Summer is just about here and the warmer weather might have you wondering, “how can I earn extra cash to do the things I want this year?” Working that 9 to 5 might help pay the recurring bills, but if you’re hurting for extra spending money to go on a vacation, take a weekend getaway, buy that special thing you’ve had your eye on for a while, or to start up a savings account, then listen up!

For all of you creative individuals who enjoy painting, we have side hustle hacks for you.

Custom Canvas Paintings

We’re sure that you’ve seen a Facebook yard sale site at least once while roaming on social media, right? Well, the cool part about these sites is that Facebook users who are looking to buy things are already there – you don’t have to hunt them down! That’s half the battle, isn’t it?

Again, this side-hustle is the for artistically inclined. Don’t worry if you’re not. We’ll have more all season long.

Painters, are you with us? Let’s go.

Try heading to Hobby Lobby or a local crafts store to purchase 8X11, 11X14 and 16X20 canvases, paint brushes and your preferred paints (acrylic, oil, etc.). Be sure to check online to compare prices and print any coupons that are available. Hobby Lobby usually has a weekly coupon up to 40% to check out. Once you have all of your supplies, check out Pinterest for trending canvas painting styles to gain inspiration on what is going to sell quickly. Compare your prices with those on Etsy and Pinterest to gauge what price point to target your market accordingly.

Last but not least, paint your canvases and start placing them online on places like Facebook, Instagram and any other site that you have friends and followers. Remember to keep the yard sale and group sites located on Facebook in your bag of tricks to help jump-start your sales.

When your supply (art) meets with market demand, the magic happens. Chance are you won’t get rich, but you’ll make that extra bit you’re going for.

Rustic decor

Have you ever visited an old farm or old country store that has the coolest rustic décor sprinkled throughout its premises? Guess what – you can make those things yourself and sell them.

At your nearby art supply story, check out the FolkArt Rust Painted Finish 2-Stage System. Pretty cool, huh? You can turn any plain, old object laying around into a rustic piece of décor to sell to someone who will enjoy its classic touch. All you do is follow the instructions on your chosen object and watch it turn rustic chic before your eyes. You can then target rustic wedding venues, country stores and friends and family to sell to. You might be surprised how trending rustic décor is right now.

Wooden signs

Painting wooden signs is another source of potential income for the creative person. You can go to a home improvement or hardware store and purchase thin wooden boards to shape and cut yourself or if you’re not totally into the wooden aspect of DIY then head to your local craft store to purchase pre-made and unfinished wooden signs. Once you have your wooden canvas, take your pick of which paint you want to use. Keep in mind that some wooden signs are purchased for outdoor patios and outside décor, so be sure to ask all potential customers where they might place it to determine which type of paint to use. If the sign is purchased for outdoors, consider using a durable, outdoor paint as the finish to help prevent the paint from being damaged because of weather.

Ready to get started? Break a leg you savvy painter you! And If you’re looking to a side hustle to help get back on track financially and wish to consolidate bills, credit cards, manage debt, and you find yourself needing a little help, a LendingPoint loan may be a great option.