This is a cool new product that comes from Japan. It has a very unusual feel to it. It’s clear and kind of feels like spaghetti. It comes in three sizes: 0.5 mm, .08 mm, and 1 mm. I received a little of each size to experiment with from Janice at The Bead Shop who includes some size .08 with the Power Bracelet kits she sells. I used one of her kits to make a power bracelet. I loved how it turned out and have been wearing it around the for the past few days.

Of course, I had to make a few more bracelets using the elastomer. The 1 mm size is the largest so it’s the strongest. But, since it’s so large, not all beads have holes large enough for it. If you want to make a more delicate bracelet with smaller beads, then probably the smaller sizes would be best. I managed to make another power bracelet using the .08 mm size and some of my own beads which included 8mm rose quartz, 6mm leopardskin jasper, and an antique copper 3 hole bead and cone which I also got from Janice. Then I made a few smaller bracelets using the .05mm size elastomer. I especially like how the freshwater pearl bracelet turned out. I just made a square knot with the elastomer to finish it off, dabbed a tiny bit of super glue, let it dry, and clipped the extra off. Because it’s clear, it’s very hard to find the knot in among the white beads.

I’ve had a lot of email about these bracelets which are the hottest jewelry trend. Janice not only sells the parts and pieces for these bracelets (3 hole beads, cones, elastomer), she also sells kits. Though her kits are the price of some finished power bracelets, the quality of materials is outstanding, plus you get the fun of making it yourself. Along with the stone beads, which are nice and large, she also includes some beautiful sterling silver beads in her kit. I think this adds a lot to this bracelet. Originally, I really didn’t like the look of these because, for my taste, they were too cheap looking. But, I’m a convert now that I’ve seen these.

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