white spiral bangle 4138

This little bangle is another project exploiting the possibilities of a common modern material PVC plastic. This design tales advantage of PVC's ability to take and hold a shape when heated as well as the polished finish made with a cotton buffing process.

The overlapping ends are tapered to maintain the proportions of diameter to width then the rough shape is warmed in a stovetop water bath. The softened plastic is then placed on an oval mold and allowed to cool.

This view shows the overlap.

The rough-cut is then sanded to remove the cutting tool marks then buffed with a motorized wheel. The cotton buffing prices heats the surface of the plastic just enough to fuse the surface creating the smooth semi-polished texture.

7 3/8" (187 mm) circumference
2 1/2" (63 mm) x 2 1/4" (58 mm) oval diameter

A similar design can be seen here.

More of these are available on the ArtFact Site shop 





design and photographs copyright 2017

massive white PVC cuff bracelet 3754

Heavy wall PVC bracelet with a slot back weighs in at 3 oz or 87g

Simple oval shape
Monolithic

 Wide and smooth inside and out

1/4" slot



available ArtifactSite now




design and photographs © copyright 2015 WhatKnotShop

conceptual up cycled carpet pad bracelet 3690

The use of found materials has a long tradition in both modern and traditional cultures. This series is about the formal possibilities of a throw-away material: carpet pad.

Carpet pad is itself composed of reclaimed plastic from soda bottles, containers and other sources. The variations color come from the particular mix of recycled plastics used in the batch. The rubber backing has a wonderful high-tech hexagonal pattern embossed in the surface creating a tension between the rough pad fiber and the controlled anti-skid backing.

 This first bracelet is a simple circular form made by double wrapping a rectangular strip of pad and securing the overlap with waxed nylon thread.

The tension created by the wrapping is expressed in the naturally circular form and the slightly anti-clastic shaped surface which is visible in the bottom photo.

Industrial grey with the alternating diagonal pattern contrasts with the controlled light purple hex patterned backing on the interior.

7" (178 mm) 1.4 oz (40 g)









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

massive bangle bracelet 3603

Simple massive bracelet created in the Handmade Artifacts workshop out of PVC thermoplastic. The concentric layers emulate the traditional ivory materials but this is entirely free of animal products. Very slight surface irregularities attest to the handmade history of this bracelet. Interior edges are eased for comfort when placing over the hand. Surface is a matte texture.
7 7/8" (200 mm) inside circumference
2 1/2" (63 mm) inside diameter
1 1/2" (38 mm) wide (interior surface)

9.5 oz / 270 g

sculptured stained spiral bracelet
wide PVC cuff bracelet
pin locking PVC cuff
elemental form PVC bangle
sand dune sculpted bangle
wide oval pin locking anklet 
wide open back PVC cuff
double point PVC bangle

Available here

Part of the collection of handmade artifacts that re-creates ancient heritage forms in modern materials.

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

Modern nautical rope bracelet, how to adjust for your perfect fit - illustrated guide

This article describes how to "work up" the modern nautical rope bracelet from a large size to a smaller size for a custom fit.

1. Place the relaxed bracelet in place around your wrist. Rotate it around so you can see the center.

Info: The center is the location where three strands are parallel.

2. Use a chop stick or other smooth pointed instrument to pull a small loop from the center of the knot to the right. Take only a small amount of slack! The effects will multiply as you work around.

Caution: Avoid injury! Don't use sharp metal tools or anything with a knife edge.

3. Move to the next overlap and pull the loop through. Keep the knot oriented the same way. Rotate the knot downwards  as you work around.

4. Move to the outside overlap and pull the loop through. Each time you pull the slack through be sure to take just a wee bit of extra tension. This will gradually reduce the size of the knot as you work it around.

Caution: Don't over-tighten! Leave a finger thickness between your wrist and the inside of the bracelet.

5. Keep pulling the loop through the next overlap as you work your way around the knot. Keep going in one direction.

Info: You will have 5 circuits around the knot from the center to the loose end.

6. When you reach the loose end gently pull the accumulated slack through the last overlap. Congratulations you have done 1/2 the workup!

7. Now reverse the direction and pull a small loop to the left and down. Proceed as before taking the extra slack out. Go easy and don't take too much out!

8. When you have completed removing the slack you may snip off the loose ends.
Info: It's a good idea to leave a small stub of cord to prevent it from coming undone. You may also secure the ends by sewing them up.You may also want to turn the bracelet inside-out to hide the cut off ends
Caution: use care with scissors! 

Visit WhatKnotShop on Etsy to see a colorful selection of these modern classics