11 Clever Ways I Make Money Online With My Crafting Hobby (Yes, It All Adds Up!)

So here’s the deal: I make money online by crafting. Yes, really! I sit in my cozy craft room, surrounded by glitter, paper, and a mild obsession with glue — and somehow, this little creative corner pays the bills (or at least some of them!) Over the years, I’ve figured out how to turn my love of crafting into multiple little income streams that, when stacked together, actually amount to a nice monthly payout!

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase anything, I earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. Check out my policies here.

And let’s be honest — none of these streams are setting the world on fire by themselves. But TOGETHER? That’s the magic! I lovingly refer to it as my “Tons of Tiny Streams of Income.” If you’re curious how I pull it off, here are 11 clever ways I make money from crafting online:

1. YouTube Ad Revenue – Small But Mighty

Let’s start with YouTube, because that’s where it all began. I post videos of me crafting — sometimes it’s tutorials, sometimes it’s bigger projects that I follow all the way through. YouTube pays per thousand views (RPM), but spoiler alert — the RPM for crafting content isn’t exactly baller status. Think pennies, not pesos.

BUT… it’s money! And those pennies grow over time as more people watch. Plus, it helps feed the other parts of my income machine.

Check out my Youtube channel here!

2. Affiliate Links in Video Descriptions

Under every video, I drop links to the supplies I used — scissors, glue guns, mystery sparkle paper from that one obscure brand I found on Awin. These are affiliate links, which means if someone buys through my link, I earn a commission — usually between 10-15% if it’s a non-Amazon source.

It’s super low effort once it’s set up, and it helps viewers get the exact materials they saw me use, so it’s a win-win. Some weeks I make more from affiliate links than the video itself!

3. Repurposing Videos into Blog Posts

Here’s where things really start to work smarter, not harder. After filming, I get the video transcribed and turn it into a blog post. Same content, just dressed up in words instead of video.

It’s kind of like recycling but for content — and it keeps my blog full of juicy tutorials that are easy to read, pin, and Google-searchable!

4. Blog Post Ads with Mediavine (My Biggest Earner!)

Now THIS is where the real money comes in. My blog runs ads through Mediavine, which pays a MUCH higher RPM than YouTube. Think actual dollars per thousand views, not loose change under the couch cushions.

The more blog traffic I get, the more ad revenue I earn — and because I’m consistently posting and emailing my list, the traffic keeps flowing. Mediavine basically became my craft fairy godmother.

5. Embedding Videos in Blog Posts for Extra Views

Every time I write a blog post, I embed the original YouTube video right into it. That way, people can read OR watch — and if they do watch? You guessed it… more ad pennies from YouTube.

It’s a subtle move that stretches the content’s value and creates a cozy little loop of engagement across platforms.

Here is a post that I just put a fun video using my free vintage summer printable backgrounds!

6. Affiliate Links in Blog Posts

Just like the video descriptions, I include affiliate links in the blog post itself. I link to the materials, tools, and sometimes even fun extras I wish I had used but forgot to grab from my craft stash.

Some people prefer to read instructions, others want to shop — I make it easy for them to do both. And those commissions? They stack up over time, especially during peak seasons like Christmas or back-to-school crafting.

7. Weekly Email Newsletter – Driving Views + Passive Ad Income

Twice a week, I send out a friendly little email to my subscribers — kind of like a crafty love note with helpful links to new blog posts or videos.

This isn’t just about staying connected. Those emails drive traffic, which boosts my blog views, YouTube views, and affiliate clicks. Even if someone only opens the email and clicks ONE thing? That’s one more view I wouldn’t have had otherwise!

8. Email Ad Spots That Add a Little Bonus

At the bottom of each email, I include a small ad space — kind of like a banner ad at the bottom of the emails. It’s not a massive income source, but again… it adds up!

I use an email service called Kit to do this for me (bonus… email provider that I offset the cost of a little bit with the ads!)

9. Using Awin and Other High-Commission Affiliate Programs

When it comes to affiliate programs, I try to prioritize ones that offer better commission rates and longer cookie durations (aka how long you get credit after someone clicks your link).

Awin (formerly ShareASale) is one of my faves. I can find niche crafting brands there that pay more than Amazon and stick around longer in people’s browsers. It’s more work to set up, but SO worth it.

10. Strategic Use of Amazon Affiliate Links

Sometimes, though, you just have to use Amazon Affiliates. It’s easy, fast, and people trust it. Even though the commission is low and the referral window is just 24 hours, the magic of Amazon is this: you get commission on anything they buy — even if it’s not craft supplies.

One time, someone clicked my glue stick link and ended up buying a $500 vacuum. I nearly fainted. So yes, Amazon is worth using as part of the mix.

11. Why All the “Wee Bits” Add Up to a Real Income Stream

Here’s the truth: none of these strategies on their own are enough to live off (unless you’re a unicorn with millions of views). But together? They create a steady, growing income stream that supports my creative life and helps pay the bills.

It’s not glamorous, but it’s real. And it’s absolutely possible for you too — especially if you’re already crafting and sharing online. Just start with one piece of the puzzle and build from there!

Wrap Up: How I Make Money Online From Crafting

Making money online with crafting isn’t about hitting the jackpot in one place — it’s about layering small income streams in a way that works for YOU. From YouTube to blog ads, affiliate links to email marketing, each “wee bit” adds up to something real. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, I hope this gave you a peek behind the curtain and a little inspiration to start monetizing your own creative passion.

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