5 Sustainable craft ideas trending for a handmade business

Since covid lockdowns seem to take the center stage, people are coming up with some creative (and eco-friendly) ways to making an income while keeping themselves busy. We’ve looked up some of the most sustainable crafts that are trending in 2021 to inspire you for the next years to come! 

While Covid has shaken the world of businesses, many social + eco enterprises are raising showing the world how sustainability is the long-term way of thinking. But then, there’s the lockdown for many people where work-at-home has become their new routine, without mentioning the number of people who have lost their jobs due to business closures. 

If you are one of them, we truly hope this selection of ideas for sustainable crafts inspires you to start a business or, at the very least, keeps you entertained providing some meaningful self-time. 

Don’t be surprised, but handmade crafts have been on the rise in the past few years (probably since Pinterest started, but especially since covid!). New ecopreneurs that use some of the most sustainable, upcycled materials, putting out reusable handmade products. Could this become your next hobby? Or could you combine the hobby you always wanted to start into your source of income?

Here we explore some of the most trending sustainable crafts that will get you to support the Zero Waste Movement, with the extra convenience of crafting and DIY from home. 

Top sustainable craft ideas trending this 2021

1. DIY Face Masks

This year of covid has brought us some interesting new ways of making business. As you may be guessing… Yes, we are talking about face masks. The year 2020/21 has definitely seemed to become the topmost profitable crafting trend for existing and new businesses. 

It is a stay-at-home activity and you can sell it online (check out Etsy, specializing in handmade products with a really easy interface to set up your shop). You can also sell locally, such as healthcare facilities in your neighborhood, or even partnering up with businesses or organizations for donations. 

There are endless possibilities of fabrics you can use in mask-making crafts. We’d definitely recommend some organic textiles and breathable materials.

The beginner’s guide to eco-friendly fabrics

2. Paper Craft Products

Paper is definitely a natural source to start a new sustainable craft hobby. However, it is a raw material sourced from natural wood; and in a sustainable business model, chopping off the trees is not a good idea. 

Therefore, by combining papercrafts with the current recycling trend. Some interesting ways to use sustainable paper for craft products are using sustainable materials such as banana paper, egg trays, eco-friendly tissue paper, paper bags, or cardboard packaging, and reconvert it into new beautiful handmade items such as office stationery, art pieces, or greeting cards.

15 DIY low cost ideas using upcycled gift wrapping materials

3. Glass Paintings

Glass painting is an excellent craft for all ages, in fact, glass painting is also a fun way to be creative with your kids, as you can make it as simple or complex as you wish. Even if your hands are not steady, you can create beautiful things. 

For the glass artwork, to make it sustainable always upcycle your old glass jars, bottles, wine glasses… Or really, any glass item you find at home or second-hand shops. 

Try to explore eco-friendly paints that work for glass, but the good thing about glass paints are not only used for making decorative wall arts and frames, you can use them to make calendars, vases, lamps, trays, and more. 

4. Thematic Candles

The main ingredient in candle making is soy wax, coconut oil, a wick, natural essential oils like doTerra, affiliate , and a candle mold. 

As paraffin candles gain notoriety for being unhealthy, soy candles have risen in fame as a healthy alternative. True, soy wax is a renewable resource, and soy candles are biodegradable. They also last longer than paraffin candles. Here’s a really helpful guide on how to DIY non-toxic candles.

Interesting point researching, we found that reports say Etsy sellers worldwide did great with their homemade candles. 

10 Tips for starting an ethical jewelry brand

5. Wire Wrapping Jewelry 

In our opinion, the art of wire wrapping is one of the most beautiful DIY crafts you can possibly do! With wire jewelry you can wrap all kinds of things: found objects, shells, semi-precious stones, and of course, beads; just make sure they are sustainably and fair-trade sourced. One of the most appealing things about this crafting technique is that you don’t need many jewelry tools or a big working area. 

The designs will gain complexity the more you practice. The results are stunning pieces and a collection of handmade accessories that are unique and special. Find on our Pinterest board plenty of wire-wrapping jewelry tutorials!