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Money & Outlook

Insider Info

There are thousands of weavers in America. Although many barely get by, others create artwork for major corporations and are commissioned artists.

"Employment demand varies greatly," says Lois Wyndham, administrative coordinator for a weaving association. "Most work on a small scale producing work for sale at craft shops or shows. Those who work on commission and are well known are in greater demand. One weaver...has done costume work for the film industry."

Don't quit your day job to weave. Entry-level salaries can top out at a few thousand a year. Many weavers supplement lean times with a second job or by teaching their craft. Once you become established, you can command higher fees.

"I may make, on average, $2,000 a month," says textile artist and instructor Shelia O'Hara. "This always varies from month to month and year to year. I've been teaching and that brings in a little bit of consistent money which I supplement with commissions. It's always feast or famine -- you never know when your next sale will happen."

Earnings and employment information from the U.S. Department of Labor is not available for this field at this time.