Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Polyoxybenzylmethylenglycolanhydride

Or as it's more commonly known, bakelite. To me, bakelite, sounds like some sort of weird diet cake mix or something but it's actually one of the earliest plastics, developed in 1907 by Leo Baekeland. It used to be used for all sorts of things, from radios to fittings, but most importantly jewellery. I'm a little bit obsessed with bakelite bangles. The carved ones are especially swoonsome. No diamonds or gold for me, I'll have plastic, thanks.

Bakelite Bangles

Because they can be ridiculously expensive, I only have three bakelite bangles (the top ones). The carved orange one is my favourite. The colours have food related names like creamed spinach and pumpkin. They do look good enough to eat, after all.

Fun fact: if you rub bakelite it smells like a science lab because it's made with formaldehyde.

I had my last exam yesterday so now I have some serious sewing/reading/relaxing plans. My sewing plans may or may not involve a leopard print jacket.
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13 comments:

  1. Georgia RoseNovember 2, 2011 at 10:24 PM

    Ah man they are amazing! The orange one is so beautiful. I've seen so many gorgeous ones on vintage blogs lately, I'm getting envious. Contemporary bangles always fall off me because I have freakishly small hands, but I'd no doubt have more hope with vintage ones.

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  2. Camelia CrinolineNovember 2, 2011 at 10:40 PM

    Thanks. Yeah, some vintage bloggers have amazing bakelite collections. I have the same small hands problem but most bakelite bangles aren't very big. Mine stay on my wrists fine.

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  3. VixNovember 3, 2011 at 5:12 AM

    Such stunner's! I love those and would wear them in an instant.
    You're right about the smell, I've got a fair few Bakelite buttons and they smell rank! x

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  4. SheryllNovember 3, 2011 at 6:18 AM

    They're so beautiful - I love them all!
    You must feel great now your exams are over - hope you did well, and I look forward to seeing what comes out of your pent up creativity!

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  5. KatNovember 3, 2011 at 9:46 AM

    Congrats of your last exam! How exciting to be all finished. Gorgeous bangles!

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  6. Louise McNovember 3, 2011 at 9:50 AM

    I have no bakelite, but I do love it. Great stuff. Can't wait to see your sewing projects. Xx

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  7. Miss MapleNovember 3, 2011 at 12:55 PM

    I love bakelite bangles too, especially yours which have gorgeous autumnal colours.
    Have a nice day!

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  8. Ella BNovember 3, 2011 at 12:59 PM

    I have never heard of these plastic wonders before. Where do you find them?
    I think dancing like a sontaran would be kind of wonderful. Everyone would make room.

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  9. Georgia RoseNovember 4, 2011 at 4:34 PM

    Thank you for your comment, and YES to opshopping post-exams! I work every days but for some arbitrary reason I have Nov 22nd off, if that works for you guys?

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  10. Camelia CrinolineNovember 4, 2011 at 5:11 PM

    Thanks everyone!

    Owlinalarkworld- I got them off ebay. I've never seen any in NZ, sadly. I do like room when I'm dancing so I guess being sontaran-like does have its advantages.

    Georgia Rose- That works for me, but I think Helga works every day except Friday afternoons. I'll email you guys, that will probably be easier.

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  11. briansanunusualnameforagirlNovember 7, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    Swoonsome alright...bust out the leopard print. Horray to end of exams

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  12. Ella BNovember 8, 2011 at 5:33 PM

    I must agree with you. The Doctor is the BEST motivator.

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  13. PetaNovember 8, 2011 at 6:59 PM

    those bangles are the bomb!

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