What are Some Home Money-Making Projects?

If you are strapped for cash or want to start making extra money on the side to pay off some bills, put your current skills and interests to good use by marketing what you do best. Whether your abilities are artistic in nature or not, finding projects to do at home to make extra money is as simple as taking inventory of your own talents.

If you have a knack for baking in addition to a design streak, turn your abilities into something profitable. For example, make creative designs into a lucrative side business decorating cakes and cupcakes. Cake decorators are needed for occasions including birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and graduation parties. Start your cake-decorating venture by making simple, yet elegant, designs. Have your creations become more complex as you advance in your skills and knowledge. If possible, buy a few books or magazines on the topic to learn some advanced skills to set yourself apart from competitors. Advertise your business on Internet sites like Craigslist and by leaving a business card around town with local restaurants.

If you like to get creative and work with various materials, start a craft business making handmade items. You do not need extensive knowledge of woodworking, nor do you need to create brand new products that the world has never seen before. For example, keep it simple and create knitted items, if you know how to knit, or clothing, if you are talented in sewing. Making jewelry or oil paintings are creative venues, also. You can market your products on the Internet at websites like Craigslist.org and Etsy.com (see the Resources section) or go to local craft fairs, flea markets or consignment shops to sell your wares.

If you have some technical knowledge and are constantly redesigning your own social networking homepage or blog, you may wish to turn that into something profitable and offer your services as a freelance website designer, suggests FiveCentNickel.com. People who would like to set up their own businesses or family websites may wish to hire you for your design capabilities.

If you are someone who likes buying scented candles for your home, turn your hobby into a profitable business by learning how to make them for yourself and others. Buy books or attend local seminars on how to make the candles. Entrepreneur.com explains that candle making is a simple process to learn. Market your products on the Internet and at local craft stores, farmer's markets or other venues where people buy such items.