Handmade From the Heart: 11 DIY Gifts for Valentine's Day (Part 1)

The day of hearts is fast approaching. While love can take on many forms, including self-love, love for family and friends, and the kind that motivates one to reach out to the needy, this 2-part blog post focuses on romance and love between couples.

Since this blog is all about crafting, DIY, and celebrating everything creative, I'll be curating a list of items one can make for a sweetheart for Valentine's Day. 

Why Give DIY Gifts for Valentine's?

A DIY gift can help maintain or regain the relationship's romantic spark.

You may have been dating for a while, and certain dates or activities may have become routine.

That's why giving your boyfriend or girlfriend something handmade might come across as a (pleasant) surprise, especially if your sweetheart were used to receiving store-bought items. 

The fact that nothing beats a present that took time and effort to prepare will make them feel special. 

A DIY gift can be customized or personalized.

While customizing a present, you don't just take the occasion into consideration. You also think about the person's hobbies or interests, as well as tastes or preferences like favorite colors, or pop culture interests like movies, music, choice of literature, etc.

Just because a gift is handmade doesn't mean it's sloppily done. 

A handmade gift doesn't to be inferior to items bought from the store. If you're not particularly crafty or exceptionally skilled and creative, you can pick some of the less complex DIY gifts among the list.

Other items can be given to complement a handmade present. 

These could be consumables, like candies or chocolates, or a bouquet of flowers.

Having cited all the good reasons to give DIY gifts for Valentine's Day, here are 11 items you can make for that special person in your life:

(**DISCLAIMER: Affiliate links have been inserted in this post. I'll be collecting a commission every time you click on those links and make a purchase.)

(1.) Mason jar gift

Date jar

This is probably the least expensive DIY present among the items on the list.

Image from The Savvy Sparrow
Click here for full tutorial.

Coming up with different categories of date ideas, storing them inside a mason jar, and making your sweetheart choose every time you decide to meet up, will often ensure that you'll have a fantastic time.

This DIY present can also be an exercise in creativity, since you'll be motivated to think outside the box for activities to do on dates. 

To illustrate, should you decide that this month is Frugal February but wouldn't want to compromise on romance, you may wish to include "an afternoon at the thrift store," "shop for second-hand books," or "grab coffee and sandwiches at a convenience store before an early morning joyride" among your date ideas. 

Things I Love About You 

Rediscover the reasons that attracted you to your sweetheart, and, eventually, the things that made you fall in love with them, with this Things I Love About You mason jar.

Image from The Savvy Sparrow
For full tutorial, click here.

You don't need to limit yourself to 30-40, or even 50 rolled up sheets of notepaper. There could be close to 100 reasons you fell in love with your boyfriend or girlfriend. 

(2.) Scrapbook

Scrapbooks can be fun to make, especially if you've had a lot of memorable dates.

You can arrange pictures you've taken from a trip to the beach, a day at an amusement park, a picnic, a board game afternoon with friends, a cosplay convention, or a paint-and-sip session at a cafe.

Enhance your scrapbook pages by incorporating 3D effects using foam letters, or use craft punches to create dramatic edges.

Image from freepik

Aside from the usual photos and embellishments, mementos or ephemera that can be included among your scrapbook pages are --

• bookmarks
• preserved flowers
• tickets to a concert or music festival. 
• greeting cards, love notes, and letters. 
• flyer or brochure announcing an event (e.g. book launch or author signing at a nearby public library, a night of stand-up comedy or beat poetry, advanced screening of an indie film, a craft fair or bazaar, etc.).

(3.) Craft caddy 

Does your sweetheart knit or crochet while watching shows on Netflix to unwind after a long day at work?

Or maybe she prefers other crafts like diamond painting, punch needle, or needlework?

Does he design artist trading cards to trade during conventions, or make sports-themed accessories for his friends? 

Well, why not DIY a craft caddy as a gift for Valentine's Day?

Photo from U Create
Click here for full tutorial.

Since a craft caddy is portable, it's convenient and can be placed on top of a coffee table beside a sofa. Your girlfriend doesn't need to bring a lot of her supplies for knitting or crochet.

