How To Sell Your Creations Without Feeling Awkward
Let’s be honest for a second. How many times have you heard someone say: “Oh, I’m just doing this for a hobby, it’s not a business”? Yeah… sure. Because who doesn’t want a little extra money on top of doing something they love?
I don’t believe most people jump out of bed every morning thinking, “Yay, another day at my 9-to-5 with my super fun manager!” 🙄 Given the choice between that and spending the day creating something they actually enjoy — and getting paid for it — the answer seems pretty obvious.
It doesn’t matter if it’s sewing, quilting, knitting, crafting, painting, or DIY in general. The point is the same: if you could skip the office and still get paid for doing what you love, you absolutely would.
So today, let’s talk about how to actually sell your creations and promote them without making it weird.
Rule #1: Wear What You Make
Don’t start with, “How do I sell this?” Instead ask yourself, “How much do I love this?”
You’re basically your own walking billboard. If you don’t wear or use your own creations, why should anyone else want them? When you show off what you make, people notice. They’ll ask questions. And that’s your moment to say, “Yep, I made this — and I sell them too.”
If you don’t have a website yet, this is the easiest way to start selling locally. People see it on you, they like it, they ask where to get it, and suddenly you’re making your first sales. Same goes for school mums, work colleagues, even random people on the street. One person buys, then another asks, “Where did you get that?” and the chain reaction begins.
Rule #2: Use Social Media (Smartly)
Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, Facebook — they’re all useful. But here’s the thing: how you present your content matters.
If you only post “how-to” videos, you’ll attract people curious about your process — but they might not buy. If you only post product shots, it can feel like a shop window. In my experience, it’s a 50/50 result. It takes time and consistency to build.
That’s why, if you’re going out a lot and making unique pieces, wearing them in real life often works better than posting online. But still, having a social platform helps. Later on, I built up my Instagram from a ghost town of 2,000 (mostly bots 🙃) to over 16,000 genuine followers who were actually interested in my creations. If you want to see exactly how I did it, check out From 2,000 Ghosts to 16K+ Makers – My Instagram Sewing Growth Story.
Rule #3: Give to Friends and Family (Strategically)
Another way to spread your work is by gifting it. Pick a few friends or family members and give them your creations for free.
Yes, you’ll lose a bit on supplies. But think of it this way: ads cost money too, and they stop working the moment you stop paying. Your sister, however, will wear that handmade scarf for months, and every time someone compliments her, it’s like free advertising.
The trick? Choose people who genuinely love your style. And if you can personalise it — their favourite colour, a design that means something to them — they’ll rave about you to everyone. That kind of buzz is priceless.
Rule #4: Think Before Opening a Website
Here’s a mistake I made: I opened a website too early. I had no credibility, no audience, no customer base. Result? No one bought anything. And no, it wasn’t because my products were bad — it was simply because no one knew me or trusted me.
When you’re new, people often feel safer buying from platforms they already trust, like Etsy or Amazon. That’s why I always recommend building your reputation first while also creating your own platform — your website is your home, your place, and you should be proud of it. The important thing is to understand the pros and cons of both options before jumping in. I explain this more in Etsy vs. Your Own Website – How To Choose The Right One For Your Business.
So don’t rush. Build your credibility first, and when people already want your products, then open your own shop. That way, instead of begging for customers, you’ll have people waiting for you to launch.
Rule #5: Use Everyday Life as Free Promotion
As i told you before Ads are expensive. Real people showing off your work? Free.
The key is to make your creations visible in daily life and place them where the right people will see them. For example, if you create for dogs — take your handmade harnesses, leads, or little jackets to the park. Chat with other dog owners, compliment their pups, and say, “I actually made this — here, I’d love to gift you one.” They’ll use it again and again, and every walk becomes free publicity for you.
The same goes for children’s items. If you sew clothes or make toys, let your child wear or play with them at school or playdates. Other mums will notice, kids will start saying, “I want the same!” and suddenly your creation is the talk of the playground.
This isn’t about hard selling — it’s about putting your work out there, gifting it wisely, and letting everyday life become your best marketing tool.
Rule #6: Keep the Bigger Picture in Mind
Don’t just focus on today’s sale. Ask yourself:
- What’s my income goal each month?
- How many products do I need to sell to reach it?
- How many people do I need to reach every day?
Work backwards. Maybe you need to give pieces to a handful of friends, wear your own makes, and post consistently online to hit your numbers. If you’re introverted and don’t know many people, focus more online. If you’re extroverted and social, lean on your network.
The formula stays the same: love what you make, show it off, and let curiosity lead to sales.
Final Thoughts
Selling your creations isn’t about chasing trends or trying to copy others. It’s about starting with yourself — making things you actually want to use, gifting them wisely, wearing them proudly, and slowly building credibility.
From there, whether you’re posting on social media, giving to friends, or eventually opening your own shop, you’ll have a foundation that makes people trust you.
And trust me, when you get this right, saying goodbye to that 9-to-5 won’t feel like such a far-fetched dream 😉
Your Turn
Now I want to hear from you! Share your story in the comments below — what are you making right now? And if you’re struggling to figure out how to get your creations out into the world (especially if they’re not the kind of thing you can just wear outside), drop me a comment. I’ll happily help you brainstorm ways to distribute and promote your work.
