Whether you’re new to hosting craft workshops, or a seasoned pro, this list of craft workshop projects is sure to inspire you!
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Over the last few months, I’ve been inviting a friend over to play with polymer clay. I have a large assortment of clay, cutters, and various tools and have been experimenting with them for the last year or so. This friend in question doesn’t do much by way of creative projects, so when I offhandedly invited her over to do some crafting I didn’t really think she’d be into it.
Was I ever wrong!
We’ve made some really cute little projects—sometimes we look up inspo pictures on Google and try to replicate them, and other times we watch little tutorial videos. Sometimes we start working with one goal in mind, and end up with something totally different at the end of the afternoon. But whatever we make, we have a lot of fun throughout the process.
It’s gotten me thinking—there are tons of people who might never pick up a craft project on their own but would be willing to give it a try with friends.
I’ve heard about craft parties and workshops, but haven’t really given them much thought until recently. But what if you could get a group of friends together, maybe even friends who don’t really consider themselves creative, and encourage them to make art?
But craft parties aren’t just for groups of friends. Craft workshop hosting is actually a lucrative business idea. There are tons of people who’ve made good money doing this, and it works especially well as an evening & weekend side hustle.
What makes a good craft workshop project?
- Here are some things you want to look for when planning your craft workshop projects:
- It is beginner-friendly and doesn’t have a huge learning curve
- It can be completed in roughly an hour to an hour and a half
- The materials aren’t too expensive
- The materials aren’t overly messy or odorous
- It doesn’t require a lot of specialized equipment
How much money can I make hosting craft workshops?
It totally depends on the workshop and the area you live in. If you can gather the supplies for under $15 per participant and you get a venue for free, charging $40 per person for the event will get you $25 per participant. Host 15 participants and that’s $375 profit on an event. Of course, you have to consider what people in your area will pay and if others nearby are offering similar events. Other costs, such as equipment that you can use multiple times, may increase the initial cost of putting on a workshop.
Where can I host a craft workshop?
There are so many places where you can host craft workshops! For paid options, check out community centers and clubs, church halls, college and university classrooms, and other meeting spaces for rent. For free options, host them in someone’s home or consider approaching local restaurants, bars, and brewhouses. They might let you use the space for free on some of their typically slow nights because you’re bringing a bunch of people into their venue!
Tell me more!
If you’re looking for more information about craft workshops and classes, and how to hold one, check out my blog post by clicking the button below!
Let’s get making!
If you’re ready to check out some awesome craft workshop projects, let’s get to the list!
01. Painted Taper Candles
Painted taper candles are great for workshops because they’re an inexpensive project that allows participants to create something that suits their own tastes and décor. Plus, custom-decorated candles are a great project for those who love to give handmade gifts. This project doesn’t require any fancy tools or hardware, and electrical access isn’t necessary.
02. Wearable Terrariums
Terrarium workshops are tons of fun—but why not add a twist to a craft workshop favorite by making your terrariums wearable? These teeny tiny terrariums are adorable and easy, which is sure to get people buying tickets to your crafting workshop!
03. String Art
String art projects are lots of fun, and they’re simple to set up and learn. This adorable heart-themed string art is a great place to start—it’s bright and colorful and great for crafting workshops during Pride month. But you can also do animals (a butterfly would be so cute) or objects (line wine bottles). Even maps or sayings! If you don’t want to use hammers and nails at the craft workshop, you can prep the boards in advance. Or bring printed templates, hammers, and nails and let your attendees get creative!
04. Geode Bath Bombs
Considering how expensive pre-made bath bombs can get, there are tons of people who’d love to learn how to make their own! However, some people have strong scent sensitivities, and the venue where you’re holding your crafting class might have scent policies. Keep that in mind when planning the materials you’ll have on hand!
05. Macrame Plant Hanger
Macrame plant hangers are amazing craft workshop projects because they require very few materials and no specialized tools. Plus, the skills that participants learn are ones they can use again and again. No electrical access is necessary!
06. DVD Mosaic Resin Tray
This is a great way to repurpose old CDs into something new and unique! This tutorial gives a great overview of the project, although for a craft workshop I’d recommend scaling it down a bit. Get a smaller tray, and opt for UV resin. UV resin has less of an odor, and participants can cure it at the workshop so they take home something ready to use.
07. No Sew Rope Baskets
If you’re looking for another great home décor project that’s simple and pretty, these no-sew rope baskets are a fun workshop option! You don’t need a lot of different materials, and they come together quickly. You will, however, need access to several electrical outlets as every crafter will need to have access to a hot glue gun! Take that into consideration if you want to tackle this project—you might need extension cords and power bars!
08. Alcohol Ink Coasters
These coasters are gorgeous and everyone’s project will look a little different! The way these alcohol inks marble is absolutely stunning. Keep in mind that these inks take a while to fully dry, which means either you’ll have to do this project over multiple sessions or you can provide instructions for participants on how to seal them after the ink is fully cured. Also, this is going to be one of the messier crafts on the list, so keep that in mind as well!
09. Recycled T-Shirt Rag Rug
This craft is one you’ll need a lot of space for, for each participant. But the finished product is so worth it. It’s eco-friendly—after all, you’re utilizing used t-shirts!—and straightforward once it’s all set up. Because craft workshops aren’t generally very long, you might want to consider making the project a little smaller. Or include the loom in the price of the workshop so they can take the whole thing home with them. Then it doesn’t necessarily matter if they finish it at the workshop.
10. Custom Rubber Stamps
This is a great project for a shorter workshop, especially if you have some stamp template ideas ready to go. If you want to make this project a little more involved, after your participants make their stamps you can have them use them on a small tote bag or paper to produce a cute piece of original wall art. Or have them make custom wrapping paper! The possibilities really are limitless.
Will you try any of these craft workshop projects?
Craft workshops are a great way to get people together and have fun. There are so many people who don’t craft because they think they “aren’t good at it”—but will try it if they’re invited to a social event by their friends. Anything that encourages people to get crafty is something that I’m in favor of!
Crafting events like this can also be great fundraisers. If you have a decent profit margin on a particular class, you can offer to host an artsy fundraiser. The charity or group looking to fundraise sells all the tickets, and you donate a percentage from each ticket sold to the charity in question. You make a little less profit, but the trade-off is that you don’t have to be responsible for selling tickets to the event! If you normally put a little towards advertising anyway, you wouldn’t have to spend that money and it comes out pretty even in the end.
You can also utilize these craft projects for birthday parties, bridal showers or bachelorette parties, retirement parties, work functions, etc. Why not set up a craft project table at that big summer family reunion?
I’d love to see what you do with the projects on this list! Use hashtags #theserialcreative and #craftworkshopprojects on Instagram.
Happy creating!
Hey people!!!!!
Good mood and good luck to everyone!!!!!