Turn Your Crafts Into Cash

May 22, 2009 — -- The do-it-yourself movement has opened financial doors for people who love to make their own crafts.

Web sites like Etsy.com have made entrepreneurs of artists who peddle their wares — such as furniture, jewelry, stationery, clothing, cookies and so much more — with little overhead. That means lower prices for the consumer and greater income for the artist.

In April 2009 alone, Etsy buyers spent $12.6 million purchasing 786,825 items from the site.

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Meet six talented women who nabbed some of that cash:

Lori Ward: MissRubySue.Etsy.com

This mom of four in Idaho got hooked on Etsy when she bombed at a craft fair. None of the locals wanted her funky necklaces and accessories. Ward knew she needed a global audience to appreciate her style. Now her sales average $3,500 a month, and after expenses, she's clearing a whopping $2,600. Not too shabby for a very talented woman who hadn't earned a paycheck in more than 14 years and was determined to help her husband cover the household expenses.

Success tip: Even though Etsy charges only 20 cents to list an item, Ward spends about $300 a month to refresh all her listings each day so they appear at the top of the results pages. (The company says it's about to introduce a newly formatted results option, which will help buyers and sellers with more relevant returns.)

Tracy Rowland: BlitheGardens.Etsy.com

This married mom in Kansas turned her passion for nature, gardening and recycling into a business selling beautiful terrariums. Rowland keeps her overhead low by using recycled mason and apothecary jars that she often finds at flea markets. Her prices range from $18 to $56, and she makes about $2,000 a month.

Success tip: High-quality photographs allow shoppers to see the detail of each item up close and personal. Repeat business is generated from satisfied customers who appreciate the level of care put into each creation.

Sherry Aikens: BabyPop.Etsy.com

From her home in a Philadelphia suburb, she's the seamstress to pint-size superheroes around the world who don her custom-made capes and costumes. Aikens sells an average of 250 pieces a month, pulling in $4,000.

Success tip: It's all about the price. Aikens said keeping the price low enough for moms to afford in this economy -- even though she's been told she can charge more -- keeps the orders coming.