This story originally appeared on The Penny Hoarder.
The gig economy, supercharged by a pandemic, is breathing new life into some bygone hobbies, ones associated more with retirees than entrepreneurs.
Life indoors drove many folks to experiment with tactile hobbies like bread baking and quilting. What started as a way to pass the time could blossom into a side hustle with a little know-how.
Online platforms such as Facebook Marketplace, Etsy and Instagram as well as the revival of flea markets — often with a trendy, indie twist — offer novel ways to make money on those age-old crafts and activities.
Here’s a look at several trending hobbies that could make you serious money. These are not your grandma’s side gigs.
1. Antiquing
Buy old furniture and/or tchotchkes, then resell them for a profit. The concept is straightforward, and it’s sometimes referred to as upscaling or upcycling when you work a little magic on the item to bump up the price tag.
The Penny Hoarder spoke to Sara Chen, a master of upcycling. She focuses her efforts on flipping furniture, hunting for antique, mid-century modern dressers online via Facebook Marketplace.
When she finds a good deal, she buys it, sands it, paints it, primes it and resells it — usually for triple or quadruple the purchase price. She’s able to make $3,000 a month consistently.
Her secret (besides serious painting skills)?
“Post as many pictures from…
