Combining hobbies and interests with making money is a great way to start a home business, so why not give some of these ideas a go and earn some extra cash? Working from home means that you can stick to your own schedule, fit work in around household chores or the kids, and do something you really enjoy. The only overheads are the ones you make, and the only boss is yourself!



If you're handy with a needle and thread, why not customise and sell clothing? Vintage items can be picked up for next to nothing from second hand shops, and a little imagination turns them into something stylish and wearable. If you're more artistic, try making trinkets or jewellery. You can sell these on eBay, your own website, or through a site like etsy who will host your shopping page. You set the prices so costs are easily controlled.

Selling through an established site like etsy or eBay will ensure that your goods reach a wide audience, but if you're part of a network of like-minded people, personal websites can be marketed by linking to each other and spreading the word that you're open for business.

If you're not very artistic but you are intellectual, try tutoring in an academic or musical subject. If you have a qualification (like a university degree) you could coach younger students in the basics. Tutoring is well-paid and can be done from the comfort of your own home. If you want to get out and about, hold your lessons in your student's home instead; you'll meet new people and passing on knowledge can be very rewarding. To find tutoring work, advertise in local newspapers or shop windows; when you become established you'll find that word of mouth takes care of new business.

For a simple commercial venture, why not try drop-shipping? You sell products however you like; door to door, on eBay or through your website, and they're shipped from a drop-shipping company; you never even see the packages. In return for selling however, you get a cut of the profits. For people with little space for storing goods, but a keen eye for marketing, this could be ideal. All sorts of products are available to sell in this way; from linens to bag charms you can choose from a huge range to suit your market.

If you're a great host, why not host jewellery or lingerie parties? You buy the goods, sell them to your guests and take commission or receive free items in return. If you don't really need cash but love to try new things this is a great idea as a lot of companies try to pay you in their products. To earn money however, try sourcing your goods from a wholesaler; that way you can do whatever you like with them, whether it's selling them at parties or online, and you set the prices and your profits.

The best home businesses start from something you're interested in; expert knowledge goes a long way when it comes to selling. Make sure that you're motivated to keep going with whatever you start; even though you're your own boss you still have to be harsh sometimes! Take advantage of what you already know and plan carefully to keep track of your finances. The opportunities for earning from home are as large as your imagination!