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

small massive bone bracelet replica design 4025

 Inspired by the traditional bracelets produced by ancient cultures from the femurs of cows and other animals this replica has all the heft and texture of tradition with a modern sensibility. The organic form is bisected with a thin geometrically perfect line that emphasizes the tension between the free form shape and the machine made world where the materials originated.

Hand carved from laminated PVC pipe and finished with subtle polish that brings out the textured surface with all the small variations.

 Measuring only 5 1/2" (140 mm) inside circumference this bracelet would be worn by a child or small adult. The smoothly polished interior surface resembles an ancient artifact that might have been in use for generations.

Substantial weight at 2.5 ox / 72 g this bracelet has a pleasing massive quality.


Available here.

A few other designs that you might like:

large bangle bracelet 3560

massive bangle bracelet 3603

petroglyph bangles G H 3737

thick bone bracelet split back seam 3752

design and photographs © copyright 2016

really big rope grommet bracelets 3842

This pair of grommets is made from salvaged mooring line that washed up on a winter beach. The frayed texture of the distressed rope is quite soft.  Despite the size these actually have some flexibility (but not much!)

Unravelling the tangle produced several segments of the material that were long enough to make these bracelets. Each one re-creates the natural state of the original piece of rope by working an individual strand back around into the three part twist.

 The overlapping ends are secured with a whipping detail made from hemp line.

The larger one is 9 1/4" (234 mm)
The smaller one is 7 1/4" (184 mm)

These and other unique bracelets can be found online WhatKnotShop on ETSY



design and photographs © copyright 2016

replica copper coil bracelet 3581

 Made from heavy copper wire this replica bracelet is very similar to the coil bracelets worn by native people in Africa and widely seen in photos of these groups. This replica was used as a costume prop and has minor surface oxidation. The material is a 6 gauge soft copper wire that may be easily adjusted to a comfortable size on the forearm. Substantial weight. Shape is roughly cylindrical and is designed to be shaped to fit when worn. Ends have been rounded for safety and comfort.

 the geometry:
8 1/4" (209 mm) inside circumference (average)
2 3/4" (74 mm) inside diameter
4 3/8" (107 mm) wide

26 full circumferences with overlap

1 lb 10.5 oz (754 g)

available here



design and photographs © copyright 2015

large bangle bracelet 3560

Oversize bangle that recalls the basic simple designs seen in heritage cultures of Africa made with modern thermoplastic materials. This massive bracelet is assembled from multiple concentric pieces of PVC pipe then shaped to form with hand tools creating a smooth but slightly irregular surface texture.
the geometry
7 7/8" (201 mm) inside circumference
2 1/2" (63 mm) inside diameter
1" (24 mm) wide

5 oz/143 g

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
double point PVC bangle

Available here

Part of the Handmade Artifacts  collection of traditional forms created in modern materials


design and photographs © copyright 2015