Quick Summary
Thinking of selling small wooden crafts online? You’re in luck! Simple, attractive, and budget-friendly projects like wooden coasters, keychains, small signs, and decorative shelves are fantastic starter items. Focus on quality materials and unique designs to stand out and make easy money.
Hey there, fellow creators! Jack Shaffer here, your go-to guy for all things woodworking. Are you looking for a fun way to turn your woodworking hobby into a side hustle? Or maybe you’re just starting out and want to make some extra cash with your new skills. Often, the biggest hurdle is figuring out what to make and sell. It can feel overwhelming with so many options out there. But don’t worry! I’m here to help you navigate the wonderful world of profitable small wooden crafts. We’ll explore some beginner-friendly projects that are popular online and easy on your wallet. Let’s get those creative juices flowing and your sales booming!
Table of Contents
Why Small Wooden Crafts Are a Smart Choice for Online Sellers
Starting an online craft business can be incredibly rewarding. When it comes to woodworking, small crafts offer a perfect entry point. They don’t require massive workshops or huge lumber investments. Plus, they ship easily, which is a huge plus for online sales. Imagine turning a few scraps of wood and a bit of creativity into something beautiful that someone, somewhere, will love and buy. That’s the magic of small wooden crafts. They’re accessible, customizable, and can bring a touch of handmade warmth into people’s homes.
The online marketplace for handmade goods is booming. Platforms like Etsy, Amazon Handmade, and even social media make it easier than ever to reach a global audience. People are actively searching for unique, authentic items made with care. Small wooden crafts fit this bill perfectly. They can be produced relatively quickly once you get the hang of it, allowing you to build up a good inventory without getting bogged down. Let’s dive into some of the best “genius buys” – meaning, projects that offer a great return on your time and material investment.
Top Small Wooden Crafts to Sell Online: Your “Genius Buy” List
When choosing what to make, think about simplicity, appeal, and production speed. The goal is to create items that are attractive, functional, and don’t break the bank to produce. Here are some ideas that consistently do well online:
1. Wooden Coasters
Coasters are a classic for a reason. They’re practical, people always need them, and they’re incredibly versatile for design. You can make them from slices of wood (think birch, oak, or even attractive reclaimed wood), or cut them from larger boards.
- Materials: Wood slices, small wooden squares or circles, sandpaper, sealant (food-safe polyurethane or natural oil), optional embellishments like resin or paint.
- Tools: Saw (miter saw or even a good hand saw for small pieces), sandpaper, brush for sealant.
- Why they’re a genius buy:
- Low material cost, especially if using scrap wood.
- Quick to produce in batches.
- High demand for home decor and thoughtful gifts.
- Easy to customize with different woods, shapes, engravings, or painted designs.
You can sell these individually or in sets of 4 or 6. A nice touch is to add cork backing to prevent scratching surfaces. For larger boards, a miter saw can make cutting uniform pieces a breeze, ensuring a professional finish. Always sand them smooth to avoid splinters!
2. Customizable Wooden Keychains
Keychains are small, personal items that people use every day. A well-made wooden keychain can be a real eye-catcher.
- Materials: Small hardwood scraps (walnut, maple, cherry are great), metal keychain hardware, sandpaper, wood finish, optional: wood burning tool or laser engraver, paint.
- Tools: Saw, drill (for the hole to attach hardware), sandpaper, maybe a router for decorative edges.
- Why they’re a genius buy:
- Extremely low material cost.
- Very quick to make.
- Perfect for personalization – names, initials, simple icons.
- Lightweight, making them inexpensive to ship.
Think about different shapes: circles, squares, custom silhouettes. Using a wood burning tool or a simple laser engraver can add a professional and personalized touch that customers love. Don’t forget to seal them to protect the wood from moisture and wear.
3. Small Decorative Signs / Wood Signs
Whether it’s a whimsical quote, a family name, or a cute icon, small wooden signs are popular for home decor, especially for shelves, mantels, or gallery walls.
