desert sunset beaded 3 button cuff bracelet 1194

This project is another that has been sitting in my partially complete box waiting for a decision about the closure design. After messing around with several ideas I worked out a nice lie-flat three button solution.


The colors are bright southwest desert inspired oranges, pinks, yellow, red and purple. Embedded glass beads emulate the treasure hidden in the folds of the earth and visible only to the mind's eye and the careful observer...

 The toggle closure system is three loops of cotton cord and buttons. The center loop passes through the red loop then secures on the center button. The two outer loops fit over the smaller buttons.


The center loop and button showing the white loop passing through the red loop.

 loop over button on the left...








a row of red glass beads is visible just below the buttons.

Loop over button on the right...secure






This cuff is available for sale click here.   If you like this design you may also be interested in this one or perhaps this one.


design and photographs © copyright 2011 WhatKnotShop

4 button fiber cuff bracelet 1191

This is a project that started then got put aside for awhile then finally was finished. The concept is to create an organic "bark" that wraps around the wrist much the way a tree protects the fragile xylem layers with a resilient coating. The materials are hand dyed cotton cord, four plastic buttons obtained at a thrift store, six irregular glass beads, and four ply nylon thread.

The buttons and loops are offset so the seams are highly irregular.There is an opening near the center formed by the pulling away of the cord bundles during the assembly process. Another "hole" is filled with the glass beads.

Open the bracelet by releasing the buttons from the loops.

Built on a 7 1/2" mold this piece is a "small" size inside but varies from 2 5/8" to 3 1/4" wide.

The colors are a mix of greens, greys, blues, with purple, black and magenta red.  The texture is firm but friendly. Most of the cords are hand dyed cotton.

Six irregular glass beads cluster like eggs in a nest.

This item is available here in the design section of my Etsy shop.








design and images © copyright 2011 by WhatKnotShop

cotton fiber cuff - custom work

Recently I received a request from a person who wanted a wider version of a design )strata( bracelet purchased previously. This project started out to replicate the colors used in the original in a wider finished size. 


Getting consistent color from my small batch dye lots is a significant challenge. I use standardized recipes for the dye baths but there are a number of other variables that control the outcome:  Length of time the  cord spends immersed in the dye bath, the rinse-out process including the temperature of the rinse water and the length of time in the rinse; and of course the absorption characteristics of the cord.

The creation of this design also involves layout of the cord and the binding process which compresses the cord together. This compression reduces the width by about 50% so a 1" wide finished bracelet starts out at about 2" on the mold.

The finished piece came out a bit narrower than I wanted but the results are I think rather pleasing. Greys, white, pink, and a yellow accent are subdued but interesting and the compression process enables the bracelet to hold it's shape.


You can see more of this type of work in the design section of the Etsy shop and a much larger selection on ArtFire and Zibbet as well. 

A few examples of the toggle closure style can be found here and here and here. 








design and photographs © copyright 2011 WhatKnotShop

anemone cuff slip on bracelet in soft cord 1073

Greens, blues, grays, and white with a few black and purple strands make up this newest addition to the anemone collection.  The material is bits of hand dyed cotton cord up cycled from my scrap bin laid out on a mold and bound together with nylon thread. The ends are gently frayed out to make a fun loving cuff bracelet that resembles a sea anemone hence the name.

 This one measures 8" (203 mm) inside circumference and is naturally flexible to slip on over most people's bigger hands. The nylon binding cord is strong and will not stretch.

About 1 7/8" (47 mm) wide

This piece is available on ArtFire handmade marketplace   click here

Here's a link to another pair of anemone cuffs  click here with a different mix of colors.




design and photographs © copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

three button fiber cuff bracelet medium 1062

 Three grey plastic buttons and loops set in a diagonal pattern form a secure toggle closure for this up cycled rope bracelet. The photo to the left shows the closed position with the loops and buttons. Size is a "medium" measuring 7 1/2"(191 mm) inside circumference.

Colors are grey, blues, and black with purple, tan and yellow cord accents worked into the weave. The cords are bound together with four ply nylon thread which creates a compression that squeezes the soft cotton and synthetic cords into a stiff curved shape. Bracelet is flexible to open and close. Texture is comfortable and will improve with long term wear.

This photo shows the buttons disengaged from the loops. Each button is securely stitched to the cord with nylon thread.

If you like this design you may be interested in this one as well  click here or perhaps this one  click here

This limited edition item is available  click here

design and photographs copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

double button toggle fiber bracelet 1041

Small wrap around fiber bracelet made with up-cycled bits of cord from my scrap box. Colors are grey, dark blue, brown, lime green, purple, red and black. Bracelet is easily opened and closed with small buttons and loops to to hold it securely closed.

Size is a "medium" for most people 7 1/4" (183 mm) inside circumference when closed but will stretch out a bit.

Constructed with four ply nylon thread.

If you like this design you may also be interested in this one  click here
or perhaps this one  click here

This is item is available  click here



design and photographs copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

toggle wood bead cuff bracelet 939

Three rows of lightweight wood 6 mm beads arranged in a black polyester cord frame and tightly bound with four ply nylon thread makes a fun accessory that can go anywhere. There are four bead-less toggles made with the "bunny ears" shape to hold the cuff closed. The wood bead colors are red, brown, tan, and light cream.


Size is adult "medium" 7 1/2" (193 mm) inside circumference.


This bracelet is available for purchase   click here

This design is similar to this slip-on style cuff     click here and you also may be interested in this design as well  click here


This cuff is part of the design )strata( collection available at these online venues:
Etsy          click here
Zibbet      click here 




design and photographs copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

slip on white cotton bracelet with blue beads 651

A row of light blue glass beads in the center of this white cotton bracelet sets off the sparkle. A single blue green focal bead anchors the circle.

