Handmade jewelry and small crafts are among the best ways for a teenager to make money because they combine creativity, low startup cost, and strong margins. Unlike many gigs or minimum-wage entry jobs, a crafts business allows a teen to set prices based on perceived value — neat photography, consistent branding, and good packaging let you charge several times material cost. This guide shows how to start with well under $100 in supplies, create products customers actually want, photograph them to sell, craft compelling listings, and scale up without overcomplicating your school schedule.

Throughout the article you’ll find practical, actionable advice: exactly which inexpensive items are worth buying on Amazon (affiliate links included), step-by-step instructions for producing consistent product photos (a small ring light goes a long way — see the highly-rated option below), pricing templates, policies to protect you as a teen seller, and ways to market that require little or no ad budget. The approach is tailored for teenagers who want to earn money in high school while learning business and creative skills they can use later.

Section 1 — Why handmade jewelry works for teens

Handmade goods tap into several buyer psychology levers: uniqueness, effort, and story. Customers pay extra for pieces that feel personal and well-made. For teens, the advantages are numerous:

  • Low barrier to entry: basic beads, string, and a small toolset are all you need to start.
  • High perceived value: good photos and clean packaging make a $5 materials bracelet sell for $15–$30.
  • Flexible production: you can make items after school and on weekends without a large time commitment.
  • Repeatable offerings: once you create a template (e.g., best-selling bracelet), you can batch-produce it.

Quick note: Keep safety and legalities in mind. If you plan to sell food, cosmetics, or heavily regulated items alongside jewelry, check local rules. For jewelry, the main concerns are accurate descriptions (materials, hypoallergenic claims) and honest shipping times.

Section 2 — Supplies you need (under $100) and one highly rated starter buy

One of the reasons jewelry is a great teen side hustle is that your initial investment is small. The essentials are: beads or focal pieces, cord/wire, basic pliers, jump rings/clasps, and packaging. Here’s a starter list and why each item matters.

Core supplies

  1. Bead / charm starter kit — buy a mixed kit with a few hundred beads that let you experiment with styles without buying single packs. (Search results below show many options; pick a kit with a broad color palette.)
  2. Pliers & cutters — a 3–5 piece jewelry plier set lets you open/close jump rings, cut wire cleanly, and crimp beads.
  3. Stringing material — nylon cord, stretch cord, and fine beading wire cover most builds.
  4. Findings — clasps, crimps, jump rings, headpins, and eye pins are cheap and keep production moving.
  5. Packaging — small jewelry boxes, organza bags, and stickers for branding make items feel premium.

Photography & presentation

Great photos = more sales. You don’t need a DSLR; a phone and small accessories are enough. For consistent product shots, a ring light and a small lightbox drastically improve your images. A highly-rated, widely used option is the Neewer ring light kit — it’s a single purchase that upgrades product photos and short-form videos, making listings look professional. (Example direct purchase: Neewer Ring Light Kit.)

Estimated budget

With careful choices you can start for under $100. Typical breakout:

  • Bead kit: $10–$25
  • Pliers set: $8–$25
  • Cord/wire and findings: $10–$20
  • Packaging (small boxes/labels): $10–$20
  • Optional ring light / small lightbox: $20–$60

Section 3 — Product design and the creative process

Designing products that sell is part aesthetic, part usability. For jewelry, pay attention to three things: proportion, wearability, and differentiation.

Proportion & sizing

Try bracelets in common sizes (adult small/medium/large) and necklaces in standard lengths (16, 18, 20 inches). Keep a small sizing chart for customers. If you sell adjustable pieces, show clear photos of the adjustment mechanism.

Wearability & materials

Avoid metal components that easily tarnish unless you state they are plated. If you advertise “hypoallergenic,” use appropriate materials like stainless steel or genuine sterling and be honest about composition. Many buyers filter for nickel-free jewelry, so offering a nickel-free option can increase appeal.

Style & differentiation

Pick a small set of styles to launch (e.g., minimalist beaded bracelets, charm necklaces, and layered anklets). You can test variations on social media and keep the best sellers. Seasonal or locally inspired pieces (school colors, hometown motifs) often sell fast at local markets.

