Furniture

Woodworking is a well-established hobby that is usually taken seriously by gifted and talented people. If you already dabble with woodworking, you’re in an amazing position to start making lots of money from your hobby.

People love interesting and unique furniture, especially when it’s handmade from natural woods and other materials. Perhaps you have a specialty when it comes to making certain furniture types. Get them online and start selling.

Even if you don’t have tools, machinery and know-how to make grand furniture pieces from amazing wood types, you could still easily get into the woodworking business. Use driftwood bases to make unique table stands or work with other wood types and fashion your own unique creations.

94. Woodburning

Woodburning seems to be somewhat of a lost art, but since woodburning tools are so inexpensive and wood, artist conks (mushrooms) and other materials that can be woodburned are usually easily accessible, you could bring back this art and sell many pieces online.

One of the most fun things I’ve seen for sale is small slivers of a tree branch cut with footprints of different birds and animals woodburned onto them. These would make great wall hangings or decorations for people who own cabins or who simply have a love for animals and nature.

Many other images and designs can be woodburned. You could get into personalizing wooden products or creating inspirational sayings on different types of wood. If you’re very good at woodburning, you could contract jobs for doing images of people’s children or pets.

95. Signs

Signs are always a favorite for people and businesses alike. Many people look for unique signage for their new restaurants or high-end service operations. 

You can make signs in many different ways, such as with painting, woodburning, decoupage or printing. Often, the words on a sign don’t need to be as eye-catching as the shape of the sign itself. I find that many people like to buy flat driftwood pieces for sign-making. 

Get together some interesting materials and begin making signs. Signs can hang on the wall, hang outside of a business or hang in a window to share a message. Work with your customers to personalize the types of signs they want and expand your sign-making business that way.

Half Finished Projects

Half-finished projects are a category exclusive to Driftwood Mall. These projects are generally started with full intentions of completion, but life gets in the way, we lose steam and generally the interest to finish the project just disappears.

If you’re like me, you’re a creator, but not necessarily a finisher. You’ve got closets, garages and storage units crammed full of projects you’ve started and have tricked yourself into believing you’ll finish one day. Why not share them with the world? Allow someone else to pour their love and passion into taking your project on an entirely new journey?

The point of the half-finished arts and crafts section is two-fold: 

1.Sharing your half-finished art pieces can bring in some money and help pay for the materials for a project that you’re not likely to ever finish.
2.Sharing your half-finished art projects with others can spread the joy and love around the globe so that it’s all tied up into the piece when it finally lands into the loving arms of its new owner.

96. Half-finished Art

Half-finished art can consist of paintings, drawings, sculptures or any type of art piece that’s sitting half-done in a corner. Put it up for sale and explain how you came to be inspired, what your plans are/were for the piece and why you stopped creating it. A detailed story will help to inspire others who share the same creative passions as you.

It’s your choice whether to hold on to something or let it move on and be transformed by another artist. Agree to keep in touch so you can be involved in the transformation of your art piece. Blog about it, connect with people and share the joy of art as it was meant to be shared.

97. Half-finished Crafts

Half-finished craft projects work the same way as half-finished art. Craft projects are more my style, and the half-finished ones I own consist of crocheted afghans, crocheted clothes, beaded bracelets, curtains and quilts. If you have a substantial project that you just don’t see yourself finishing, list it for sale in Driftwood Mall’s exclusive ‘Half-Finished Projects’ categories.

As with art, always agree to keep in touch with the buyer so you can be a part of the process. Turn it into a phenomenon and encourage others to share their half-finished arts and crafts with you. Share the love of art. 

Miscellaneous

98. Scrimshaw

Like some other art forms, scrimshaw is beautiful and takes talent, but seems to have become somewhat of a lost art. If you have a talent for scrimshaw or other art forms that aren’t as popular as they used to be, bring them back by selling your creations online.

You might also research these lost art forms and recreate them with your own unique talents. Research how indigenous peoples made certain items and start your own line of products. Find vintage pieces that are of interest to you and see if you can bring them back to popularity. 

It’s all about ideas, creative inspiration and determination to spread the joy of handmade goods.

99. String Art

String art is another art form that may not be wildly popular but is unique, interesting and can really catch the eyes of collectors. Research string art and add your own spin.

Create art with a special theme or incorporate beads, paint or other materials to really come up with a unique piece of art.

100. Centerpieces

Centerpieces are used for many different parties, get-togethers, events or celebrations. Depending upon the event theme, you might make an entire business out of making centerpieces from many different types of materials. 

Find different materials for the base of your centerpieces, like driftwood, branches, bowls or baskets. Add other beautiful trinkets, depending upon the theme involved. You could make generic centerpieces or lavish ones for people who really want to create a certain mood during their event.

101. Taxidermy

Taxidermy is a very popular art, even today. You may already be involved in the art of taxidermy, and know how to make an animal look as if it’s going to jump into your arms.

If not, you might gather materials that can be of use to taxidermists around the globe. Do some research and see if this hobby fits with your lifestyle. 

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101 Things to Sell Online is a list of creative ideas to help inspire you. You can have much success selling anything online if it’s unique, exciting or one-of-a-kind. If people like it, they will spread the word. With the advent of so many social marketing tools online, you just might find that your ship has finally come in.

Take a chance and start making things that you love. If you love them, you’ll connect with others who love them as well. Driftwood Mall offers many ways to easily share your listings with others who may appreciate and buy them. 

Apply for a free shop today and get started on making your dreams come true by selling your art and earning an online income for doing what you love.