It’s that time of the year when we are all feeling the pinch as Christmas has left our bank balances devastated and pay day seems far away. We also want to start the year in the most productive way possible. Well, why not combine the two? If you already have a hobby, why not take it a step further and try and earn some extra cash out of it. The internet makes such a transition easy. If you haven’t got the kind of hobby which lends itself well to generating cash, you could try one or more of the following suggestions.
Art
Whether you make poster prints, create miniature sculptures or draw caricatures of celebrities there is now more scope than ever to sell your wares on the web. As well as websites set up to help independent makers flog their creations, sites such as Zippi look for artists to add their designs to their products in order to get them out there.
Gardening
There are lots of people who have gardens which they are unable to look after themselves; older people who no longer have the dexterity to tend to their outside area, professionals who do not have the time and people with second homes or property to rent which need maintaining. Advertise your gardening services or approach these people directly. Alternatively, set up your own miniature plant nursery and sell house plants and herbs which you have grown from seed.
Blogging
Successful bloggers earn money in various ways from advertising to outsourcing their writing credentials. Blogging can be an addictive, time-consuming hobby but also a thoroughly enjoyable one which you will find you get more out of with the more you put in.
Baking
Don’t be greedy with your baking skills and keep your creations to yourself. Get out to car boot sales and farmers markets and if you find you are getting good feedback upscale your operation, get the appropriate certification and sell your eatables at local independent shops. As well as baking you could also look into producing conserves or sweets.
Auction trader
There are bargains to be had all over the internet. Use websites such as Ebay to sell items which you have picked up for cheap either by buying in bulk, have upcycled or found at a discount rate elsewhere.
Dog walking
If you love dogs, this is the perfect way to make money simply by spending time with your favourite animals.
Photography
Photography is more popular than ever but with so many online resources to for advice on the hobby you can become a professional standard snapper for nothing in no time. Get out to local events to try and get your images in newspapers and magazines to start with and build up your portfolio from there.
Sewing and knitting
Sites like Etsy sell the wares of many a fine knitter, add yours to the site and don’t confine your creations to Christmas presents to friends and family. You could also use your skills to run a clothes-mending service.
Checking People’s Work
Not the most enjoyable of hobbies, but there is money to be made by using your grammar skills to check student’s assignments.
Kim
Saturday 7th of February 2015
I really enjoy reading your blog.