Handmade.com maintains detailed category-specific standards that define what qualifies as handmade across all product types sold on the platform. These standards are reviewed periodically to reflect the evolving needs of the handmade community. The categories below represent the most common craft types on our platform and are intended as a guide — not every craft or category will be covered here.
For the full platform policies that govern all sellers, including our definition of handmade, AI policy, content standards, and seller eligibility requirements, please see the Handmade.com Seller Guidelines.
For a complete list of prohibited items, see the Prohibited & Restricted Items list.
Jewelry
Jewelry listed on Handmade.com must be predominantly crafted by hand. Small-batch casting is permitted when the original mold was designed by the artisan. Simple assembly of commercial components without significant alteration does not qualify.
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Hand-Fabricated Pieces Jewelry mostly or entirely crafted by hand. e.g., A hand-forged sterling silver ring; a hand-stamped copper cuff bracelet. | ✗ Mass-Produced Jewelry Produced in large quantities by automated machinery without handmade alterations. |
| ✓ Cast Jewelry (Small Batch) Acceptable if the original mold design was created by the artisan and cast in small batches. | ✗ Resale Without Alteration Mass-produced jewelry resold without significant handmade customization. |
| ✓ Handmade Components Jewelry where the majority of components are crafted by hand. e.g., Hand-formed beads strung into a necklace; a hand-wrapped wire pendant. | ✗ Assembled Commercial Components Pre-made components attached together without significant alteration. e.g., A commercial charm clipped to a pre-made chain. |
| ✓ Hand-Set Gemstones Gemstones set by hand using bezel, prong, or wire-wrapping techniques. | ✗ CAD-Only Jewelry Designs created purely via digital/CAD software without substantial manual crafting. |
| ✓ Alteration or Embellishment Non-handmade components qualify if significantly altered or embellished by hand. | ✗ Outsourced Production The majority of production is outsourced to third-party manufacturers. |
For children's jewelry specifically, additional safety requirements apply — see section 5 of the Prohibited & Restricted Items for full details.
Apparel & Textiles
Garments and textiles must be sewn, woven, knitted, crocheted, embroidered, or dyed by hand by the maker. Applied graphics on commercially produced blanks are not permitted. For full details on applied graphics, see section 6 of the Handmade Guidelines.
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Hand-Sewn Garments Garments sewn by hand or by hand-operated sewing machines. | ✗ Mass-Produced Clothing Clothing produced industrially and resold without significant handmade alteration. |
| ✓ Handwoven Fabrics Fabrics woven by hand on a handloom, footloom, or jacquard. | ✗ Applied Graphics on Commercial Blanks Vinyl, sublimation, HTV, DTG, or POD applied to store-bought, non-handmade blanks. |
| ✓ Hand-Knitted or Crocheted Items Textile items crafted by hand using knitting needles or crochet hooks. | ✗ Outsourced Production Apparel where the majority of production is outsourced to third parties. |
| ✓ Hand-Embroidered Designs Fabric embellished by hand with notable embroidery or stitchwork. | |
| ✓ Hand Screen Printing (by seller) Fabric or garments printed by hand by the seller in their own studio. | |
| ✓ Artisanal Dyeing Fabrics dyed by hand using natural or synthetic dyes. | |
| ✓ Small-Batch Handmade Production Limited-run apparel and textiles qualify when the maker personally designs the item and is directly involved in cutting, sewing, dyeing, or finishing. Hand-operated equipment and small studio teams are permitted. |
Handbags
Handbags must be primarily constructed by hand. Hand-stitching, hand-weaving, hand-tooling, and hand-beading all qualify. Bags assembled from pre-made components without meaningful alteration do not.
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Hand-Stitched Bags Handbags that are hand-cut, hand-stitched, hand-finished or made by hand-operated machines. | ✗ Mass-Produced Bags Bags produced in large quantities using automated machinery. |
| ✓ Handwoven Bags Bags crafted using basket weaving, tapestry weaving, or loom weaving by hand. | ✗ Assembled Pre-Made Components Bags of pre-made components assembled without significant alteration. |
| ✓ Hand-Tooled Leather Bags Handbags with decorative motifs hand-tooled into the surface. | ✗ Outsourced Production Bags where the majority of production is outsourced to third parties. |
| ✓ Handcrafted Fabric Bags Bags constructed from handwoven, hand-dyed, or hand-embroidered materials. | |
| ✓ Hand-Beaded or Embellished Bags Bags adorned with hand-applied beadwork, embroidery, or other embellishments. |
Paintings & Drawings
Original paintings and drawings must be hand-created and signed by the artist. Prints are permitted and encouraged in limited, numbered, and signed editions. AI-generated artwork is not permitted in any form. For specific policy details, see section 5 of the Handmade Guidelines.
