Make money from your hobby!

What's your favourite pastime? Here's how to make money from your obsession!

We're all enthusiastic about something we do in our spare time - however obscure, weird or unusual. Some people love cooking, others are obsessed with gardening, get excited about stamps or spend happy hours tinkering with cars.

Here, I'm going to suggest six ways you could make money out of your hobby.

These ideas almost certainly won't make you rich, and it's unlikely you'll be able to turn your hobby into a full-time business - particularly in the current climate.

On the other hand, you'll be earning doing something you already enjoy - and you may be able to make enough to buy the tools and equipment needed to sustain your particular passion.

Me? I'm pretty obsessed with Agatha Christie murder mysteries. If you can think of a way to make money from that, stick your answers on a postcard please!

Sell your photos

Are you a keen photographer? Stock photography websites will pay both amateur and professional snappers for their shots, usually on a per-download/per-sale basis.

It's important to do your research, as photography styles, royalty issues and commission rates vary from site to site.

To get started, have a browse on Alamy. Unlike many other photo sites, Alamy doesn't take ownership of or edit any photos you submit. And you'll currently receive a very reasonable 60% of a photo's sale price.

Fotolia, iStockPhoto, PictureNation and 123RF are also worth a look.

Get paid to blog

If you love to have a good blog, it might make sense to run relevant ads alongside your copy using Google AdSense.

The ads on your blog or website will generate revenue for you on a per-click or per-impression basis. In a nutshell, the more people reading your blog (and clicking on the ads) the more money you'll make.

Unless your blog is extremely popular, AdSense isn't going to make you rich. And no, you can't just visit your own blog and click on the ads a lot - Google will know what you're up to.

However, it's a pretty easy revenue system to set up, and once it's running, you don't have to do anything other than keep writing!

Build other people's websites

If you're a web enthusiast, why not get paid to build other people's websites?

Many small businesses are desperate to improve their marketing and up their custom to help them survive the recession. A clear, effective website is an essential marketing tool these days - and it you can build one at a reasonable price, you may be in high demand.

You don't need to be a professional web designer to make a bit on the side in this way. Perhaps you've built a couple of websites of your own?

Find out what the professions would charge and offer your services at a lower price to businesses in your area.

Just make sure you have a good online portfolio of your work, to impress potential customers. 

Knit for cash

I get in a tangle if I try to knit a scarf - but some people find the whole process very therapeutic and happily click-clack away in front of the TV.

If this sounds like you, think about how you could make money from the items you produce. It's all about getting the maximum possible return for the minimum possible input of time and energy.

A friend of mine used to make money knitting beanies and selling them to friends and acquaintances in her snowboarding 'circle'.

A beanie doesn't need much wool, and doesn't take much time to make. And because she pitched her idea at a market she was familiar with, she hit the nail on the head when it came to style. Is there an affluent, style-conscious market you could target?

Grow your own

If you're a keen gardener, consider making a bit more room for fruit and vegetables. Your friends and neighbours may well be happy to part with a few quid in return for really fresh, local produce.

If growing your own is just a hobby, it's probably not worth negotiating a supply deal with a retailer. But you could stick an ad up in your local shop (providing it isn't a grocer!).

As with most money making hobbies, the most valuable promotion is by word-of-mouth. I would much rather help out a friend than buy enormous mutant vegetables from the supermarket.

Cook up a storm

Recession or not, there are still rich people out there. If you're a really accomplished cook and love all things culinary, hunt those wealthy folk down and offer your services as an occasional personal chef.

You could offer a complete package for posh dinner parties: Menu planning, food purchasing (on their card, not yours) and full meal preparation.

You might have to offer a 'freebie' session initially to help word spread. And as usual when advertising, target the right market. Where do the rich people in your area shop, relax and get together?

More: Ten easy ways to make money | Sell your body to survive the recession

Comments are not gone forever!

We've had to take article comments down temporarily as we set up our new home on lovemoney.com, but new comment tools (and your old comments) will be back soon.