I started making arts and crafts like woodcarvings and knives as a hobbie. I`m not sure if it will be something I would make a living from but its possible I could make some money by selling arts and crafts. I assume I wouldn`t need a business license when all I`m doing is gathering materials such as wood and metal to make arts and crafts and than selling them online or by meeting customers in person. Maybe someone could reply to tell me just in general when is it necessary to have a business license.

It probably wouldn't be necessary for you to have a business license for something like this. But, I'm not sure, because the laws can vary from place to place concerning this. However, if you are operating out of some kind of storefront, then it's almost a certainty that you will need a license.

Now, as far as operating this business out of your home, then it would be best to check and see if there are any zoning ordinances where your home is concerning operating a business out of your home.

Whenever you sell goods as part of a business, either out of your home, storefront or on the Internet, there are going to be the issues of sales tax that needs to be taken care of also.