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Original Paintings and Drawings Must be created and hand-signed by the artist. | ✗ Mass-Produced Prints Reproductions produced in large quantities without hand-signing or alteration. |
| ✓ Limited Edition Prints Must be numbered and hand-signed to qualify. e.g., A numbered giclée print of the artist's original watercolor, signed "12/50." | ✗ AI-Generated Art (any form) No AI-generated artwork is permitted under any circumstances. |
| ✓ Significantly Altered Prints Larger-run prints qualify only if individually altered or embellished by hand. | ✗ Resale of Others' Work Artworks created by others, resold without significant handmade alteration. |
| ✓ Artist Managed Prints Printed using a print lab where the artist has a direct relationship with lab, reviews proofs, and manages orders personally. | ✗ Outsourced Production Artwork created or produced by a third party, or printed and fulfilled by an automated service without seller involvement. |
Photography
Photography listings must represent the seller's own original work. Limited edition prints produced in small, numbered, signed runs are permitted. AI-generated photo art is not permitted. For print lab policy details, see see section 5 of the Handmade Guidelines.
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Hand-Printed Photographic Prints Prints produced by hand in a darkroom using analog techniques. | ✗ Mass-Produced Photo Prints Reproductions produced in large quantities printed and fulfilled by an automated service without seller involvement. |
| ✓ Handmade Photographic Albums Handcrafted albums or books containing the photographer's images. | ✗ AI-Generated Photo Art Photographic images created or substantively altered using AI tools. |
| ✓ Hand-Embellished Photographic Art Photographic prints embellished by hand with paint, ink, collage, or mixed media. | |
| ✓ Limited Edition Photographic Prints Produced in small quantities as part of a numbered, signed series. |
Sculpture
Sculptures must be primarily formed, carved, cast, or built by hand by the maker. Hand-cast limited editions are permitted when the artist personally produces each piece. 3D-printed items without significant handwork do not qualify.
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Hand-Carved Wood Sculptures Sculptures hand-carved from wood using chisels, gouges, and knives. | ✗ Mass-Produced Sculptures Produced in large quantities using automated industrial processes. |
| ✓ Hand-Modeled Clay or Ceramic Sculptures Sculptures formed by hand using clay or ceramic materials. | ✗ CAD/3D-Printed Without Handwork 3D-printed items where the seller provides no significant handmade alteration. |
| ✓ Hand-Built Metal Sculptures Sculptures constructed from metal using welding, forging, or fabrication by the seller. | ✗ Outsourced Production Sculptures produced by third parties with minimal seller involvement. |
| ✓ Hand-Cast Resin or Plaster (Limited Edition) Qualify if the artist personally molds and produces limited, signed, and numbered editions. | |
| ✓ Mixed Media Sculptures Sculptures incorporating different materials, primarily constructed by hand. |
Woodworking
All woodworking sold on Handmade.com must be hand-crafted by the maker using their own tools, skills, and judgment. Hand tools, power tools, and studio equipment are permitted. Items produced by a factory or third-party manufacturer are not.| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Hand-Built Furniture & Objects Pieces cut, shaped, joined, and finished by the maker using hand or power tools. e.g., A dining table built and sanded by the maker in their own workshop. | ✗ Factory-Produced Wood Items Items sourced from a manufacturer or wholesaler and resold, regardless of finishing touches added by the seller. |
| ✓ Laser-Engraved Handmade Items Laser engraving or etching is permitted when applied to a base item that was handmade by the maker. e.g., A handmade cutting board with a laser-etched design. | ✗ Laser-Engraved Commercial Blanks Applying engraving or etching to a store-bought or factory-made blank does not qualify. e.g., A wholesale cutting board with a laser-engraved name. |
| ✓ Upcycled or Reclaimed Wood Pieces Items made from reclaimed, salvaged, or vintage wood, provided the maker personally worked and transformed the material. e.g., A shelf built from reclaimed barn wood, cut and finished by the maker. | ✗ Resale of Pre-Made Wood Items Purchasing finished wood goods from a supplier and reselling them, with or without minor alterations, is not permitted. |
| ✓ Hand-Carved or Hand-Tooled Pieces Items shaped, carved, or decorated entirely by hand. e.g., A hand-carved wooden bowl or hand-tooled decorative panel. | ✗ Outsourced Production Artwork or items produced by a third party, or manufactured and fulfilled by an automated service without seller involvement. |
Glass
Glass items must be formed, fused, cut, engraved, or painted by hand by the maker. Machine-made glass with only superficial decoration does not qualify.