And the best thing about a DIY caddy? It doesn't have to be for craft materials only. You can tailor its contents according to your sweetheart's interests, hobbies, and preferences. 

If he enjoys puzzles and mind-bending activities, fill the caddy with crossword and Sudoku booklets. If he's into old-school games, place a deck of playing cards, Uno, a set of dominoes, Rubik's cube, and a magnetic chessboard. 

If she loves to unwind by reading during weekends, ask about her favorite authors and get her copies of the books she hasn't read yet. 

(4.) Single rose bouquet with a cheeky card 

I have yet to meet a lady who doesn't like getting flowers, whether it's a single-stem rose or an entire bouquet.

For the gents, this tutorial is simple enough for you to surprise her. Give this along with --

Valentine's card
by papeldesarapen

(5.) Book sleeves with bookmarks

This project is perfect if you're handy with a sewing machine. If you have a bookworm for a sweetheart, delight him or her with a personalized book sleeve and a set of bookmarks!

The video above shows how to sew a book sleeve for ladies. If you want to make one for a boyfriend, substitute the fabric with dainty prints or floral patterns with one of a more masculine style -- chevron, polka dots, plaid, or even a print with pop culture characters. 

With regards to bookmarks, think about the genres your sweetheart loves to read.

Image from Crazee Kids Art
Click here for full tutorial.

Try making a bunch of these Halloween bookmarks if your boyfriend is a fan of gothic or horror novels.

If romance novels and classics are a staple in your girlfriend's reading fare, giving her these shabby chic bookmarks are the best way to go.

Still, if you simply want a bunch of cool corner bookmarks that remind you how much fun reading can be, click the videos above for Sesame Street bookmarks tutorials. 

(6.) Couples' bracelets 

While dating, you don't need to settle for couples' accessories that require you to shell out a huge amount. 

The colors of a DIY macrame bracelet (tutorial above) can be modified or customized to suit the month of hearts. You can make a red-and-white or pink-and-white macrame bracelet for yourself, and a black-and-white or navy-and-white one for your sweetheart.

Frugal Gift for Valentine's Day From Shopee: Coupons With Date Ideas

The month of hearts and romance has finally arrived! And what better ways are there to keep the spark alive and your relationship strong than continue going out on dates with your sweetheart? 

But wait! Do you ever feel that you've already exhausted, or checked off, every possible date idea? Then why not surprise your boyfriend or girlfriend with a bunch of coupons of date activities?

Why Give Coupons? 

You'll never run out of date ideas again.

Sometimes, the problem lies not in not being able to make time for dates. Too often, couples grow tired with the same old activities.

Dates must be varied, since they should serve as a form of escape and a way to recharge one's mental, emotional, and physical batteries. 

And regardless of how frugal dates can be sometimes, stretching your imagination and injecting creativity help to keep yourselves curious, adventurous, and youthful. 

People of various love languages will highly appreciate coupons.

Regardless of someone's love language (words of affirmation, giving/receiving gifts, physical touch, quality time, and acts of service), having a bunch of coupons with date ideas that appeal to that love language will help strengthen the relationship.

Couples can agree to compromise on dates.

Love and romance come with a fact that has remained timeless: couples don't always enjoy similar activities. That's why it's crucial to know how and when to compromise during dates. 

Coupons with date ideas can help couples take turns in choosing what each one wants to do. They can also select an activity they mutually enjoy.  

You can also use coupons with your closest friends. 

Who says only couples will get to enjoy during love month? Maybe you and a bunch of your other friends are still enjoying singleness. You want to make the most of your single years by coming up with fun ideas that you can enjoy with friends. 

Having cited all the excellent reasons to give coupons of date ideas, here's where to order them online: 

(**DISCLAIMER: This post contains affiliate links, from which I'll collect a commission every time you click on any of those links and make a purchase.)

RhyzDigitalCrafts'
Love coupons

Valentine's Day
customizable love coupons
by PrintKita Digital Printing

Retro love lifestyle coupons
(24 pieces/set) by MAIKAmk.ph

Love coupon book
by dari.simanis.ph

Love coupons for couples
and friends by Tala.Arawan

Ticket date coupons
from hepipolaroid

Bestie BFF 20 coupons from
Flying Tiger by hodlclub

Handmade Crafts: Key Takeaways When Starting a Small Business From Home

As stated in my previous blog posts, there are numerous advantages to starting a handmade crafts business at the comfort of one's own home.

