double rib bangle CPVC bracelet modern primitive design 4038

Lightweight CPVC is hand carved exposing the porous core material in the flared interior edges and center. The hand shaped form has a lot of subtle texture from the finishing process. The center recess forms two ribs that meet in a teardrop connection adding a pleasing elliptical shape.

Size "large' 8" (203 mm) inside circumference

Some other designs you might like:

massive white PVC cuff bracelet 3754

petroglyph bangles G H 3737

petroglyph bangles E F 3737

eroded PVC bangle 3672

large bangle bracelet 3560

This and other similar designs can be found on ArtFactSite your source for traditional design in contemporary materials.




design and photographs copyright 2016 

petroglyph bangles J K L 3737

 Item J: two lobe bangle bracelet 4 1/4" (108 mm) x 2 7/8" (76 mm) made from heat formed and carved PVC plastic

8 3/8" (213 mm) inside circumference

Item K: double ended bangle bracelet 3 3/4" (95 mm) x 3" (77 mm) made from heat formed and carved PVC plastic

8 1/4" (219 mm) inside circumference

Item L: bangle bracelet 3 3/4" (96 mm) x 2 5/8" (68 mm) made from heat formed and carved PVC plastic

7 5/8" (193 mm) inside circumference

Drawing  of petroglyph from Petroglyph Provincial Park located in Woodview north of Peterborough, ON.


Introduction page

Petroglyph bangles A B

Petroglyph bangles C D
Petroglyph bangles E F

Petroglyph bangles G H



design, drawings and photographs copyright 2015 George Hutchinson

teardrop PVC plastic bangle bracelet 3720

A simple geometric idea converts a circular form to a subtle inflected curve. A single segment is removed and the faces aligned then solvent welded together.

7 1/2" (191 mm) inside circumference
2 7/8" (73 mm) x 2 1/8" (53 mm)
5/8" (15 mm)

Links to other PVC designs

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

Available here ARTiFactSite




design and photographs © copyright 2015

spiral carpet pad cuff bracelet 3692

The third in the series of conceptual carpet pad designs this piece is made from a 1" strip of pad that has been laid out on a mold with the edges aligned, then edge stitched together using a heavy black waxed thread. The effect is more etherial and definitely lighter weight than the bolt bracelet and less massive than the layered cuff.

The pattern on the exterior reverses but the ridges align nicely where they meet.

 The thread and connecting knots are concealed in the soft edges of the pad fabric giving this bracelet some mystery as to how it holds together. The bolt bracelet is fastened with force, the layered bracelet has visible stitching but this one has a hidden structure.

7 1/4" (183 mm) .7 oz (21 g)


Available here ARTiFactSite



design and photographs © copyright 2015

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

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

mixed cord grommets green 3633 and purple 3634

 The green mini collection combines the darker blue-green with loden and lime to create a verdant contrast. Black whipping goes with the darker shades, brown with the less saturated color.

All about 7 1/2" (178 mm)

Find the green collection here.

The purple mini collection features a darker purple mixed with lighter neutrals and a dark navy. One is a simple all purple color with brown whipping.


Find the purple collection here.


design and photographs © copyright 2015

mixed cord grommet collections 3631and 3632

 This collection of grommet bangles comes from one of the many piles of cord ends and odd bits of color that accumulate during the making of rope bracelets. This group is a mix of colors made with multiple coach whippings. Using multiple colored cords in a single grommet entails securing the extra loose ends. Three colors of waxed thread are used individually and in mixed combinations.

This group (3632) is all about 8" to 8 1/4" in size.

Find this grey collection here.

In this group there are both the twisted cotton cord and the smooth braided cords used to create a range of color and texture. The coach whippings are tan, brown, black and white.

This group (3631) is about 7 1/2" in size

An illustrated tutorial showing how grommets are made here.


design and photographs © copyright 2015

zig zag carved pattern bangle 3605

Diagonal textured pattern hand carved with an asymmetrical row of dots along one edge primitive style bangle bracelet. The light creamy colored core shows through the incised pattern contrasting with the white surface. A neo-primitive abstract pattern based on heritage African designs this is all new materials using no animal products.

