SEATTLE -- In these hard times, there is an online outlet to help you turn any hobby, from candles to clothing, into money.

Nakisha Vanderhoeven's hand-painted bunnies are hopping into homes around the globe.

"It's so fun to think of my art all over the world and my rabbits all over the world," she said.

Vanderhoeven's whimsical work helps pay the rent while she searches for a job.

"I was working as a Web master, and I was laid off my from job," she said.

Painters, knitters and jewelers are opening their online shops on Etsy.com.

"If I had my own shop, (I'd be) worrying about paying rent and whether people were walking in the door," said Amy Mueller, a seller on Etsy.

Mueller's moss rings and bird pendants are so popular that she makes more selling her jewelry online than she does as a massage therapist. Mueller says it's a great way to test the waters of your business. Sellers pay 20 cents to list each item on Etsy, and if the item sells, the Web site earns a 3-percent commission of the sale price.

Wendee Shulsen works full time selling yarn over the Internet.

"In an envelope, and out the door," she said.

Shulsen says Etsy is not unlike eBay, but without the bidding. And when bloggers like an Etsy item, that's a virtual jackpot. A virtual storefront has its benefits.

"With this, I can do it in my own home and set my own hours," said Shulsen.

And the sellers get to do what they love.

"I love doing art. Fun to me," Vanderhoeven said.