- Materials: Pine, poplar, or scrap wood for the base, paint, stencils or vinyl for lettering, sealant.
- Tools: Saw, sandpaper, paintbrushes, optional: stencil brush, vinyl cutter.
- Why they’re a genius buy:
- Relatively inexpensive materials.
- Can be made in various sizes, from mini signs to small statement pieces.
- High potential for customization (colors, fonts, messages).
- Great for seasonal decor or holiday sales.
You can create a rustic look with distressed paint or a modern, clean look with crisp lettering. For beginners, stencils are an easy way to get perfect text. If you’re feeling more ambitious, learning to use vinyl for lettering can also yield professional results. Aim for simple, impactful designs. For those wanting to get more into sign-making, a miter saw with a sliding compound action can precisely cut the wood for perfect sign bases.
4. Wooden Magnets
Think small wooden cutouts shaped like animals, food, or simple geometric designs, with a magnet glued to the back. These are perfect for refrigerators or office spaces.
- Materials: Thin wood (like craft wood or thin plywood), strong adhesive (like E6000 or super glue), small magnets, paint or stain, sealant.
- Tools: Jigsaw or scroll saw for cutting shapes, sandpaper, paintbrush.
- Why they’re a genius buy:
- Very cheap to produce, especially using thin craft wood.
- Fast crafting time.
- Fun and whimsical designs are always a hit.
- Easy to ship.
A scroll saw is ideal for intricate shapes, but even a careful job with a jigsaw can work for simpler designs. Painting them in bright, appealing colors is key.
5. Mini Wooden Shelves / Ledge Shelves
These small, decorative shelves are fantastic for displaying small items like air plants, tiny art pieces, or crystals. They add a touch of minimalist decor.
- Materials: Small boards of wood (pine, oak, poplar), wood glue, screws (if building a more robust design), sandpaper, wood finish.
- Tools: Saw, measuring tape, clamps, screwdriver or drill, sandpaper.
- Why they’re a genius buy:
- Can be made from standard lumber sizes, minimizing waste.
- Aesthetically pleasing and functional.
- Can be sold individually or in sets.
- Good profit margin for the amount of effort.
Keep the design simple for ease of construction and to highlight the wood’s natural beauty. A clean finish using natural oils or a clear matte polyurethane works well. Ensure they are sturdy enough to hold a few items.
6. Wooden Planter Boxes (Small)
For the plant lovers, small, simple wooden planter boxes can be a big hit. Think succulent planters or small herb boxes.
- Materials: Wood boards (cedar is great for outdoor/moisture resistance), wood screws or nails, wood glue, sandpaper, sealant (optional, or use a natural finish for planters where soil will be), maybe a plastic liner.
- Tools: Saw, measuring tape, drill, clamps, screwdriver, sandpaper.
- Why they’re a genius buy:
- Higher perceived value means you can charge more.
- Appreciated by home decor enthusiasts and gardeners.
- Can be made in various attractive styles.
Make sure to include drainage holes! If using indoors, suggest customers use a liner to protect the wood and their surfaces. For building these sturdy boxes, a framing nailer can speed up assembly significantly, though careful screwing and gluing will also work for smaller boxes. For more intricate, decorative boxes, a detail router can add elegant trim.
7. Wooden Toys (Simple)
Simple wooden toys like stacking blocks, small cars, or animals can be incredibly popular, especially for eco-conscious parents.
- Materials: Hardwoods like maple or beech are ideal for durability and safety, sandpaper, child-safe finishes (like beeswax or mineral oil).
- Tools: Saw, drill, sandpaper, possibly a band saw or scroll saw for shapes.
- Why they’re a genius buy:
- High demand for non-toxic, durable toys.
- Can be made from smaller wood pieces.
- Offer excellent profit margins as parents pay a premium for quality wooden toys.
