Abstract
Community empowerment is an important strategy for improving the skills, creativity, and productivity of society, particularly women who are members of the Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) group. One form of empowerment can be implemented through creative skills training by utilizing materials that are easily accessible and have economic potential. This activity aimed to improve the knowledge, skills, and creativity of PKK members in Gintungreja Village in processing pipe cleaners into various handicraft products, while also encouraging the development of productive activities with potential economic benefits. This activity employed a descriptive qualitative approach through a community service method. The implementation consisted of several stages, including socialization, coordination with relevant parties, preparation of tools and materials, material presentation, demonstrations, and hands-on practice in making flower crafts from pipe cleaners. The activity involved approximately 25 PKK members, who demonstrated a high level of participation and enthusiasm throughout the program. The results showed that the training provided participants with new knowledge and skills in transforming pipe cleaners into attractive handicraft products with aesthetic value. The hands-on practice also enabled participants to develop their creativity, improve cooperation, and foster an interest in utilizing these skills as productive activities. In addition, pipe cleaner crafts have the potential to be developed as part of the creative economy because the materials are relatively easy to obtain, affordable, and can produce products with potential market value. Therefore, the socialization and training program on pipe cleaner handicrafts can serve as an alternative form of community empowerment to improve skills and develop the creative economic potential of PKK members in Gintungreja Village.
