two large bracelets 4030 4032

This matching pair of large bangles are made from   a single piece of laminated material. The billet was assembled from two pieces of vertically sliced PVC pipe that were solvent welded and separated on a diagonal. The individual pieces were then shaped and finished.

The process emulates the practice of slicing animal horns or bones in segments to create the ivory, bone, and horn bracelets common in indigous cultures but without the obvious negative impacts.

 The top half is item 4030 which has a flared end. You can see the laminating seam near the edge. This piece is 7 1/2" (191 mm) interior circumference and weighs 3.4 oz (98 g) it's about 1 3/4" wide.

The bottom piece item 4032 is slightly larger at 7 3/4" (196 mm) circumference and has more rounded edges. It also weighs in at a full 5 oz (144g) so it's quite massive - in keeping with the design values of the cultural inspiration for these bracelets.

together these are almost 3 wide and 8.6 oz

See these and other similar designs on ArtiFactSite where ancient forms are brought to contemporary materials.




design and photographs copyright 2016

handmade all glass beaded cuff bracelet with buttons 3680

The third in the series of beaded cuffs this one made entirely from glass beads and handmade rope. The three toggle buttons are a dark maroon polymer clay.

The button and loop system follows the progression of the zig-zag rope layout with one of the buttons located on the opposite side as the other two.

The extra cord is braided and stitched to the edge.

 The all glass bead composition adds some mass to this at 3.1 oz/ 90 g so it feels substantial.

Size is 7 1/2" (191 mm) inside circumference

Available here on ArtiFact Site


design and photographs © copyright 2015

eroded PVC bangle 3672

Starting with the solid PVC material enables the erosion of the basic form by degrees to get at shapes that are hidden inside. Unlike the lightweight pvc that has the low density core this solid material has the same density throughout. The resulting forms have a continuous shape without edges or contour lines.

This example has an eroded edge working against the circular form to create a slightly asymmetrical shape.

 The circular side has a flared interior transition to the edge.

Here the tension between the erosion and the circular can be seen clearly.



Available here on ArtiFactSite




design and photographs © copyright 2015

sculpted and stained PVC spiral bangle 3670

Deconstructing modern materials to achieve a rough elemental appearance involves removing material, staining the remaining piece, and heat forming it to a final shape. This is a piece of foam core PVC pipe that has been treated to see what kinds of non geometric forms are possible.

The foam core is exposed by the removal of the outer shell and takes the stain differently than the more impervious surface.

 Heating the material in the stain bath allows the piece to be formed on a mold in a single overlapping spiral form.

7 1/2" (191 mm)

The stain is a mix of water based dyes in which the PVC was cooked for several hours.

Available here ArtiFactSite






design and photographs © copyright 2015

anti clastic bangle 3604

 An elemental simple form that has been hand carved to create a reverse (anti clastic) curve in the center leaving the edges thicker. The rounded and slightly distressed surface texture suggests years of use but this is a new object. Surface is matte and will acquire color and patina with use.

Lightweight CPVC has a hard white surface shell and a softer cream colored core exposed during he making.

8 1/2" (212 mm)
2 3/4" (70 mm)
1 5/8" (43 mm)

1.1 oz / 34 g

Available here




design and photographs © copyright 2015

sand dune sculpted PVC bangle 3606

Ordinary CPVC pipe transformed into a sculptural bangle reminiscent of aeolian forms seen on beaches and windblown snow drifts. The outer shell is a bright white the core is a creamy beige color exposed during the carving process. Surface texture is matte with small irregularities emulating the aging of ancient objects although this is an entirely new artifact.

No animal products used in this piece.

8 1/2" (216 mm)
2 3/4" (70 mm)
1 1/2" (43 mm)

1.3 oz / 38 g

Available here



design and photographs © copyright 2015

extreme beaded two button cotton cuff bracelet neoprimitive style bracelet 1629

Extreme texture and a riot of beads make this unique cuff a real statement piece. The thick braided cotton cord forms the edge ridges that provide seams for the rows of small glass beads. Assembled in two pieces the halves are joined with a thick row of heavier black and red glass beads in the center seam.

Two plastic buttons and cord loops hold this cuff securely closed.

7 3/4" (197 mm) inside circumference
2.5 oz/ 72 g

Available here on the ArtiFactSite


design and photographs © copyright 2011 WhatKnotShop