If you want to make money from crafts, January is a sneaky good month to start.
People are home more, they want cozy things, and they’re still buying small treats for themselves.
This post will help you pick January crafts you can actually finish, list, and sell. You’ll get clear ideas, a simple way to choose what to make, and what buyers care about.
This post includes affiliate links to products I love and recommend, meaning I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information.
What Makes January Crafts Sellable
January buyers are searching for items that evoke a sense of calm and coziness. They’re done with loud holiday stuff, and they’re ready for winter comfort and fresh starts.
A sellable craft usually fits one of these needs. It helps with home life, desk life, self-care, or winter decor.
The January Buyer Mood
Most buyers want something cozy, simple, and not too bright. Think soft colors, clean shapes, and items that feel easy to live with.
The “Three Yes” Test Before You Make Anything
Ask yourself three questions before you start on a project.
- Can I make it the same way again?
- Can I pack it without stress?
- Can I show it clearly in one photo?
If you get three yes answers, you’ve got a good product idea. If you get a ‘no,’ change the size, shape, or material before wasting time.
Start Simple, So You Actually Finish
If you’re new, don’t start with 5 projects at once. Start with one item you can repeat.
- Pick one main material for the week. Paper, clay, yarn, beads, or wood are all fine.
- Pick one simple look. 2-3 colors are enough.
- Make one test piece first. Then write down what you’d change.
- After that, make a small set. 4-6 pieces is a good start.
The One-Hour Plan For Busy Adults
Set a timer for about one hour. If you have kids, you probably won’t be able to craft all day.
Spend the first 10 min setting up your space. Grab supplies, wipe your table, and get your tools ready.
Use the next 40 min to make the same item again and again. Repeating is what helps you get clean results.
Use the last 10 min to clean up and pack the finished items in a box. This keeps them safe and keeps your space calm.
What To Do When You Want To Make Everything
Write every idea on a list, then circle the one you can repeat the easiest. If you want to make more money, then you need finished items. If you still can’t choose, pick the smallest item. Small items are easier to make and list.
January Craft Projects That Are Easy To Make
These January craft ideas are simple enough to repeat, so that you can sell more than one. Pick two ideas and make small sets. Sets look more worth it to buyers, and they photograph better, too.
Paper-Based Ideas
Cozy Winter Greeting Card Sets
This is a set of simple cards people can use for winter birthdays and thank-you notes. Sell it as a set of 6 or 10 with matching envelopes.
Materials and tools
- Cardstock paper
- Envelopes
- Scissors or paper cutter
- Glue stick or double-sided tape
- Markers or stamps
Where to sell
- Online on Etsy and your own shop
- Offline at craft fairs, gift shops, and coffee shops
How to create
- Cut cardstock into equal card sizes
- Fold each card the same way
- Add a simple design on the front
- Keep the colors the same across all cards
- Let the ink dry, then pack as a set
Want to make more money? Here are 17 Easy Crafts to Sell That Make a Profit Fast.
Snowflake Paper Garland Strands
This is a light winter garland that people hang on walls and shelves. Sell it as a set of two strands or a long strand.
Materials and tools
- White paper or light cardstock
- Scissors
- String or twine
- Glue or tape
- Hole punch optional
Where to sell
- Online as a ready-to-hang garland
- Offline at winter markets and local home shops
How to create
- Fold paper and cut simple snowflake shapes
- Make 12 to 20 snowflakes the same size
- Lay them out in a pattern that looks even
- Attach each piece to the string with glue or tape
- Pack it flat so it stays neat
You’ll also love these 35 Crafts That Sell Well And Make You Money.
Minimal Desk Calendar Cards
This is a small stack of month cards for a desk stand. Sell it as a set with a simple stand.
Materials and tools
- Thick paper or cardstock
- Ruler
- Pens or markers
- Hole punch and ring or small stand
- Scissors or paper cutter
Where to sell
- Online as a desk set
- Offline at markets and small office gift spots
How to create
- Cut 12 cards the same size
- Write each month in the same style
- Add small date dots or blank grid spaces
- Punch holes and add a ring or place in a stand
- Wrap as a set so it stays together
Fabric And Yarn Craft Ideas
Scrunchie Sets In Winter Colors
This is a simple hair item that sells better in bundles. Sell it as a set of 3 in matching colors.
