Find Quirky Cork Products at The Home Store in Dexter

It's hard to believe when looking at them, but these bags, belts and jewelry at Main Street Home & Apparel are made out of cork. 

The cork is sandy brown, smooth and cool to the touch. It's first-grade cork or what is also known as art cork, said Laura Keefer, co-owner of Main Street Home & Apparel located within The Home Store in Dexter.

The cork is harvested in Portugal from cork oaks, a type of tree, that have to be at least 27 years old and are not cut down, Keefer said.

She said the cork is harvested only every nine years and no machines are used in the process, except for transportation. The cork bark is stripped from the tree, boiled and sliced into sheets, she said.

"It's similar to leather," Keefer said. "The big difference between cork and leather is that cork is more durable and lightweight."

The cork is waterproof, stain proof and cleans with a wet rag. 

The new cork products are a part of a recent remodeling of the store's interior. The cork products, from a Houston-based distributor, include necklaces and bracelets with magnetic clasps, rings, purses, bags and belts. The lowest priced item is a $27 ring and the highest priced is a large handbag in the display window for $370.