8" (203 mm)
2 1/2" (63 mm)
1 5/8" (44 mm)

1.5 oz / 43 g

Available here on the ArtifactSite


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

distressed bangle bracelet 3561

Irregular somewhat distressed form made from thermoplastic surface defects scratches dents and dings emulate age of use textures of damage survival

8 5/8" (219 mm)
2 3/4" (68 mm)
2" (51 mm)

1.5 oz (44g)

Available here





design and photographs © copyright 2015

beaded grey fabric bangle 3278

 9 selected glass beads
12 layers cord
1 cuff bracelet

Astronomical design

edge stitched with four ply nylon thread
8" (203 mm) circumference
all new materials no animal products

A contemporary ancient modern artifact made from imaginary sources.

Available here


design and photographs © copyright 2015 WhatKnotShop

copper bangle bracelets 3518

Simple elemental form
oval shape
brushed finish
no coatings, wax or varnish
made with squared flattened ends
bendable to fit

multiple sizes
made for stacking in groups
1.4 oz
42 g

These are part of a developing collection of all handmade modern artifacts exploring the contemporary interpretation of imagined objects brought into existence from memory.


Available here

design and photographs © copyright 2015 WhatKnotShop

classic marsala ecru rope bracelet 3507

 Hand dyed marsala cotton cord centers two strands of natural white cotton in this medium wide rope bracelet. Classic plain-weave pattern knot design in five parts.

see more designs like this in the contrast+blend section of the Etsy shop






design and photographs © copyright 2015 WhatKnotShop

two button navy and teal cuff bracelet 3508

 Layered edge stitched cord
hand dyed navy and teal
poly clay buttons

 7" (178 mm)
2 3/8" (59 mm)
3/4" (19 mm)

Part of a developing collection of handmade artifacts re-created from collective memory in modern materials.

Available here





design and photographs © copyright 2015 WhatKnotShop

clay and leather artifact bracelet 3506

 Burned clay and soft sueded leather wrapped around the core of this modern artifact recall the amulets that protected people from the evil spirits of the underworld. This re-creation is an imaginary interpretation of ancient form made with modern materials.

 Inside the suede bag is a secret string of sinew and wood that holds the clay stumps in an erect position. The stretched penetrations suggest an emerging growing presence as each antler like form emerges from within.

A simple toggle and loop closure secures the open end. Made with all-new materials.

This piece is part of a developing collection of all handmade modern artifacts exploring the contemporary interpretation of imagined natural objects brought into existence from memory.


Available here

design and photographs © copyright 2015 WhatKnotShop

handmade clay bracelet 3504

 New materials and ancient inspiration combine in this modern relic clay bracelet. Pyramidal spikes made out of textured clay are placed on an adjustable nylon cord with spacers to call forth the sprites of the ancients to protect the modern warrior in the daily battle.

A little bit like teeth or pieces of antler the clay has been mixed in a custom color then baked to harden and fuse. This is a modern relic discovered through a process of creation, dug up from the unconscious.

 The closure is a simple button and loop. The cord can slide through the small orange glass bead to provide continuous adjustment from 7 1/2" to 8" (or larger) circumference.

This design is part of the Handmade Artifacts project which re-creates ancient forms in modern materials.

This piece is part of a developing collection of all handmade modern artifacts exploring the contemporary interpretation of imagined natural objects brought into existence from memory.


Look for this and other modern relics coming soon to a new venue.

design and photographs © copyright 2015 WhatKnotShop

triangle bangles 3471

 Two triangle bangles one small one large made from white thermoplastic. Each is cut from a circular piece of stock then segments are removed creating the shoulders.  These are part of the Handmade Artifacts project that uses modern materials to re-create ancient forms.



small 2 1/4" (58 mm) diameter

 The cut edges are welded together




small 2 1/4" (58 mm) diameter

 The larger bracelet has s slightly more rounded shape with the same three point shoulders and welded seams



large 2 5/8" (68 mm) diameter

Available here

other things you might like

carved bangle - large
small marsala cuff

similar white bone bangles 

design and photographs © copyright 2015 WhatKnotShop