Materials and tools
- Fabric scraps
- Elastic
- Sewing needle and thread or sewing machine
- Scissors
- Safety pin
Where to sell
- Online in bundle listings
- Offline at salons, boutiques, and markets
How to create
- Cut fabric strips the same length
- Sew it into a tube and turn it right side out
- Thread elastic through with a safety pin
- Tie the elastic ends and sew the opening closed
- Group three matching ones into a set
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, so if you’re planning ahead, this blog post will help you: 23 Easy Valentine’s Day Crafts That Make Money.
Chunky Mug Cozies
This is a warm wrap people use for hot drinks. Sell it as one cozy or as a set with two sizes.
Materials and tools
- Yarn
- Crochet hook or knitting needles
- Scissors
- Yarn needle
- Button optional
Where to sell
- Online as a cozy winter gift item
- Offline at coffee shops and winter fairs
How to create
- Measure around a basic mug
- Make a simple rectangle to that size
- Add a loop and button if you want
- Weave in ends so it looks clean
- Take photos on a real mug for trust
If you’re planning ahead, then check out these 30 Stunning Spring Crafts to Sell That Buyers Will Love.
January Crafts To Sell For Home
Clay Trinket Dish Sets
This is a small dish for rings and earrings. Sell it as a set of two that match.
Materials and tools
- Air dry clay
- Rolling pin or bottle
- Small bowl for shaping
- Water and a soft brush
- Sealer and paint
Where to sell
- Online as a gift set
- Offline at salons, boutiques, and gift shops
How to create
- Roll the clay to an even thickness
- Cut a circle with a cup rim
- Press into a bowl to shape the dish
- Smooth edges with a little water
- Let it dry fully, then seal it
You’ll also love my other blog post: Air Dry Clay Projects To Sell That Look Store Ready Even If You’re New
Winter Scent Candle Labels And Jar Wrap Sets
This is a simple add-on that makes plain jars look gift-ready. Sell it as a set of 12 wraps and labels.
Materials and tools
- Printable sticker paper or labels
- Paper for wraps
- Scissors
- Printer
- Jute string optional
Where to sell
- Online as a physical kit
- Offline as a ready-to-gift add-on near candles
How to create
- Pick one winter style and two colors
- Print labels and wraps in the same style
- Cut everything to the same size
- Wrap around jars and test one fit
- Pack sets flat so edges stay sharp
You can also start creating Stunning Easter Crafts to Sell That Customers Will Love.
Functional January Crafts For Adults To Sell
If you want sales in January, make items people will use every day. Desk, kitchen, and home pieces move because they fit real life.
Phone Stand
This is a small stand that sits on a desk or nightstand. Sell it as a matching set with a second stand or a small tray.
Materials and tools
- Air dry clay or wood scraps
- Craft knife
- Ruler
- Sandpaper
- Paint and sealer
Where to sell
- Online on Etsy and your own shop (you can make one on PayHip)
- Offline at office gift shops and local markets
How to create
- Cut or shape a base that feels stable
- Add a slot wide enough for a phone case
- Smooth edges with sandpaper after it dries
- Paint in one simple color if you want
- Seal it and let it dry fully
Key Bowl Catchall
This is a small bowl for keys and coins by the door. Sell it as a set of two in the same color.
Materials and tools
- Air dry clay
- Rolling pin or bottle
- Small bowl for shaping
- Water and a soft brush
- Sealer
Where to sell
- Online as a home gift item
- Offline at boutiques and home decor shops
How to create
- Roll the clay to an even thickness
- Cut a circle with a cup rim
- Press into a bowl to shape it
- Smooth the rim with a little water
- Let it dry and seal it
Need more ideas? Check out these 27 Clay Ideas to Make and Sell for Real Profit.
Mini Shelf Sign
This is a small word sign that sits on a shelf. Sell it as a set of three with matching colors.
Materials and tools
- Wood blocks or thick cardboard
- Acrylic paint
- Paint brush
- Letter stencils or vinyl letters
- Clear sealer optional
Where to sell
- Online as a shelf decor set (you can make your online store on PayHip)
- Offline at markets and small gift shops
How to create
- Paint each block one base color
- Let it dry, and add the word
- Keep the same font across the set
- Touch up edges with a small brush
- Seal it if you want extra protection
Mug Coaster Set
This is a set that people use every single day in winter. Sell it as a set of four that match.
