Retiree Crafts

Making Crafts That Appeal to Seniors

Your site is wonderful, and I am impressed with your level of interest, help and encouragement for other crafters. Good for you!

In my former life, I was a journalist and author. Now I'm tired of writing for a living and want to devote myself at least 3/4 time to crafts. I started out by making purses from old jeans (recycled crafts are my passion) but I also knit and make little wallets and business card holders.

I've tried many other types of crafts, but I seem to love making purses.

The problem is I live and work in a retirement area. Do you know of any crafts utilizing my skills that would appeal to seniors?

Claire

I sure do! I live in such an area myself.

And thank you for your kind comments.

Before The Artful Crafter website really took off and became a full time job, I continued to make and sell my crafts locally. It's less than three months since I had my going-out-of-business sale and closed Eileen's Gifts. Now I'm working completely at home.

But to your question ...

Of the crafts you practice which I do also, my biggest sellers to the retirees in my area were:

• Oilcloth tote bags of all shapes and sizes. For example, here's a zippered tote with a unique and an easy way to sew in the zipper. When you start crafting for profit, it really helps to find shortcuts that don't compromise quality.
• Double eyeglass cases to hold both reading and sunglasses.
• A tote bag that folds up into a little pouch.
• Fabric baskets that were originally designed to serve bread; but for which my customers found myriad other uses. I now see them being used to gather toiletries in the bathroom, jewelry and hairclips in the bedroom, letters in the office or front hall ... you get the idea.
• Security travel pouches for airline travel.
• Wine and other gift bags. The retirees here entertain and visit a lot, so frequently need nice hostess gifts.

To find more sewing projects that might be appropriate, please browse my sewing article index page. Be sure to check out Fabric Flowers to see a doll quilt that grandmas love to buy.

In other craft areas, calling cards have been a big seller for me. Again I think it's because the retirees here entertain and travel a lot. So your calling card holder seems like a good idea.

What you really need to do is analyze your market.

Think about the lifestyle of the typical retirees in your area. They may be different than in mine. Think about what they do, where they go, who they need gifts for (grandkids, grown children, old friends and new friends).

Finally, since you knit and I don't anymore - it's sooooooooo slow - let me refer you to another terrific website that has great knitted projects. Please meet my friend, Noreen Crone-Findlay at Hankering for Yarn.