Section 4 — Production workflow & quality control

Efficient production reduces time per piece and increases profit. Work in batches: cut cord for 10 bracelets, lay beads in sequence, assemble, and then finish all clasps. Batch-work reduces setup time and improves consistency. Keep a simple quality control checklist — check for consistent knotting, secure clasps, and clean ends.

Recording SKUs & inventory

Use a spreadsheet to track SKU, materials used, time to make, and sale price. This helps you know your true profit per piece. A simple template columns: SKU, Title, Material Cost, Labor Time (minutes), Price, Sale Channel, Notes.

Section 5 — Photography, listings, and SEO

Your product photos and listing copy are the sales engine. Use the ring light or lightbox to make clean, bright images: one hero shot on a white background, one contextual shot (on a model or wrist), and one close-up of textures or clasps. For marketplaces (Etsy, Depop, eBay), strong titles and tags matter — include phrases buyers use like “dainty layered necklace,” “stretch bracelet,” or “minimalist gold bracelet.”

Listing structure

  1. Title: include primary keyword + main features (e.g., “Minimalist Beaded Bracelet — Turquoise, 7in — Gift for Her”).
  2. Bullet points: materials, sizing, shipping time, care instructions.
  3. Description: short story (handmade, made-to-order), production time, return policy.

Section 6 — Pricing, margins, and offers

Price with materials, labor, and overhead in mind. A simple pricing formula:

(Material cost × 2) + (Labor minutes × $/minute) + Packaging & shipping = Price (round up for psychological pricing)

For teens charging hand-labor time, use a modest hourly rate (e.g., $10–$20/hour) when calculating labor. For example, a bracelet with $3 materials that takes 20 minutes to make at $12/hour: price = ($3 × 2) + (0.333 hr × $12 ≈ $4) + $1 packaging = $11 → round to $12–$15 depending on market.

Section 7 — Sales channels and where teens find customers

Start local and expand: craft fairs, school events (with permission), local markets, and neighborhood social groups are excellent for early sales. Online channels (Etsy, Depop, Instagram Shops) expand reach but have fees and policies; read them before listing. For teens, parents often act as account managers for payment and shipping.

Market selection tips

  • Local markets — ideal for physical presence and immediate sales; this reduces shipping complexity.
  • Etsy — good for handcrafted and vintage; expect marketplace fees and competition.
  • Depop — popular with younger buyers for trendy accessories; great for faster-moving, lower-price items.

Section 8 — Marketing on a teen budget

Organic marketing beats paid ads early on. Use short-form video (TikTok, Reels) to show the making process and unboxing; Instagram and Pinterest are great for visual discovery. Partner with micro-influencers or classmates for trade promotions. Offer a small discount code for first-time buyers and encourage customers to tag you.

Email & repeat customers

Collect emails for a simple newsletter (special offers, new designs) — even a monthly email increases repeat customers. Include a small business card in each package with a QR code to your shop or Instagram to encourage direct reorders.

Section 9 — Packaging, shipping, and customer service

Presentation matters. Small jewelry boxes and tissue paper increase perceived value. Use a consistent brand sticker or label for professionalism. Ship promptly — customers expect prompt shipping even at lower price points. If you are a minor, set delivery expectations with a parent’s help and include return/exchange policies clearly on your listing.

Section 10 — Legal, safety, and money handling

Teens should involve a parent when collecting payments and shipping items. For online sales, platforms usually require account holder age (some require 18+), so a parent-managed account may be necessary. Keep records for taxes — income from small businesses is reportable. If you expand to selling at markets, check local vendor permit requirements.

Section 11 — Scale-up ideas and next steps

When you’ve found a few best-sellers, scale with these moves:

  • Batch production to lower time per piece.
  • Buy materials in slightly larger quantities to save per-unit cost.
  • Offer gift bundles or seasonal kits.
  • Create digital products (pattern PDFs, printable mockups) as passive income.

Recommended starter gear

Below are practical item recommendations to start quickly. The ring light listed above is a direct, highly-rated product that noticeably improves photos; other links are search or category links to help you compare models and prices.

Starting a handmade jewelry business as a teen is a powerful mix of creativity and entrepreneurship. With a modest Amazon purchase, a few evenings of craft practice, and consistent marketing, you can turn a hobby into one of the best ways for a teenager to make money. Be honest about materials, keep parents informed, and focus on a few pieces that sell — the rest follows from good photos, reliable shipping, and happy customers.