Operating a business, albeit a small one at first, can even yield benefits for various sectors of society -- stay-at-home parents, former employees who have been laid off or made redundant at the workplace, or even individuals with disabilities. 

You can start off by playing to your strengths as well. If you're aware that you're more of a maker and crafter, team up with someone who has business smarts. 

If, on the other hand, you have the capacity to shell out a substantial amount as upfront capital but is all thumbs with crafts, you can hire a team of crafters (around 2-3) to discuss your vision for handmade products. 

And don't regard yourself as unfit to run a small business if your expertise lies in other areas, like logistics, bookkeeping, invoicing, copywriting, or SEO. 

You can always join a team comprised of creatives and business-savvy individuals, and pitch what you have to offer. 

Having cited examples of handmade crafts to get you started on your small business, here are other things to consider: 

Packaging Materials and Branding Should Be Included Among Overhead Expenses 

You don't need to spend a lot to design a logo for your business or brand that looks sleek and professional. You can utilize the free features of the design software Canva for this. 

If you want to come up with a flyer or even brochure, you can use Microsoft Publisher and a color printer.

Decide On A Brand Name

Your brand name must succinctly sum up what your business is all about and everything you have to offer. Here are a few guidelines:

Combine a brand name with a memorable tag line.

Here are just a few samples:

Crafted by Hookers -- Crocheted Gifts for Special Occasions

Lather Up -- Handmade Organic Soaps 

Hang Time -- Jazz Up Plain Bags With Our Bag Charms

Marketing Your Products 

Harness the power of social media platforms. 

Sign up on social media platforms like X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok. Recognize what each platform can contribute in marketing your handmade crafts. 

You can upload a wide array of photos of your DIY products on Instagram and Facebook, and then provide a link to your online store. 

Ask for testimonials from satisfied customers. Word-of-mouth is the best, and most cost-effective, marketing strategy.

TikTok focuses more on short-form videos. You can increase brand awareness and engagement by -- 

• shooting and uploading "A day in the life of a crafter/business owner" type videos. Give your followers a glimpse of you creating a bunch of your products and packing them. 
• using visuals and graphics for progress reports or earnings. 
• scheduling videos of handmade crafts that are seasonal. They will help you garner more views and increase engagement during special occasions and holidays.
• showing your own take on a trend (e.g. crocheted capybaras). 

Offer Freebies, But Do It Strategically and Sparingly

Donate your surplus to have it raffled off.

Act as a sponsor and get in touch with organizers of community events. They may need lovely items to raffle off during Christmas parties. 

As an exchange, you can give away a bunch of your business cards and flyers with information about your handmade crafts, as well as contact numbers, website URL, and social media handles.

Sell Your Handmade Crafts by Bulk

Accept requests to customize/personalize items.

Offices with a small workforce or limited staff may wish for unique souvenirs or keepsakes during team building events or company parties.

Join bazaars, craft conventions, and flea markets by responding to calls for merchants.

By doing this, you'll need to set up an attractive booth by putting up a table or two inside the venue.

Watch the video above for a tutorial, filled with suggestions on how to appeal to customers and display your handmade merchandise.

Keep a stack of business cards neatly arranged on a business card holder by your table workshop. 

Hype Up Your Business the Organic Way  

This is where effective writing skills will come in handy. 

Craft pitches to bloggers/journalists/SEO writers.

Identify blogs, newsletter publishers, and industry experts in your craft niche.  

Keep in mind that it's better to trade value for value instead of sounding like asking for a favor. Instead of a sales pitch, offer a how-to tutorial in the form of a list-icle, a photo essay about your small business' creative journey, or how you managed to thrive through cost-effective strategies. 

Make sure to study the blog or newsletter ahead of time. What are the readers' usual concerns, interests, and challenges? Does it publish a good balance of evergreen and seasonal content? 

Consider repurposing and pitching some of your social media content if they fit into the blog or newsletter's overall vibe. Submit photos of good quality.

Collaborate with other crafters, makers, and small business owners. 

