Starting a Craft Business

Paper & Cardstock

There is a wide range of marketable craft projects that can be made using paper and cardstock. From party decorations to handmade greeting cards, paper crafting is a great way to start your own crafting business with minimal up-front investment. All you need to get started are a few packs of paper and your imagination! Of course, you can go a step further and invest in tools like desktop cutting machines, stamps, embossing machines, etc. to help you expand the creative possibilities. But all it really comes down to is a sheet a paper and what you choose to create with it!

We offer a wide range of colors in our various Colored Paper and Cardstock packs, and we are always adding new color palettes to our line up based on the latest color trends. We also have some specialty Glitter Cardstocks, which you can print on in inkjet printers. They feature an awesome shed-free design so it can add all the sparkle to your projects without the dreaded glittery mess!

Read our paper weight guide for some tips on the best uses for the different paper weights we offer. This will help you choose the right stock for the project you are making!

Here’s what some artists on Etsy are making (click any image to see their shop)!

PoppinPaperCards

PapersBloom

AbbysKreationsStore

Fabric Transfers

Custom t-shirts are a great way to commemorate a special event or make a personalized gift. Sure, you can find lots of nice graphic tees in clothing stores and online shops, but the personalization factor is a great selling point that will draw in the customers who are looking for a meaningful gift.

While heat transfer vinyl has been a popular choice among crafters, our Fabric Transfers allow you to print full color graphics and photos (and can still be cut in desktop cutting machines). So whether you design a shirt that can be customized with a family photo or a personalized illustration – all you have to do is print, iron and you’re ready to go! For more info about different type of fabric transfers, see our blog here.

Here’s what some artists on Etsy are making (click any image to see their shop)!

JADEandPAIIGE

LydiaCustomTee

YugAndLila

Vanishing Fabric Transfers

Embroidery has gotten a modern twist in recent years and has gained in popularity. Punch needle is another form of embroidery that is similar to rug hooking. Right now people are selling everything from kits for DIYers, to actual finished pieces – which can be anything from a hand embroidered t-shirt to a hoop to be displayed in the home. Some artists sell their own designs, and others will personalize with information such as wedding dates or baby names.

Although the printing and ironing process is similar to our Light Fabric Transfers, our Vanishing Fabric Transfers allow you to make a very different end product! With these transfers, you can print the patterns for your fabric creations – whether it’s embroidery, stamped cross stitch, or punch needle! When you’re finished embellishing the design, you can wash away the transfer, leaving you with a clean work of art. Watch the process video on our instructions page.

Here’s what some artists on Etsy are making (click any image to see their shop)!

SoulMadeStitches

TheUrbanAcres

ClubChainstitch

Photo Paper

Art and photography prints are nothing new, but it’s an easy way for customers to purchase art they love and add that special finishing touch to their home. Again, personalization is a big deal and this can be a way to stand out from other artists (think custom illustrated pet or family portraits).

If you are selling prints of your art, you’ll want a quality Photo Paper, and perhaps some different finish options. We offer Matte, Gloss, and High Gloss in 8.5” x 11” sheets that are easy to cut down to standard sizes for smaller frames (like 8” x 10” or 5” x 7”). All you need is an inkjet printer to easily print at home! This makes it easy for you to print on demand (instead of ordering from a print shop which can be more expensive and may require a minimum quantity for your order). Check out our blog post for some tips for printing at home.

Here’s what some artists on Etsy are making (click any image to see their shop)!

AnamolyArtPrints

TheRiverPrints

SoftNSoft

Branding

Branding is a really important part of your business, but you don’t have to go all out and get a printing service to make expensive custom packaging for you. It can be as easy as creating a simple label to apply to a box or bag. Our Address and Mailing Labels are two great sizes for this type of application. They work in either laser or inkjet printers so you can easily print custom labels to help brand your products.

Staying Organized

DocIt Organizers is one of our sister brands. Here you will find super helpful products to organize all the paperwork that comes along with having a business. Our new Cascading File Organizer features 7 colorful pockets, and it can either hang on your wall or you can fold it up if you need to take it with you on the go! Click here to find the right organizer for you.

Shipping

When it comes to shipping your products, most customers these days like to know that the products they buy and the packaging they are mailed in are environmentally friendly. Our sister brand Elementree is a line of affordable, sustainably sourced printer paper and shipping products. Elementree Kraft Envelopes and Void Fill are two eco-friendly alternatives to wasteful products like plastic mailers or bubble wrap. Learn more about these products here.