Materials and tools
- Felt or cork sheets
- Scissors
- Ruler
- Glue if layering
- Marker for tracing
Where to sell
- Online as a desk and kitchen set
- Offline at coffee shops and craft fairs
How to create
- Trace one shape and cut it out
- Use it as a template for the rest
- Add a second layer if you want
- Trim edges so every piece matches
- Stack and pack as a set
Recipe Card Holder
This is a small stand that holds a recipe card on the counter. Sell it as a set with blank cards or a matching spoon rest.
Materials and tools
- Wood piece or air dry clay
- Craft knife
- Ruler
- Sandpaper
- Paint and sealer
Where to sell
- Online as a kitchen gift item
- Offline at markets and local kitchen shops
How to create
- Cut or shape a base that will not tip
- Add a slot for a card to slide in
- Smooth edges and corners
- Paint it in one simple color
- Seal it and let it dry
Fridge Magnet Set With Useful Words
Cute magnets are fine, but useful magnets sell better in January. Sell it as a set with words like meal plan and leftovers, and grocery list.
Materials and tools
- Air dry clay or wood circles
- Paint markers or acrylic paint
- Glue
- Strong magnets
- Sealer
Where to sell
- Online as a kitchen set (you can your online shop on PayHip)
- Offline at markets and gift shops
How to create
- Make six shapes the same size
- Let them dry fully before painting
- Write one short word on each piece
- Seal the front so it stays clean
- Glue magnets to the back and let it set
Pricing, Packaging, And Shipping Basics So You Don’t Lose Money
A Simple Pricing Method That Covers Time And Materials
Start with your real costs on paper. Guessing is how you end up working for free.
Use this quick method:
- Add materials cost,
- Add packaging cost,
- Then add a fair pay for your time.
Keep a simple note on your phone for each item. Write the minutes it took and what you used. If the total feels too high, you could drop the price or make the item smaller, or make it faster to repeat.
If you sell locally, you still need to do the math. Your time and supplies still count.
Packaging Basics For Small Breakable Items
Your goal is simple: nothing should move inside the box, so it won’t break. Wrap the item first, add a cushion around it, not just on top.
Use a box that fits close. A big empty space is what usually causes breaks. For clay and resin, add padding under and over the item. For paper items, keep them flat with a stiff backing. Tape the inside so it stays tight. Then tape the outside so it stays shut.
What To Write In A Care Card
Keep it short so people read it. 2-4 short lines are enough. Include how to clean it, what to avoid (like water, heat, or heavy weight if that applies). Add one line about storage. Tell them where it should be so it stays nice.
How to sell homemade crafts?
Start with one craft that you can repeat the same way every time. Make a small set first, then take clean photos in good light.
Write a simple listing that says what it is, what they get, the size, and how to care for it. Then share it in the places your buyers already hang out, and keep listing more each week.
Where to sell handmade crafts locally?
Try craft fairs, farmers’ markets, and pop-up events in your town. Ask local coffee shops, salons, and small gift stores if they take small maker items.
You can also sell through community groups, school events, and local market days. Bring a small display, clear prices, and a simple way to take payments.
What crafts sell best?
Crafts that solve a small problem sell best. Things people use every day, like desk items, kitchen items, and simple home decor.
Sets also sell better than singles because they feel like a real product. Keep the style clean, make it easy to gift, and make it easy to ship or carry.
Need more ideas? Then check out these 37 Profitable Crafts to Make and Sell for Extra Cash.
Conclusion:
Pick one of these January crafts and make a small set this week. Take clean photos in window light and show the size in one shot.
Write one simple listing using the same layout every time. Post it online, and also try a local place that fits your craft.
Then repeat the same item again, so you get faster, and your shop starts to fill up with your beautiful creations.
And if you’re already planning for next month, check out these February Crafts For Adults Who Want Extra Income.
Petra Šranc (CEO of Big Income Paradise) is passionate about teaching female entrepreneurs how to do Social Media Marketing to grow their business online. She also focuses on teaching Social Media content tactics to skyrocket traffic, leads, and sales. 