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Hand-Blown Glass Art Glass objects formed by glassblowing using a blowpipe. | ✗ Mass-Produced Glass Glass produced in large quantities using automated industrial processes. |
| ✓ Hand-Pressed Glass Glass objects created by pouring molten glass into hand-shaped molds. | ✗ Minimally Altered Glass Store-bought glass with only minor decoration. |
| ✓ Hand-Cut Crystal Glass crafted from crystal using traditional hand-cutting techniques. | ✗ Outsourced Production Glass objects where the majority of production is outsourced to third parties. |
| ✓ Hand-Fused Glass Glass objects formed by hand-fusing multiple layers through heat and pressure. | |
| ✓ Hand-Engraved or Hand-Painted Glass Glass objects with hand-engraved or hand-painted designs. |
Ceramics
Ceramics must be hand-thrown, hand-built, or hand-glazed by the maker. Slip-casting from purchased commercial molds without significant alteration does not qualify.
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Hand-Thrown Ceramics Ceramic pieces crafted on a potter's wheel by the seller. | ✗ Mass-Produced Pottery Pottery produced in large quantities using automated machinery, unless significantly altered by hand. |
| ✓ Hand-Built Ceramics Pieces built by hand using slab, coil, or pinch techniques. | ✗ Slip-Cast from Commercial Molds Ceramics produced using purchased commercial molds without significant alteration. |
| ✓ Hand-Glazed Ceramics Ceramics decorated by hand with custom glazes, colors, and surface treatments. | ✗ Outsourced Production Ceramics where the majority of production is outsourced to third parties. |
| ✓ Limited Edition Ceramic Collections Small-batch ceramics produced in limited quantities, numbered and signed by the artist. |
Metalwork
Metalwork must be forged, fabricated, engraved, or significantly altered by hand by the maker. Store-bought metal items with only superficial changes do not qualify.
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Hand-Forged Metalwork Metal objects forged by hand using blacksmithing techniques. | ✗ Mass-Produced Metal Products Metal objects produced in large quantities using automated machinery. |
| ✓ Hand-Engraved or Hand-Altered Metal Metal objects significantly altered or embellished by hand. | ✗ Minimally Altered Metal Items Store-bought metal items with only superficial changes. |
| ✓ Custom Metal Fabrications Custom-made metal items created to fulfill specific client requests. | ✗ Outsourced Production Metal items where the majority of production is outsourced. |
| ✓ Limited Edition Metal Art Designed by hand and produced as a numbered, signed edition. |
Personalization & Custom Work
Whether personalization qualifies depends on two things: the technique used and whether the base item is handmade. Hand techniques qualify regardless of what they are applied to. Mechanical techniques only qualify when applied to a handmade base item. For full policy details, see section 9 of the Handmade Guidelines.
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Store-bought onesie + hand-embroidered name Hand embroidery is the handmade work — the blank does not matter | ✗ Store-bought tumbler + vinyl name Mechanical vinyl on a commercial blank — not permitted |
| ✓ Commercial canvas tote + hand-stamped design Hand-stamping is the handmade work — permitted regardless of the blank | ✗ Factory-made mug + laser-engraved name Mechanical engraving on a commercial blank — not permitted |
| ✓ Store-bought frame + hand-painted lettering Hand-painting is the handmade work — the blank does not matter | ✗ Wholesale tote + vinyl monogram Mechanical vinyl on a commercial blank — not permitted |
| ✓ Handmade leather bag + vinyl initials Mechanical vinyl on a handmade item — permitted because the bag is handmade | ✗ Store-bought ornament + sublimated name Mechanical sublimation on a commercial blank — not permitted |
| ✓ Hand-thrown ceramic + laser-engraved name Mechanical engraving on a handmade item — permitted | ✗ POD item + custom text Automated fulfillment service — not permitted under any circumstances |
| ✓ Handmade cutting board + laser-etched name Permitted because the cutting board is handmade | ✗ Store-bought sign blank + vinyl lettering Mechanical vinyl on a pre-made commercial blank — not permitted |
Rocks, Crystals & Lapidary
Raw, unaltered rocks and crystals may not be sold on Handmade.com on their own. To qualify, a rock or crystal must have been meaningfully altered, worked, or incorporated into a handmade item by the seller. For full policy details, see section 11 of the Handmade Guidelines.
