In today’s fast-paced world, many of us are constantly seeking ways to save money and, ideally, make a little extra on the side. The rising cost of living only adds to the challenge. One increasingly popular solution to this problem is the art of upcycling – taking discarded materials and transforming them into something functional and beautiful. Pallet wood, with its rustic charm and abundant availability, presents an excellent opportunity for such endeavours. In this blog post, we’ll explore the potential side hustle of crafting furniture and objects from pallet wood, with help from one of our members.
The Pallet Wood Revolution
Pallet wood, often overlooked and underutilised, is a versatile material. It’s not just about recycling; it’s about creating. From compost heap bins and benches to coffee tables and planters, the possibilities are endless. You don’t need to be a seasoned carpenter to embark on this journey; even those with limited experience and basic tools can dive right in.
Simon has recently developed a stronger passion for honing his woodworking skills, particularly over the past six months. He has been actively engaging with pallet wood, embarking on various projects primarily designed for enhancing his garden.
Simon’s inaugural woodworking project was a delightfully straightforward wall-mounted organiser designed for dog accessories. This project was born out of sheer necessity, as he scoured the internet but couldn’t quite find what he needed. Fueled by determination, he decided to create it himself. Armed with nothing more than some spare wood offcuts, a trusty bottle of wood glue, and a collection of old coat hooks, he masterfully assembled the piece displayed below.
Feeling more adventurous his next endeavour involved replacing an aging and dilapidated compost bin, which is visible to the right in the picture below. This was a straightforward project that demanded nothing more than making precise cuts of pallet wood to achieve the correct dimensions, a touch of sanding, and a simple application of geometry to ensure that the removable slats were angled correctly to contain the soil effectively.
Simon’s woodworking journey has continued, and it wasn’t long before he decided to create a planter inspired by the rustic charm of a “picket box planter”. Essentially, this project required him to employ the same skills as before, but with a heightened need for precision in joining the various parts. In the image below, you can see the planter taking shape.
Discovering Free Resources: Facebook Marketplace
Where do you start? The first step in such endeavours is finding the raw materials, and it couldn’t be easier thanks to platforms like Facebook Marketplace. People often give away pallets for free, as they’re frequently discarded after their initial use. It’s like finding hidden treasure in your neighbourhood.
Finding Inspiration: Pinterest as Your Guide
Once you’ve secured your raw material, the next step is to decide what to create. The beauty of crafting with pallet wood or wood offcuts is that you can keep it simple or let your creativity run wild. For inspiration Simon refers often to Pinterest.
With countless ideas and tutorials at his fingertips, Simon was ready to take on his first project which he would try and sell.
Simon’s Journey: Crafting and Selling on Facebook Marketplace
Simon’s chosen project was a herb planter, inspired by a design his partner liked, so it was not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing. Armed with some basic tools like a saw, screw driver, wood glue, and sandpaper, he set to work. Applying valuable lessons from previous projects along the way, refining his skills. Here’s the finished article:
Here’s another photo of it, having been wall mounted, and in the process of being filled with herbs.
After completing his herb planter, Simon decided to test his craft by listing it on Facebook Marketplace. To his surprise, the response was fantastic. The charm of handmade, upcycled furniture struck a chord with buyers looking for unique, eco-friendly pieces and were willing to pay £20 for this item, that only cost Simon his time.
Personal time, while not always measured in pounds and pences, indeed holds inherent value, and this value can vary greatly from person to person based on what they are willing to charge for their time. Whether it’s in the form of leisure or productivity, time is a finite resource that we allocate in different ways. For those considering turning their creative skills into a viable side hustle, it’s crucial to recognise this value and leverage it wisely. One key strategy is to undertake thorough research into the market to identify some of the most popular items to create. By doing so, individuals can maximize the probability of making successful sales, ensuring that their valuable time translates into not only personal satisfaction but also financial rewards.
The Financial Aspect: Saving and Earning
One of the most significant advantages of crafting is the potential for both saving money and making it. Simon’s journey exemplifies this duality. By sourcing pallets for free and transforming them into valuable items, he was able to save money on furniture and home décor while simultaneously demonstrating it is possible to make a profit from his sale.
Conclusion: Embrace the craft side hustle
In a world where every penny counts, finding creative ways to save and earn money is essential. Crafting with pallet wood is a fantastic side hustle that allows you to tap into your creativity, recycle materials, and make extra income—all while saving money.
So, if you’re looking to embark on a fulfilling side hustle that not only helps you cut costs but also adds a unique touch to your living space, consider diving into the world of pallet wood crafting. It’s an adventure that’s as rewarding as it is sustainable. Happy crafting!