Maybe you've heard of skilled sewers who can deconstruct jeans and turn them into tote bags. Or maybe they can sew ladies' handbags out of leather or fun backpacks for teens from printed fabric.

Talk about how their bags would look better should there be keychains or bag charms hanging from zippers.

Handmade Crafts: Small Business Ideas That Can Be Done From Home (Part 2)

In the 1st part of my blog post, I have cited plenty of good reasons to start a handmade crafts business at the comfort of one's home.

Photo from freepik

Another huge advantage of a home-based business is, most handmade crafts can be done by individuals from nearly all demographics -- stay-at-home parents, people with disabilities, anyone wishing for a livelihood that's location-independent, or even just a way to augment a regular salary. 

Even those with a higher level of entrepreneurial savviness than creativity can team up with a small group of workers and explain her vision for a possible business or brand. 

Others can use whatever expertise they may have -- bookkeeping, invoicing, sourcing materials, logistics, social media management, etc. 

Here are the remaining types of handmade crafts that can be turned into a small business:

(3.) Journal jar

Image from Make and Takes
Click here for complete procedure.

What makes this an ideal handmade craft?

• You'll only need a minimal amount to be able to put together a set of journal jars, and most will go to mason jars. 
• You can gather materials according to different themes or color templates. If you prefer simple, clean, and minimalist, write your prompts on white sheets of notepaper. Embellishments might be a gift tag attached through a plain ribbon or twine, and a wide strip of scrapbook paper wrapped around the mason jar. 
• If you like whimsical or shabby chic, take a sheet of scrapbook paper, cut it into the size of sticky notes, and scribble your prompts on the back side. And then, decorate the outside of the jar with a strip of lace or ribbon and add paper flowers.

Why this will sell:

• You can appeal to different demographics and serve different purposes. There exists multiple reasons to start and maintain the habit of journaling. You can customize journal jars for youth groups or Bible study groups. 
• There are therapists, counselors, and other mental health professionals that advise journaling. 
• Journal jars make excellent Valentine's and anniversary gifts for couples. They can strengthen their bond by reflecting on the triumphs, milestones, as well as challenges they've had in their marriage or long-term relationship. And along the lines of selling DIY jars, why not offer a package deal by including a date ideas in a jar?
• Children and teens will especially benefit from journal jars. Getting them started in the habit of journaling will help improve their thought process and communication skills.

Costing:

Materials:

• Mason jar -- Php122 for 380ml 
• Notepaper -- Php45
• Felt-tip pen -- Php45
• Scrapbook paper -- Php45 for a set of 24 sheets (12" x 12")
• Embellishments (printed ribbons, die cuts, twine, ephemera, and lace)

How to compute selling price:

(1.) Come up with at least 30 journal prompts for a 30-day challenge. 

(2.) Larger sizes of mason jars can be prized higher as they can hold more prompts (50 or more). 

(3.) Markup percentage should be around 20%-30%. For customized journal jars, 40% is reasonable.

(4.) Upcycled notebooks

Cereal box notebook

What makes this an ideal handmade craft?

• Cereal boxes are sturdy, making them good enough for notebook covers.
• You can make various sizes of notebooks. 
• You can apply a lot of techniques to decorate the cover of your notebooks -- color blocking, papier mache, flicking or dabbing paint, melted crayon and string art, mosaic made of paper or eggshell, or wrapping it with fabric, scrapbook or wrapping paper. 

Why this will sell:

• Cereal box notebooks make unique gifts for stationery lovers. 
• With the wealth of craft materials being made available, you can accept requests to personalize or customize notebooks, and charge more. 
• pad with greeting card cover 

Costing:

Materials:

• Cereal boxes -- free 
• 12" x 12" pad of scrapbook paper -- Php149 (click here and here for more designs) 
• Ream of A4 copy paper (500 sheets) -- Php 149

How to compute selling price:

This is a handmade craft that's cost-effective when it comes to materials, but heavily reliant on labor. It's best to compute a 40%-50% markup percentage. 

Upcycled magazine cover notebook

Photo from Instructables
Click here for a complete tutorial.

What makes this an ideal handmade craft? 

