Creating Earrings, Postcards, and Thank-You Cards: A Month of Creative Collaboration at The COOP Concept

In December 2024, the youth at The COOP Concept participated in activities that fostered teamwork, skill-building, and creativity. They explored various artistic techniques while contributing to meaningful initiatives that support the organization’s mission through hands-on projects.

An Assembly-Line Approach to Earring Making 

The youth employees worked together in an assembly-line process to craft earrings using clay, wood, and vegan leather. Every youth employee played a role in the process, from designing and assembling to refining the final products. Instead of working on all three types of materials at once, they focused on a specific material each week.

They dedicated one week to clay earrings, allowing participants to shape, bake, and assemble intricate designs. In the following weeks, they shifted their focus to leather and wood earrings, ensuring each piece was carefully crafted and completed.

The step-by-step approach allowed the youth employees to experiment with different techniques, refine their skills, and develop patience and precision. The process also fostered collaboration as they worked together to bring each design to life. They took pride in their creations, knowing their hard work contributed to a larger initiative.

Embracing the Business Side of Creativity

Beyond creating the earrings, the youth also actively participated in learning about product

marketing and online sales. They participated in a hands-on photography session where they practiced capturing high-quality images of their handmade earrings. They focused on lighting, angles, and product presentation to ensure they showcased their work effectively on the COOP Concept’s website.

With the earrings recently listed online and shipping options now available, the youth are eager to see how potential customers will perceive their products. Their work demonstrates their creativity and introduces them to key entrepreneurial skills that can serve them in the future. They also discussed marketing strategies and brainstormed ways to promote their products and reach potential customers through social media and community events.

Giving Back Through Art 

In addition to earring-making, the youth hand-wrote postcards for the Fly the COOP project and painted thank-you cards for donors. These activities reinforced the importance of gratitude and community engagement.

By expressing their appreciation through handmade artwork, they formed a deeper connection with the supporters who helped sustain The COOP Concept’s programs. They carefully designed the postcards and thank-you cards, ensuring each recipient would feel the heartfelt appreciation behind every brushstroke and written message.

Looking Ahead

Each session at The COOP Concept offers youth a valuable opportunity to learn, create, and collaborate. The skills they develop—whether in crafting, marketing, or community outreach—equip them with a strong foundation in entrepreneurship and teamwork. These experiences foster personal growth and help them build confidence in their abilities.

The youth will prepare for upcoming holiday projects and Black History Month celebrations. They will partner with other local community organizations to bring people together, foster creativity, and continue their journey of learning and self-expression.

We are excited about what’s to come and look forward to their ongoing growth and success!