The skill of entrepreneur of over 100 years ago, were no less a challenge, than from a person today, starting a home-based business.  A small business require many of same qualities and attributes, as defined to be successful, in the year 1904, as in the modern world of today.  

The book Dainty Work For Pleasure and Profit, dated 1904, published by Thompon & Thomas, Chicago,  puts forth the inspiration of home decorative arts, both for the beautifying one's own home, or producing decorative arts for a profit for women (or men), of which, they could derive an income.

The book contains 458 pages of embroideries, knitting and crocheting, lacework, sewing and brush and palette ~designs for painting on fabrics.  A profusely amount of black and white illustrations covering all aspects of the chapters, gives the reader a wealth of ideas and instructions for creativity. 

Oh, those Victorians did like their embellishments!

This is only a small sample of the products and directions shown in the book.  With some adaption,  many items could be suited for today's home or market. 

This book is also a fantastic research history tool of what was popular then ~ over a century ago.