Versatile and Easy Jewelry Making Made Possible by Cousin Corporation

In early March, Cousin Corporation of America rolled out a new kind of fashionable jewelry component - the leather slide bracelet program.  This unisex jewelry components are available at select Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft stores as well as at Prima Bead.

Here is a great tutorial from Cousin Corporation's website:

I have made several bracelets from these and have tons of compliments on them.  They are super easy and are very fashionable.  The unisex styling make it great for guys as well.  I have had two custom order from guys because they saw the one I made my husband.

The bands are very durable and made from bi-cast leather.  If you don't know what that is, bi-cast leather is a man-made material made with a split leather backing covered with a layer of polyurethane that is applied to the surface and then embossed.  The bands come in red, blue, black, brown, dark brown, cream (a rich tan color), gray, and white.  The bands do stretch a bit so don't fret if it is too snug at first.  I do suggest letting the band air out before you wear it.  Some of them can have a bit of an overpowering plastic smell to them.

Clasp colors include silver tone and antique gold with various styles and designs. The sliders are very lovely and run the gamut of style from punk to goth, to Southwestern, to elegant.  There is something for everyone.  There is one drawback to the silver toned sliders and clasps.  You can't wear it constantly because the copper will start to show through.  My husband wears his all the time and that includes in the shower. So if you want to keep it silver, make sure to take it off before you get in the shower.

I have found that E-6000 holds the clasps on every well.  If you have trouble cutting the band, try using some heavy duty snips or shears to cut it with.  You do have to make sure the glue is fully cured before wear or it will not hold as you are adhering the band to metal.


Here is tip concerning the sliders:  If you find that they are moving around too much, take a ball peen hammer and tap lightly on the underside of the sliders.  This will close up the opening on the sliders and will not damage the overall look of the sliders.