This item is available for sale here.

Custom items similar to this can be made to your specifications by request.

Size is "extra large" measuring 9 3/4" (248 mm) inside circumference. This piece is continuous with no toggle or button. Measure your size here.








design and photos copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

choker and bangle set hand dyed fiber wrapped 163

These fiber wrapped bracelets and necklace are made with nylon cord cores that have been wrapped with hand dyed cotton fibers. Some of the fibers are made from pieces of dyed three ply cord that have been unwound.

The dye penetrates the cord from the outside during immersion in the dye bath leaving the interior of the cord white. This accounts for the differences in color and the spiral pattern seen on some regions of pieces.

Choker style necklace is closed with a small monkey fist knot and loop.

Check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite color from one of the three online shops:


Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop

Design and photos copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

orbit beaded soft bangle bracelet grey design )strata( 631

Grey cotton soft bangle with black "planet" bead and a row of purple center czech glass beads assembled by hand  and bound with 4 ply nylon thread. The cotton material is worked around a circular mold to create a firm but flexible shape.

A row of glass lavender "atmosphere" beads are integrated  by passing the nylon binding thread through the center of the beads as the bracelet is assembled.

The beads separate the cotton cord and catch the light. Size is 8" (200 mm) inside circumference. Check your slip-on size    click here     then buy with confidence

This piece is available for purchase find it on Zibbet    click here:

If you like this design you may also be interested in this one     click here 

This is part of the design )strata( series of bracelets available at all three online venues:
ArtFire      click here  
Etsy          click here
Zibbet      click here 


Note: each site contains unique stock, no items are duplicated across these three sites.

design and photographs copyright 2010 WhatKnotShop

sunset )strata( cotton bangle with red beads 320

Working the light to simulate the low angle red colors of the late afternoon.

Yellow center strands with orange, red, and brown.

Three red crow beads worked into the fabric.

Adult "large"
8 5/8" (220 mm) inside circumference
2 3/4" (70 mm) inside diameter
7/8" (23 mm) widest point

check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop



design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

)strata( design blue & green with blue glass beads item 318

Working small glass beads into the spaces between the cords creates a tiny bit of sparkle. Now the larger bead on the rim catches the light in a blue green dicrotic crackle.

The cotton cords are blue in center with green layers and a grey accent.

Adult "small" to "medium"
7" (178 mm) inside circumference
2 1/8" (54 mm) inside diameter
5/8" (18 mm) at widest point

Hand dyed bound cotton cord.

Shabby chic to go with an all cotton sweater and jeans.
check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop

design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

new )strata( design in blue and white with nested beads

OK so I have a lot of time to work on these since the weather turned cold and outdoor activities have slowed down.

Here's another slightly wider slip-on style )strata( with blue beads and a mix of white and blue with a bit of grey for an accent.

The edge view shows the layers. This one was tougher to get sewed together as it is a bit wider than some of the others. It's securely stitched with 4 ply waxed nylon thread.

There are two larger blue "crow" beads with a pair of smaller frosted blue glass beads tucked between them. The beads are nested tightly in the weave of the bracelet and are sewn in with nylon thread.

lightweight and all cotton (except for the nylon thread and beads)

7 1/2" inside circumference = adult medium to large size
2 1/4" inside diameter
varies from 1" wide at the beads to 1 1/2" at the widest point
check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop

design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

)strata( design cotton fiber bracelet 315

Here's what the )strata( bracelets look like right off the mold, nice and crisp and round. This one has a single small "crow" bead in the rim. The bead is placed where two of the loops reverse direction.

Color is predominantly green with teal blue and blue-grey accents and with some white strands near the center.

This is a better look at the layers with green, white and blue strands showing the reversing loops.
7 1/2" circumference
adult "large" slip-on size
check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop


design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

)strata( design slip-on soft bangle with blue beads item 312

New slip on )strata( bracelet in blue, purple, white, and olive.

A 1" wide weave in hand dyed cords.

Side view showing the three crow beads worked into the fabric weave.

Casual style, irregular shape.

The size is "large" 7 1/2" circumference.

Diameter is 2 1/4"

1" wide (varies)

Construction is with 4 ply nylon thread which makes this very strong.

The blue floss covers the edge cords at the beads which adds drama.


check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop

design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop

new )strata( design with glass beads item 402

Here's a new slip on style cotton fiber bracelet made with a collection of blue, green and grey cord segments and glass beads. The red bead is an accent that sets the blue green colors off and adds a nice contrast. The beads are tightly integrated into the fabric but they lie on the surface of the compressed cords. This gives the piece a nubbly texture. It's not all soft and flexible anymore.

This is a look at the bracelet from the side. The cords holding the beads can be seen. Extra nylon floss was used to hold the cord loops so they don't flop around. There's a contrast of the hard cold glass and the tightly bound cord.

The edge on shows how irregular the beads make the whole piece. It's like a tangled piece of fishing line that washes up on the beach with bits of sea glass and other junk all wound up in a colorful mess. Found art that is made by hand....
check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop


design and photos copyright 2009 by WhatKnotShop

blue )strata( fiber bracelet with beads 305

Three shades of blue cord offset with green.

Green and frosted blue beads bound into the perimeter

Narrow design that can go alone or stack with other casual bracelets.

Detail of frosted blue beads

Adult "medium" size in a slip-on design.

check your slip-on size click here then select your favorite from one of these three online shops:

Etsy: http://www.etsy.com/shop/WhatKnotShop
ArtFire: http://www.artfire.com/users/WhatKnotShop
Zibbet: http://www.zibbet.com/WhatKnotShop

design and photos copyright 2009 WhatKnotShop