Photo by Shelby Schwartz.

A quintessential blue bungalow with a silver trailer parked out front, Canned Ham Vintage holds racks stuffed with vintage dresses, jackets and shirts, hats propped up to the ceiling and retro furniture making for kitchen and living room vignettes. In the center of the packed and colorful bungalow sits a display of jewelry. Amongst the assortment, an especially eye-catching piece shines through, a yellow bakelite bangle. The translucent plastic, a classic of the 1940s, stands out due to a seascape of fish, seaweed, jellyfish and other aquatic creatures carved into it by a local artist. Now a dying art, carving into the bakelite poses as a hazard because the artist would breathe in loose pieces of the plastic. As a result, few artists remain, making Canned Ham’s carved bangles a rarity and lucky find. It can be shown off on its own or paired with others but regardless of how you choose to wear it, the bangle proves as a pop of color and perfect accessory for any outfit, vintage or modern. 

Photo by Shelby Schwartz.

Canned Ham Vintage, 1435 7th St., Sarasota, 941-313-1280.