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Carved or engraved crystal Seller personally carved, engraved, or shaped the rock or crystal | ✗ Raw unaltered crystals Rough amethyst, quartz points, or other crystals sold as-is without any alteration |
| ✓ Painted or decoupage rock Seller applied hand-painted art or decoupage to the surface | ✗ Resold polished stones Pre-polished tumblestones or cabochons purchased wholesale and resold without alteration |
| ✓ Seller-cut cabochons or gemstones Seller personally cut, faceted, or polished rough stone into a finished gem | ✗ Bulk rock lots Assorted rocks or gravel sold in bulk without any handmade alteration |
| ✓ Crystal incorporated into jewelry A crystal set into a hand-fabricated ring, pendant, or other handmade jewelry piece | ✗ Unaltered geodes Geodes resold without the seller having personally cut, polished, or altered them |
| ✓ Hand-carved stone sculpture A rock or stone carved by the seller into a figurine, bowl, or sculptural form | ✗ Crystal sets from a supplier Pre-packaged crystal collections sourced from a supplier and resold as-is |
| ✗ Raw mineral specimens (resold) Mineral specimens purchased and resold without significant alteration by the seller |
We strongly encourage all sellers to include sourcing information or the mining location in their listings.
Musical Instruments
Instruments must be designed, built, and finished by hand by the seller. Instruments assembled from pre-made kits without unique crafting do not qualify.
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Handcrafted Instruments Instruments designed, built, and finished by hand by the seller. e.g., A hand-built acoustic guitar; a hand-carved wooden flute; a hand-assembled drum. | ✗ Mass-Produced Instruments Instruments produced in large quantities using automated machinery, unless significantly hand-altered. |
| ✓ Limited Edition Instruments Small-batch instruments produced in limited quantities, numbered and hand-signed by the artisan. | ✗ Assembled Kits Instruments assembled from a pre-made DIY kit per manufacturer instructions, without unique crafting. |
| ✗ Outsourced Production Instruments where the majority of production is outsourced to third parties. |
Food & Consumables
The following tables outline what is and is not permitted in the food, personal care, and home goods categories. All items must be handmade by the seller. For full policy details, see section 8 of the Handmade Guidelines.
SELLER RESPONSIBILITY
All food, consumable, and personal care items must be prepared in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local health, safety, and labeling requirements. Food sellers, including coffee roasters, are responsible for ensuring they hold any required licenses or permits in their state. Sellers are solely responsible for ensuring compliance and Handmade.com cannot provide legal or compliance advice. If you are unsure whether your product meets applicable requirements, we recommend consulting a qualified food safety or regulatory expert before listing.
Food & Edibles
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Shelf-stable spice blends Original dry seasoning mixes, rubs, tea blends | ✗ Meat & meat products Raw, fresh, cured, or dried meats including jerky — not permitted at this time |
| ✓ Properly canned jams & jellies Shelf-stable before and after opening, properly sealed | ✗ Kimchi & fermented goods Shelf-stable before opening but requires refrigeration after — not permitted at this time |
| ✓ Shelf-stable baked goods Sealed cookies, biscotti, dry baking mixes | ✗ Fresh-baked perishable goods Cakes, breads, or pastries requiring refrigeration |
| ✓ Roasted coffee Small-batch whole bean, ground, or instant coffee blends roasted by the maker | ✗ Beverages (alcohol or fresh) Juices, kombucha, beer, wine, spirits |
| ✗ Dairy products Cheese, butter, yogurt, or cream | |
| ✗ Products with medical claims "Cures eczema," "treats anxiety," etc. | |
| ✗ Products containing cannabis CBD, THC, CBG, or other cannabis-derived substances | |
| ✗ Products containing tobacco |
Personal Care & Home Goods
| ✓ QUALIFIES AS HANDMADE | ✗ DOES NOT QUALIFY |
| ✓ Handmade soap bars Cold-process, melt-and-pour, or hand-blended soaps | ✗ Products with medical claims Any product claiming to diagnose, cure, or prevent a disease or medical condition |
| ✓ Lotions, balms & body butters Handmade beeswax lip balm; shea butter body lotion hand-blended by the seller | ✗ Products containing cannabis CBD, THC, CBG, or other cannabis-derived substances |
| ✓ Cosmetics (non-medical) Handmade mineral eyeshadow; hand-poured tinted lip balm | ✗ Products containing tobacco |
| ✓ Hand-poured candles Soy, beeswax, or paraffin candles poured by the maker |
Handmade.com is reviewing our food and consumable policies. This list may be updated in the future.
Don't See Your Category?
Handmade.com supports a wide range of handmade product categories beyond those listed here. If you're unsure whether your product qualifies, review the Handmade Guidelines or contact us before listing. We're happy to help.
Handmade.com reserves the right to update these category standards at any time. When in doubt about whether your product qualifies, contact us before listing.
Last updated: May 2026