As unemployment figures are still high and money is tight, more people are finding new ways to make a bit of extra cash.
What better way to keep your bank happy than by turning a hobby into a new business venture? Having fun whilst making money has never been easier thanks to increasing online business resources and social media outlets.
Here are just five hobbies which have the potential to make money.
Baking
Have your cakes always been a hit with your family and friends?
Are you constantly asked to bake a cake or some bread for an event? People will pay a lot of money for a premium cake simply because they cannot do it themselves. If you are dab hand in the kitchen, why not turn your hobby into a profitable little business?
Make a business page on social networks to make people aware of your new venture and to drum up some sales. Be flexible with your cakes including designs and toppings as custom made cakes for special occasions are very popular.
You can also set up a stall at a local farmers market or food fair to sell your goods and expand your client list. Remember to take plenty of business cards.
Languages
Becoming a home tutor can be an easy way to make some extra cash. If you are bilingual, there will always be teaching opportunities available to you both in the UK (home tutoring and language schools) and abroad, teaching either English or another language.
Many people complete a TEFL course for a quick and easy way to get into teaching. Deals and discounts for these courses can be found online.
Music
If you are a skilled instrumentalist, there are a few money-making options which are available to you. You can take the traditional route by forming a band or play sessions for others or you can teach up and comers your skills by providing tutoring and classes.
All those years of practising in your bedroom can turn into a lifeline in times of need.
Arts and crafts
Being a creative person can pay off with a little perseverance and business know-how. Online stores such as Etsy are an excellent gateway to sell your stuff, from photographs and paintings to crocheted toys and home decorations.
Use social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter to share your business and land your first sales and do some research online to find out which trends are popular this year as well as which products do well and which struggle to take off.
Writing
If you love to travel to exciting and interesting places, why not write about it? Alternatively, if you have a niche hobby, you can turn your passionate ramblings into a blog.
If this blog does gain followers, you can then make money through advertising space to like-minded companies. Many blogging websites now offer a place for enthusiastic writers to share and sell their work largely for marketing purposes.