geometry of PVC bracelets 4054

This post shows how to make different size bracelets from a single piece of PVC pipe.

The first picture shows an array of bracelets from the circular (upper left) to the oval (lower right). These shapes were sliced from the circular pipe at increasing angles.

This cutting generates a series of oval shaped sections that are then finished off with buffing to create a smooth surface.

 The 90 degree (or 0 deg angle)  cut produces a 2 1/8" (52 mm) diameter circular shape. About 6 3/16" (162 mm) circumference

A series of cuts at increasing angles produces ovals of increasing interior circumference

The 45 degree cut produces a 3" (76 mm) diameter oval shape (the short diameter is 2 1/8") and 7 3/4" (197 mm) interior circumference



design and photographs copyright 2016

thin oval bangles stained PVC 4058

One of the properties of PVC is the innate strength of the material. These two bracelets demonstrate how thin this material can be sliced to make some very lightweight jewelry.

The color is achieved by immersing the finished pieces in a dye solution. The solvents dissolve the surface of the plastic enabling the dye to penetrate creating a permanent color.

The bracelets are finished with a light buffing burnishing with a felt tip on a hand held rotary tool.

 These oval shapes are 7 1/2" (192 mm) interior circumference. These are less than 1/8" thickness but are strong and flexible.

Some other designs you may like:

small stack of plastic faux bone bangle bracelets 4057

super thin stackable bracelets 4029

bone bangles sculpted slender bracelets 3463

These and other similar designs are available on ArtiFactSite your source for ancient designs made in modern materials



design and photographs copyright 2016

extra wide slip on cuff 4037

Soft core CPVC cut, seamed, and heat formed to resemble a piece of bone, then textured and polished to create a lightly striated surface.

 7 1/2" (190 mm) inside circumference
2 1/2" (64 mm) diameter
lightweight 2 oz / 57 g

some other designs similar to this:

super thin stackable bone bangles

small massive bone bracelet

large bone bangle 

brush texture wide bangle 

wide bone cuff with a split back

thick bone bracelet 

More of these unique pieces on ArtFactSite







design and photographs copyright 2016

brush texture PVC wide bangle 3767

 Large diameter PVC bangle with a heavy brush texture resembles the surface of mushroom coral with striations applied with a powered wire brush.

Varying pressure produces the uneven surface. Texture aligned horizontally.

 9 3/8" (236 mm) made for people with large hands or can be worn as an upper arm bracelet.

2 1/8" (54 mm) wide

Available soon ArtiFactSite






design and photographs © copyright 2015

bone cuff split back PVC modern relic 3762

Subtle flared shape with smooth tapered edges and an expandable split back this cuff is a curved organic form that looks like it was carved from animal bones - but it's actually PVC thermoplastic.

7" to 7 1/4" (184 mm) circumference with a tapered oval interior so it fits the wrist comfortably

The hairline split back enables this cuff to be placed over a larger hand then recovers it's smaller shape for a close fit.

2 1/4" (58 mm) wide

similar design here

available soon ArtiFactSite





design and photographs © copyright 2015

petroglyph bangles A B 3737

Item A: Oversize bangle 6 1/2" (165 mm) x 3 1/2" (88 mm) heat formed and carved PVC

inside circumference 8 1/2" (216 mm)


available here

Item B:  Bangle bracelet irregular shape 3 7/8" (98 mm) x 3" (76 mm) heat formed and carved PVC

8" (203 mm) inside circumference

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



Introduction page
Petroglyph Bangles C D
Petroglyph Bangles E F
Petroglyph Bangles G H
Petroglyph Bangles J K L




design, drawings and photographs copyright 2015 George Hutchinson

double point PVC bangle bracelet 3718

 More in the experimental series this "football bracelet" is made from CPVC plastic pipe. The shape is a compressed oval with two inflection points.

The circular pipe is cut in two places and a small segment removed. The faces of the cut are aligned. Seams are solvent welded.

7 3/4" (197 mm) inside circumference
2 7/8" (73 mm) x 2 1/8" (54 mm)
5/8" (15 mm)

links to more PVC designs here
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

slender bone bangles for small hands

Available here ArtiFactSite






design and photographs © copyright 2015

wide pvc cuff bracelet 3627

 Extra wide tapered pvc cuff is a piece of arm-more... The open back design is easy to slip on over the hand and the tapered shape fits comfortably on the forearm. A dot line pattern is etched on the outside, the interior is smooth.

7 1/4"(183 mm) narrow end to 8 1/4" (209 mm)
2 1/4" (57 mm) narrow end to 2 5/8" (67 mm)
3 1/4" (82 mm) wide

Available here. 

ArtifactSite is the place to find modern relics designs based on ancestral heritage forms in modern materials.


design and photographs © copyright 2015

wide open back PVC cuff bracelet 3562

 Substantial wide cuff bracelet with a simple circular pattern of incised marks with a tapered edge. Slips on easily over the wrist with the open back design. Circular form with a smooth interior is comfortable to wear alone or stack with as many thinner bangles as possible for a massive effect. Lightweight thermoplastic.
 the geometry
71/4" (185 mm) inside circumference
2 3/8" (61 mm) inside diameter
1 7/8" (49 mm) wide
1" (24 mm) opening

1.5 oz / 45 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 
large bangle bracelet
double point PVC bangle

available here

design and photographs © copyright 2015

open back cuff bracelet with dimples 3563

Open back cuff that is made for a small adult  wrist using white thermoplastic that has been trimmed and shaped into a comfortable oval. A single row of dimples is placed on the centerline.

 the geometry
6 5/8" (166 mm)
2 3/8" (61 mm) x 1 3/4" (44 mm)
1 1/4" (32 mm)

1 oz/ 30 g

Soon to be available on the ArtifactSite

Part of the Handmade Artifacts collection that re-creates heritage forms in modern materials.



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