You’ve turned your first pens, sold a few, and now you’re staring at the big question: How do I turn this hobby into a real business? Here’s the truth: beautiful pens and raw talent will get you noticed. But if you want to build something that lasts — something that pays for itself, grows over time, and doesn’t crash the minute life throws you a curveball — you need a plan. Today, we’re tackling the “unsexy” side of your pen business: business plans, legal and financial basic
You’ve turned your first pens, listed a few online, maybe even sold one to a friend of a friend. Then reality hits: How do I actually price these? How do I get people to notice me in a sea of makers? How do I stop looking like just another Etsy shop and start looking like… me? This is where the big three come in: pricing, branding, and standing out. Get these right, and you’re not just selling pens — you’re building a business that lasts. Let’s break it down. How Do I Price
Let’s be real: selling your handmade pens isn’t the hard part. Anyone can make a sale once. Post a pretty picture, drop a discount code, cross your fingers — boom, a customer shows up. 🎉 But here’s the real secret: the magic isn’t in the first sale. The magic is in the second, third, and tenth sale . The magic is when someone buys your pen, falls in love, and then won’t shut up about you to their friends, coworkers, and the barista at their local coffee shop. That, my frien
Your pens deserve more than a price tag — they deserve a story. Learn how to market and sell your hand-turned pens both online and offline with real-world strategies that blend creativity, craftsmanship, and confidence. From craft fairs to social media, this guide helps you sell beautifully and smartly.
Learn how pen sellers can grow their handmade business on Instagram using the 80/20 rule. This blog explains a simple pen marketing strategy, complete with downloadable quote graphics.
Discover the 4 must-have turned pens Etsy photos that help your listings stand out and sell. Learn how to capture hero shots, close-ups, lifestyle images, and 360° views — even with a simple home setup.
Let me know if you'd like alt text examples for the photos or a matching Pinterest Pin description too!
Mother’s Day is one of the biggest gifting moments of the year — and handmade pens are the kind of timeless, thoughtful gifts that last forever. From gift guides to social posts and reels, here’s how pen turners can promote their craft this spring and make sure buyers can’t miss their work.
February is for pen lovers, collectors, and custom creations. From #stationerylove to #bespokepens, this month’s hashtags help you showcase your work, connect with passionate buyers, and shine in front of communities who value handmade pens and the art of writing.
October is the perfect time to boost your Instagram reach with fresh pen-turning hashtags. From #penturning to #luxurypen, these top 10 picks connect you with collectors, makers, and buyers who value craftsmanship. Use them wisely this fall to grow your visibility and build momentum before the holiday season.