• It's cost-effective to make. You can use old magazines that have accumulated in your home.
• Ruled paper is inexpensive. 
• There are digest periodicals and magazines that are slightly larger in size, so you can craft a good variety.

Why this will sell:

• These upcycled notebooks can be used for school, office, journaling, budget-tracking, calorie counting, etc.
• If you want boys and men to buy your upcycled notebooks, look for old issues of comic books, car, basketball, motorcycle, music, or technology magazines.

How to compute selling price:

There are 2 ways to work around this: 

• Compute a 40%-50% markup percentage, since it's a labor-intensive craft. 
• Instead of a markup percentage, determine a markup price that will compensate for your labor, a part of your overhead expenses, and other extras like packaging material. Add the markup price to the cost it took you to make a single notebook.

(5.) Crochet products   

What makes them ideal as handmade crafts? 

• All you need are a couple of hooks to get started. 
• There are brands of crochet yarn of good quality that are relatively inexpensive.

Why these will sell:

• You can appeal to enthusiasts of the kawaii culture.
• Animals aren't the only ones you can crochet. There are flowers, vegetables, and fruits, caricatures of pop culture icons, food (milk tea, coffee, onigiri, etc.)...the possibilities are endless! 

Amigurumi

Photo from DIY Fluffies
Click here for amigurumi patterns.

Coasters

Image from Repeat Crafter Me
For complete procedure, click here.

Scrunchies 

Photo from Repeat Crafter Me
Click here for a tutorial.

Bookmarks

Avid readers, regardless of genre, will appreciate crochet bookmarks. You can sell these by pairs, or by a set of 3, 5, 6, 10, or market them as cheaper by the dozen. 

Costing:

Materials:

• Crochet hooks (set of 22) -- Php149 
• DMC crochet acrylic yarn -- Php149 (click here and here for other colors)

How to compute selling price:

While you may be able to acquire patterns for free, crochet is another labor-reliant textile craft. So it's best to compute a 40%-50% markup percentage after totaling the cost. 

(6.) Sewing essentials 

What makes them ideal as handmade crafts? 

• You can adopt the assembly-line way when making sewing essentials, which are small items. You can easily finish a dozen or 2 within a day. 
• You can customize sewing essentials and place them inside a sewing box, and gift them to sewing enthusiasts. 

Why these will sell: 

• There will always be crafters who are enthusiastic about sewing...as a recreation, a way to make extra income, as well as something they do full-time to earn.
• Some individuals trained themselves minor repairs like mending, darning, replacing missing buttons, sewing on a hook and eye, etc. They'll appreciate sewing essentials. 

Pin cushions 

Photo from A Pumpkin Princess
For a full tutorial, click here.

Costing:

Materials:

• Fabric quarters -- Php100 for 8 pieces 
• Polyester fill -- Php141 for 1 kg
• Needles -- Php141 per set
• Embroidery floss -- Php141 for 50 colors
• Embellishments (buttons, ruffles, felt fabric cutouts, lace, ribbons)

Needle minders

Costing:

Materials: 

• 32mm button pin for repurposing -- Php30 (for other designs, click here, here, and here) 
• round magnets -- Php103 for 50 pieces
• pliers -- Php103 for a set
• multi-purpose glue -- Php88 for 110 ml

How to compute selling price:

(1.) You can price pin cushions per piece, or sell them by bundle or set. 

(2.) Again, this is a labor-intensive craft. A 20%-30% markup percentage is reasonable.

Handmade Crafts: Small Business Ideas That Can Be Done From Home (Part 1)

With the start of a new year, some people are left wondering if they can really leave their dead-end jobs in the office behind, or finally stop settling for a paltry sum due to underemployment. 

Image from freepik

Crafters who has repeatedly honed their skills by creating and innovating stuff, or improving existing products, are now thinking if they can truly appeal to a niche out there that would be willing to pay them for what they can make. 

So should you start a handmade crafts business at the comfort of your own home? 

(**DISCLAIMER: This blog post contains affiliate links. I'll be collecting a commission each time you click on any of those links and make a purchase.)

Why Start A Handmade Crafts Business From Home? 