Safety is paramount here. Ensure all edges are smooth and there are no small parts that could be a choking hazard for young children. A band saw is very useful for cutting smooth curves for toy animals or cars. Always research and use non-toxic finishes. For official safety standards, you can check resources from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (cpsc.gov).
Choosing the Right Wood and Tools
For small crafts, you don’t need a massive workshop. Many of these projects can be done with basic tools. However, investing in a few key pieces can make your work faster, easier, and more professional.
Recommended Wood Types for Beginners
When starting, it’s best to work with woods that are easy to cut, sand, and finish. These woods are also generally affordable and readily available:
- Pine: Soft, inexpensive, and easy to work with. It’s great for painted items or rustic finishes. However, it can dent and scratch easily.
- Poplar: A bit harder than pine, with a fine, straight grain. It takes paint very well and is good for signs and smaller functional items.
- Plywood (Baltic Birch): Excellent for laser cutting or if you need very stable, flat pieces like some signs or bottoms of boxes. Look for cabinet-grade plywood.
- Oak/Maple (for more durable items): Harder woods that offer a beautiful grain and are very durable. They require a sharper blade due to hardness but produce high-quality results for items like coasters or toys.
Essential Tools for Small Wooden Crafts
| Tool | Description | Why it’s useful for small crafts |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Saw / Miter Box | For making straight cuts. A miter box helps guide the saw for accurate angles. | Essential for cutting wood to size for coasters, signs, and shelves. |
| Orbital Sander / Sanding Blocks | For smoothing surfaces and edges. Orbital sanders are faster; sanding blocks give more control. | Crucial for a professional finish and preventing splinters on all crafts. |
| Drill & Drill Bits | For making holes for screws, dowels, or attaching hardware. | Needed for keychains, planter boxes, and any project requiring fasteners. |
| Clamps | To hold pieces together while glue dries or during assembly. | Ensures strong glue joints for boxes, shelves, and assembly. |
| Jigsaw or Scroll Saw | For cutting curves and more intricate shapes. | Great for wooden magnets, decorative elements on signs, or custom toy shapes. |
| Wood Glue | Strong adhesive for wood joints. | Fundamental for almost any multi-piece wood project. |
| Safety Glasses | Protects your eyes from sawdust and debris. | Non-negotiable for any woodworking task. Always wear them anytime you’re cutting, sanding, or drilling! Check out good practices for woodworking safety. |
| Dust Mask | Protects your lungs from fine sawdust. | Important for health, especially when sanding. |
As you grow, you might consider investing in a small power miter saw or a band saw, which can dramatically speed up production and open up more complex designs. But don’t let a lack of fancy tools stop you from starting!
Pricing Your Small Wooden Crafts for Profit
Figuring out pricing is key to making your craft business profitable. A good rule of thumb is to consider your costs, your time, and the perceived value of the item.
Basic Pricing Formula:
(Cost of Materials + Cost of Labor (Your Hourly Rate x Time Spent)) x 2 = Wholesale Price
Wholesale Price x 2 = Retail Price
Let’s break this down:
- Calculate Material Costs: Add up the cost of all wood, finishes, hardware, etc. for one item. If you buy a large sheet of plywood, estimate how much of it is used for your specific craft and cost accordingly.
- Determine Your Labor Cost: What is your time worth? For beginners, a rate of $15-$25 per hour is a reasonable starting point. Multiply this by the time it takes you to make one item, from start to finish.
- Add Profit Margin: The “x2” factors are your profit. The first x2 (to get wholesale) covers overhead and a modest profit. The second x2 (to get retail from wholesale) is standard for retail markup. For online sales, you might adjust this based on platform fees and competitor pricing.
