May's Featured Business

Many of you have and use their products in your jewelry designs and aren't even aware of it.  We see them in the craft aisle of Wal-Mart, Jo-Ann, and Michael's, but never know until you look at the back of the packaging who manufactures those beautiful and sparkly items we love so much.

I am super excited to introduce you to Cousin Corporation of America.

Their product line includes the Jewelry Basics® line, Snap In Style®, Crystazzi®, Trinkettes®, as well as various tools, cording, kits, and bead organizers.

"Providing quality, value and inspiration for the designer in you.

This simple statement is our mission and the vision that we live by every day. It is the force that drives our business so we can deliver on our promise. Since we began our company our focus has been to design, manufacture and provide quality jewelry making products at an exceptional value to customers who are inspired by the craft of jewelry making.

Company History

Cousin has been family-owned for over 40 years. It all began in 1970 as Enterprise Art, a retail craft store in Largo, Florida. With the success of the arts and crafts, floral and home decor products, a wholesale division was created and Cousin was born. The popularity of jewelry making inspired us to focus our efforts on the products for this exciting craft. Today we are a premier wholesaler of jewelry making supplies.

Product Development

Our experienced design team creates jewelry making components with a classic style and gives it a twist of the latest fashion and jewelry looks. Our multi-talented designers constantly research jewelry, fashion and accessory trends, staying in tune with the newest look and ahead of the latest trend. We create and update our collections to provide our customers the most up-to-date quality jewelry making products at an exceptional value.

Digital Media and Marketing

We support our products and promote our brand by being innovative. From our comprehensive catalog and interactive website, to our extensive social media campaigns, we are engaged with the jewelry making community. We are the market leader in this ever evolving craft.

Cousin Today

Our stability and solid reputation speak for our company and our culture. Our full-service approach allows us to create and develop products in-house, from initial concept to creative design to final packaging. Our team of talented professionals ensures quality products at a value and provides support and inspiration to our customers.

Environmental Responsibility

Cousin is committed to making our world a better place through recycling, conservation and sustainability. Our “Green Team” has improved our existing processes and continually implements new environmentally friendly improvements. For more information on our initiatives please visit our website, www.cousin.com."

The Cousin Corporation of America's website is full of wonderfully helpful technique tips and project ideas.

Cousin Corporation of America also hosts product giveaways on their Facebook page.  Be sure to check it out and enter.  Click here to go to their fan page.  You can view their catalog here and order directly from their website.  Cousin Corporation has a blog you can follow as well.  Click here to visit their Jewelry Design Blog.

Week of 6/12/11 Featured Etsy Shop

I have chosen to feature GwynndasGems.

Meet Gwynnda Teets, owner of GwynndasGems

I taught myself by copying pieces from the free “How To” at the local arts/crafts stores. In the beginning, my skill level and style had me working with all store bought findings and random beads that looked pretty in the store and I made simple sets for myself. I also gave many away to family and friends. Today, I design and then create original pieces that hold no fabricated/store findings and for me, this is what makes the pieces magical, special and one of a kind.

I am a stay-at-home mom and part-time employee (working with my husband). I have three beautiful daughters and one handsome son. My family and friends are what mean the most to me. My family (and especially my husband!) understands my passion for jewelry. My daughters love what I do and think its awesome because mom can make it or mom can fix it.

It was the people I love most who have encouraged me to try to market my unique jewelry, instead of just giving it away to a select few. And from there, I began to dream of expanding my talent and allowing people from all over to appreciate my special pieces.

I inherited my passion from my grandmother. She loved to make crafts for us and with us when I was a child. My grandmother could take an unpainted porcelain head and turn it into a doll with a little bit of paint, fabric and wire. Because of her, I love hand-made vs. store-bought treasures. I wanted to share this philosophy through my special jewelry with all of you. Etsy is the perfect jumping off place for me and I am making the leap!