Home stained glass studio

Homeowners wanting custom windows or door inserts, gift buyers, craft fair shoppers, interior designers and local shops that stock handmade goods.

Sales of finished pieces at craft markets and online, plus higher-priced custom commissions. Workshops for beginners can add extra income once you are confident.

• Cutting, grinding and soldering glass
• Design and colour sense
• Patience and attention to detail
• Basic photography for online listings

• Lead solder and glass dust: check ventilation, gloves, hand washing and safe disposal of waste
• Check whether your municipality requires a home-based business licence or has zoning limits
• Check your home insurance covers business equipment and stock
• Glass breakage and cuts, so keep a first aid kit and wear eye protection
• Register for GST/HST once you pass the small supplier threshold, and check provincial sales tax rules

Estimates suggest startup typically costs around $1,000 to $4,000, depending on the tools, glass and safety gear you buy and the space you set up at home.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated around $300 to $2,500, depending on how many pieces you sell and whether you take custom orders. Craft fairs, online listings and local shops that stock handmade goods are common places to sell.

Check ventilation, gloves, hand washing and safe disposal of waste because of lead solder and glass dust. Also check any municipal home-based business licence or zoning limits, whether your home insurance covers equipment and stock, and GST/HST registration once you pass the threshold.