Financial Advantages

Low overhead expenses 

While expenses for utility may rise up a bit due to you staying at home most of the time, you can still cut costs due to the fact that you won't be paying rent or won't be commuting 5-6 days a week. 

You can also start grocery shopping and doing a weekly prep so you can eat most of your meals at home.

Reduced startup risk 

There's no need to borrow money or take out a loan to start a handmade crafts business from home. Paying upfront for your 1st set of craft materials doesn't need to be expensive.

Craft materials can be sourced from online sellers

With nearly everything being adopted digitally, you can source craft materials from online sellers from Marketplaces like Shopee, TikTok, and Lazada.

Higher profit potential

With low overhead expenses and elimination of the need to commute, as well as doing meal preps to cut back further, profits made from your handmade crafts business at home can be reinvested, ensuring faster ROI in the long term. 

Tax benefits 

Business use of a home office or workspace might qualify the business owner for tax deductibles.

Sales and Distribution Advantages

Elimination of the need to maintain a physical store

A handmade crafts business operated from home omits the need for a physical storefront.

Direct-to-Customer (D2C) model

Customers can have direct access to the products by ordering through a website or social media platforms. This omits the need for intermediaries, or "middle men."

Lifestyle and Flexibility Advantages

Freedom from office politics

You don't need to get entangled in the mentally and psychologically taxing cycle of kissing up to your superiors just to gain their favor.

Freedom from daily commute

With commute to and from the workplace becoming more and more of an arduous task, eliminating this daily necessity can easily free up 2-4 hours a day, 5-6 days a week for you. 

Imagine devoting even an hour of that to get a head start in your routine. You can check emails or DMs for orders in your social media accounts.

Work-life balance is more attainable now, because you can also enjoy unhurried meals and bond more with your family members.

Productivity Advantages

You can get rid, minimize, or manage distractions. 

If you're paying for multiple online subscriptions, now is the perfect time to cancel a couple of them. 

Also, cutting back on your binge-watching time by 20-30 minutes a day is a good start. You can substitute that with quality development, market research, or social media management.

You can customize a quiet and safe functional workspace. 

You don't need to convert an entire basement or room into a workspace. Determine what the essential tools and equipment are, and the bulk of craft materials you'll need.

You can get more things done around the house.

You can easily finish a household chore such as putting away groceries or taking trash to the bin during downtimes or a lull in your routine.

Opportunities for Growth

You can be your own boss. 

You have direct control over decisions, direction, and goals.

You can create equity.

You can develop skills that will benefit you and your family directly. You can then mentor other family members or former colleagues.

Or, you can invest a portion of your profits into other assets that can potentially earn for you in the long-term. This is crucial if you don't see yourself managing the business for a prolonged period, and wish to depend on passive income in the future.

You can seek out mentorship and resources on your own.

Unlike the required participation in seminars or office team building activities, you can look for resources like webinars, online courses, or pay for mentorship in the form of coaching or short courses in entrepreneurship.

You have the option to scale and expand your business. 

You may be operating from a small craft room right now, or you converted an attic bedroom or den into your workspace. Or you may have rearranged a corner in your bedroom to accommodate all your craft supplies and tools.

Think Globally, Act Locally

During recent years, the strong digital adoption as well as growing consumer base in the Philippines have made running a small business from home very ideal. 

Filipinos can easily set up a payment scheme and establish a cash flow by downloading payment apps like GCash, Maya, or even PayPal if they plan to cater to customers overseas. 

Having mentioned all of these advantages, here are 13 types of handmade crafts that can be done from home that have potential for profitability and scalability: 

(1.) Self-care essentials 

Mani-pedi in a jar 

What makes this ideal as a homemade craft?

• Low startup costs 
• Materials are easy to source and can be bought in bulk.
• Can be done by a newbie or beginner

Why this will sell:

• Beauty gurus will appreciate its uniqueness. 
• Because it's quite an eye candy, a mani-pedi in a jar can be gifted to a college roommate, female colleagues at work, a sister, cousin, or aunt. 
• You can customize a bunch of these to be given away as stocking stuffers, as an inexpensive gift for a Secret Santa, or souvenirs from a hen do or bachelorette party, or a girl's Sweet 16 or 18th birthday party.

