On rainy days or slower weeks, the hobbies you love can become a gentle stream of income. As you map your travel route, look up local craft fairs, farmers markets, and community events to see where you might set up a small booth. Even casual moments can lead to sales. If you are sitting outside your rig working on a craft, someone may stop to watch you and ask if you sell what you make. When families camp near us, we invite the kids to make a simple bracelet with their parents’ permission. We do it for the memory, not the money. The keepsake goes home on a little wrist and sometimes those families circle back later to order something. That part is a sweet bonus.
Bring what you already create. Quilts, latch hook projects, needlepoint, crochet, paintings, small leather goods, resin pieces, wood burned signs, or simple jewelry can all find a home at markets. Think about your display before you go. A unique setup draws eyes without overwhelming people. If you lay out fifty of the same items, shoppers can feel bored or think you bought in bulk. A curated table with a few of each piece feels special. It also creates a gentle sense of urgency. People understand that if they love something, it might not be there later.
Finish work matters. File sharp edges on resin, seal and back latch hook pieces, burnish leather edges, trim loose threads, and check hardware. The difference between almost finished and truly finished is the difference between someone admiring your work and someone taking it home.
You may need a canopy and a couple of tables, but you probably own most of what you need already. Many campers carry a pop-up shade, an outdoor camp table for a stove, and a pair of comfortable chairs. We added a lightweight roll up metal table that packs like a camp chair, and a standard folding table that slides neatly between the theater seats and the slide wall while traveling. Keep your setup simple and fast so the day feels easy.
Plan ahead with the venue. Contact organizers early to ask about space, fees, and the typical crowd. Small farmers’ markets can be quiet with only a few dozen shoppers. Big seasonal fairs sometimes bus visitors in from other towns. Knowing the flow helps you decide where your time is best spent. Farmers markets come with a lovely bonus. You can trade with vendors or go home with fresh fruits and vegetables after a good day.
Dress your table in a way that matches you. It does not have to be a standard tablecloth. We use upholstery tapestries we found at an upholstery shop. You could try a pretty bed sheet, curtain panels from a thrift store, or fabric remnants with color and texture. Unusual backgrounds help your work stand out.
At markets we often work while we sell. Stitching a belt or assembling earrings invites conversation. People are curious and love to see how things are made. I have sold items to neighboring vendors who watched a piece come together over a few weekends. Time passes quickly when your hands are busy, and your process becomes part of your story.
Weather will affect your day. Have weights for your canopy, clips for breezy moments, totes that close securely, and a plan for light rain. A dry towel, extra cloths, and small risers to lift items off the table can save your display.
Create a simple pricing system so you are not guessing. Small signs help, and square numbers reduce mental math. Keep a small cash box with change and a card reader if service allows. If signal is spotty, write orders and accept payment later when you are back on strong internet. People are often kinder and more patient than we expect when we communicate clearly.
Carry business cards. They do not need to be fancy. Your name, phone number, email, and business name if you have one are enough. Cards let campers and shoppers reach out later when they remember the one piece they loved. You can also include a link to a Facebook page or simple site where people can see more of your work and message you.
Most of all, keep it joyful. Turning a hobby into money does not mean turning it into pressure. Bring pieces you are proud of, finish them with care, and share them with a smile. A few thoughtful sales here and there can help cover fuel, groceries, or a special treat on the road. The real treasure is meeting people who connect with your craft and carry a little piece of your journey home with them.