Example: Wooden Coasters
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Wood (for 4 coasters) | $2.00 | Assuming using scrap or inexpensive wood. |
| Sandpaper/Sealant | $0.50 | Cost per set. |
| Labor (30 mins @ $20/hr) | $10.00 | Your time is valuable! |
| Total Cost of Goods | $12.50 | |
| Wholesale Price ($12.50 x 2) | $25.00 | |
| Retail Price ($25.00 x 2) | $50.00 | For a set of 4. This seems high, but it’s a starting point. You’d likely sell for $20-$30, meaning your profit is lower or your hours are less. |
You might find that $50 is too high for coasters. This is where you adjust. You might aim for a quicker production time ($10/hr labor) or use cheaper materials. Or, you might price them lower and accept a smaller profit margin per item to sell more units. Don’t forget to factor in shipping costs, platform fees (Etsy takes about 6.5% transaction fee plus listing fees), and packaging materials.
Tips for Selling Your Crafts Online
Once you’ve made your beautiful creations, here’s how to make them shine online:
- High-Quality Photos: This is CRITICAL. Use good lighting (natural light is best), a clean background, and show your items from multiple angles. Lifestyle photos showing the item in use can be very effective.
- Compelling Descriptions: Use keywords people will search for. Describe the materials, dimensions, and any unique features. Tell a little story about your creation.
- Choose the Right Platform: Etsy is great for handmade items. Amazon Handmade, Shopify (to build your own store), or even Instagram can work.
- Offer Customization: Many buyers love to personalize their purchases. Offer options for colors, names, or simple designs.
- Package with Care: Ensure your items arrive safely. Consider adding a small thank-you note.
- Be Responsive: Answer customer questions promptly and politely.
- Shipping Strategy: Calculate shipping costs accurately. Consider offering free shipping over a certain order value, as this can encourage sales.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Small Wooden Crafts to Sell Online
What’s the easiest wooden craft to start selling?
Wooden coasters are often considered the easiest. They require minimal cuts, are forgiving with mistakes, and have a straightforward finishing process. Plus, the materials are very inexpensive.
What kind of wood is best for crafts I want to sell?
For beginners, pine and poplar are excellent choices because they are soft, easy to cut, and affordable. They take paint and finishes well. For items needing more durability like toys or higher-end coasters, hardwoods like maple or oak are better but are harder to work with.
How much should I charge for my wooden crafts?
A good starting point is to calculate your material costs, add a fair hourly wage for your labor time, and then multiply that sum by at least 2 or 3 to account for profit and overhead. Research what similar items sell for online to get a sense of market pricing.
Can I use scrap wood for crafts to sell?
Absolutely! Using scrap wood is a fantastic way to reduce costs and be more sustainable. Just ensure the scrap wood is clean, free of nails or rot, and suitable for the craft you intend to make.
What are the most popular small wooden crafts online right now?
In addition to coasters and signs, personalized keychains, simple wooden toys, minimalist decor shelves, and small decorative boxes are consistently popular. Anything that can be customized or has a strong aesthetic appeal tends to do well.
Is woodworking a profitable hobby to sell crafts from?
Yes, woodworking can be very profitable, especially if you focus on niche items, offer customization, and manage your costs effectively. Small wooden crafts, in particular, offer a lower barrier to entry and can generate good income without requiring vast amounts of lumber or space.
What safety precautions should I take when making wooden crafts?
Always wear safety glasses when operating power tools or sanding. Use a dust mask to protect your lungs from sawdust. Ensure your work area is well-lit and free of clutter. Read and understand your tool manuals. For children’s toys, ensure there are no choking hazards and use only non-toxic finishes. Resources like that from OSHA offer guidance on workplace safety, which applies to your workshop too.
Conclusion
There you have it – a rundown of some fantastic small wooden crafts that are not only fun to make but also have great potential when you sell them online. From simple, elegant coasters to charming keychains and personalized signs, the possibilities are vast. Remember, the key to success is choosing projects that use readily available, affordable materials, mastering a few essential woodworking techniques, and presenting your finished products beautifully online. Don’t be afraid to start small, experiment with designs, and learn as you go. Your passion for creating, combined with these smart “genius buy” ideas, can lead to a truly rewarding and profitable venture. So grab your tools, find some wood, and let’s get crafting!