Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Review- Handmade to Sell: Hello Craft’s Guide to Owning, Running, and Growing Your Crafty Biz

by

First you make stuff, then people say they love it and you make stuff for other people. The next step, sell it!  But how to do it? Well Handmade to Sell  is the book for you! It covers just about every aspect of selling the cool stuff you make! I read it cover to cover and the resources are positively amazing. It’s a case of you don’t even know what to look for but Handmade to Sell tells you about things you wouldn’t even know to ask about or think about! If you are thinking about getting into the biz or expanding what you already have going on I bet there will be some good info you can use to make great decisions about your crafty biz.

Handmade to Sell: Hello Craft’s Guide to Owning, Running, and Growing Your Crafty Biz

by

Kelly Rand, Christine Ernst, Sara Dick, Kimberly Dorn

More about the book from the publisher:

Business advice for enterprising crafters, by crafters
No one knows more about helping handmade businesses than Hello Craft, the nonprofit trade association for crafty entrepreneurs. Written by the directors of Hello Craft, Handmade to Sell is the most complete, up-to-date, and authoritative guide for DIYers seeking to learn every aspect of selling, marketing, and branding. Based on the Summit of Awesome, Hello Craft’s annual business conference, this book covers topics including:
• Developing successful product lines
• Copyrights and trademarks
• Taking perfect product shots
• Using analytics to boost your online sales
• Selling at fairs, shows, and other retail outlets
• Diversifying income through licensing and teaching
• Hiring and outsourcing
Throughout, you’ll find expert tips and invaluable strategies and advice from some of the most successful indie crafters and artisans. Whether you’ve only contemplated selling your crafts or want to grow an existing handmade business, Handmade to Sell offers essential guidance for anyone who has ever dreamed of making a living from what they create.

KELLY RAND is a cofounder and executive director of Hello Craft, a director of the Summit of Awesome, a Crafty Bastards organizer, and coeditor of CraftingaGreenWorld.com.
CHRISTINE ERNEST is Hello Craft’s communications director. SARA DICK is the CEO of Hello Craft and a director of the Crafty Bastards arts fair. KIMBERLY DORN is a cofounder of Crafty Bastards and Handmade Mart.

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Comments

  1. You might try to make a bookmark using cross-stitches and aida band for epxmale! Cross-stitching is very easy and this small things such as bookmarks should not take too long for you to make anyway!

Have you read?

DIY Mason Jar Lid Sunflowers with Rustic Stems – Upcycled Farmhouse Decor

If you love sunflowers but wish they could last longer than a week in a vase, I have just the project for you. With a handful of thrifted mason jar lids, a little paint, and a dash of creativity, you can make your own DIY Mason Jar Lid Sunflowers with rustic stems — the kind that brighten your home all year long.

This project blends farmhouse charm with eco-friendly upcycling, making it perfect for crafters who love to give old materials a new life. Whether you display them in a vase, turn them into a wreath, or pop them into potted plants, these handmade sunflowers bring sunshine into any space.

Why You’ll Love This Sunflower Craft

  • Budget-friendly: Most supplies can be thrifted, recycled, or found at home. 
  • Customisable: Change the petal colour, stem style, or centre texture to suit your décor. 
  • Durable décor: Unlike fresh flowers, these won’t wilt or fade. 
  • Eco-conscious: A clever way to upcycle mason jar lids and scrap fabric. 

Supplies You’ll Need

To make your own mason jar lid sunflowers, gather these simple materials:

  • Mason jar rings (any size – thrifted or recycled) 
  • Yellow spray paint or acrylic craft paint 
  • Brown felt, burlap, or textured fabric for the flower centres 
  • Hot glue gun and glue sticks 
  • Wooden dowels, sticks, or recycled chopsticks for stems 
  • Green floral tape or green craft paint 
  • Optional: raffia, ribbon, faux greenery, grapevine wreath form 

Step-by-Step: How to Make DIY Mason Jar Lid Sunflowers with Rustic Stems

Step 1: Prep Your Mason Jar Lids

Wash and dry the lids thoroughly. If they have rust spots, give them a quick sanding for a smooth surface. This will help your paint adhere better.

Step 2: Paint the Petals

Lay out your lids on newspaper or cardboard. Spray paint them in a bright sunflower yellow. Two light coats give the best coverage.
 Tip: For a more natural, layered look, dry-brush with mustard or orange tones after the base coat dries.

Step 3: Create the Sunflower Centre

Cut a circle of brown felt, burlap, or textured fabric slightly larger than the inner opening of the lid.
 For extra detail, glue on small black buttons, beads, or seeds for a realistic sunflower centre.

Step 4: Assemble the Flower

Flip the lid over and hot glue the centre fabric to the back so it fills the ring’s opening.
 Press firmly to make sure it’s secure — especially if you’re making these for a wreath or outdoor display.

Step 5: Add the Stem

Glue a wooden dowel, twig, or recycled chopstick to the back of the lid.
 Wrap the stem in green floral tape for a smooth, finished look — or leave a twig unwrapped for a more rustic, natural style.

Step 6: Add Finishing Touches

Tie a bow of raffia or ribbon around the stem. Glue on a couple of faux leaves for extra charm.
 If you’re making a bouquet, vary the stem lengths for a more natural arrangement.

Creative Ways to Use Your Mason Jar Lid Sunflowers

  • Rustic Vase Display: Arrange several sunflowers in a ceramic jug or glass mason jar. 
  • Farmhouse Wreath: Glue the flowers to a grapevine wreath form and hang on your front door. 
  • Garden Accents: Seal with an outdoor spray and stake in flower beds or planters. 
  • Gift Toppers: Make mini sunflowers for wrapping embellishments or party favours. 

 Tips for the Best Results

  • Use different jar ring sizes for varied petal shapes in your bouquet. 
  • Dry-brush the petal edges with orange paint for added depth and realism. 
  • Mix in a few “wild” stems with curled raffia or greenery for a fuller, more natural look. 

The Beauty of Upcycling

This DIY mason jar lid sunflower craft is proof that everyday items — even something as humble as a jar lid — can become something extraordinary.
 It’s not just about making something pretty; it’s about crafting something with a story, saving materials from the bin, and adding a burst of joy to your home.

So next time you spot a box of old jar lids at a thrift store, don’t pass them by. Pick them up and turn them into sunshine that never fades.