Photo from That's What Che Said

Costing (*all figures in Philippine pesos):

Materials:

• Mason jars -- Php224 for 4 250 ml jars
• Nail polish -- Php39, 10 ml bottle
• Cotton balls -- Php135, pack of 300's (can be repacked into smaller plastic containers)
• Nail clipper -- Php135 for 12 pieces
• Nail file -- Php89 for 20 pieces
• Toe separator -- Php59 for 20 pieces
• Ribbons -- Php12 for 25 yards

How to compute selling price:

(1.) Figure out how much it would cost you to put together 1 mani-pedi in a jar. 

(2.) Let's say a jar will cost you Php100, and you want a markup amount of 40% for your labor.

Markup amount: Php100 (cost) x 40% (markup percentage) = Php40

Selling amount: Php100 (cost) + Php40 (markup) = Php140

Organic soaps 

Image from Lovely Greens
For complete procedure, click here.

Photo from Mom Makes Joy
Click here for a complete tutorial. 

Photo from The Soap Kitchen
Click here for complete procedure.

Photo from Lovely Greens
Click here for complete procedure.

What makes this ideal as a homemade craft?

• With plenty of scents that can be made available, you can appeal to more and more customers.

Why this will sell:

• Organic soaps make ideal gifts for special occasions. 
• Customers who are aware of the harsh elements and ingredients of commercial soaps will appreciate organic soaps. 

(2.) Accessories

What makes them ideal as homemade crafts? 

• Low upfront capital. Craft materials used for accessory making can be bought in bulk at cheaper prices. 
• No need for advanced skills or certain level of mastery of crafting techniques. 

Why these will sell:

• The desire to customize and personalize one's belongings, as well as express one's individuality, cuts across various demographics (children, teens, adults, male and female).
• A variety of resin charms and alloy pendants can be readily sourced.

Keychains 

Image from
DIY Handmade Jewelry - PH

Image from
DIY Handmade Jewelry - PH

Costing:

Materials:

• Lobster clasps -- Php107 for 10 pieces (other sizes are available)
• Spiderman pendants -- Php62 for 2 pieces
• Superheroes pendants -- Php85 for 2 pieces
• Click here for other available pendants. 
• Sanrio pendants -- Php14 each
• Heart beads -- Php35 for 100 pieces 
• Filler beads -- Php13 for 100 pieces
• 0.8 elastic wire -- Php17

How to compute selling price:

(1.) Add up the costs of coming up with a single keychain. 

(2.) Your markup price might depend on the number of keychains you can create within an hour or 2. 

(3.) If you can make 10-12 (or more keychains) within an hour with relative ease, that means you're not adhering to a complex process. A markup percentage of 20% is reasonable. 

(4.) Therefore if a keychain costs you Php75 to make, and markup percentage is 20%, then --

Markup amount: Php75 (cost) x 20% (markup percentage) = Php15

Selling amount: Php75 + Php15 = Php90

Button earrings 

Costing:

Materials:

• Earrings set -- Php79 for 300 pieces
• Red and black buttons (other colors available) -- Php61 for 50 pieces (3 different sizes)

How to compute selling price:

Follow previous procedures.

Frugal Craft: Upcycled Utility Box

For today's post, I'll be introducing a frugal papier mache project that can be made out of free materials: an old cardboard box and the browned pages of a battered paperback edition of a dictionary.  

(**DISCLAIMER: I have inserted affiliate links in this blog post, which means I'll be collecting a commission each time you click on any of those links and make a purchase.) 

The finished product

Materials: 

• Old cardboard box 
• Old dictionary or book (paperback copy with browned pages)
• Wax paper (I used one with floral prints)
• Pink cardstock
• Glue

Procedure:

(1.) Papier mache was the technique I used for this frugal craft, so I tore the browned pages of the old dictionary into strips first. 

(2.) I then spread glue all over the cover and underside of the cardboard box and arranged the strips of browned paper. 

Printed wax paper/
food grade wrapper
by ShopHere18

(3.) Once everything was covered, I prepared the floral-printed wax paper and covered the areas with the strips of brown paper.

(4.) I needed to cover the rest of my cardboard box, so I used my paper cutter to cut 2 strips of pink cardstock to cover the sides.