What Would Escher Do?

I love XKCD, and one particular cartoon has been preying on my mind for quite some time.

I decided to make it real.

_{(If you haven't realised by now, I'm making a real version of XKCD strip #88, "What Would Escher Do?".)}

Step 1: The Needings

You will need...

• A silicon wristband.
• A very sharp knife
• Gorilla Glue*
• Clear adhesive tape

You may also need something to decorate the band, but I'll leave that to your own imaginings.

_{*Before using Gorilla Glue, I tried this with super glue (failed) and welding with the heat of a soldering iron (failed).  If you find another method for sticking silicon bands together, please leave a comment about it.}

Step 2: The Cutting

Cut across the wristband.  If your blade cannot be pressed straight down, use a metal ruler to ensure as straight a cut as possible.

(If you're going to decorate your band, now is the time to do it, because you can lay it flat.)

Turn one cut end through 180°, and tape the two cut ends back together, on only one side.

Step 3: The Gluings

Using the tape as a hinge, open the cut you just made, exposing the two cut surfaces.

If you're using Gorilla Glue*, use a twist of paper towel to lightly dampen one face, and another twist to apply a light smear of glue to the other.

Close up the joint, and use another piece of tape to close it tightly.

Leave the band taped up for at least two hours before checking the strength of the joint.



_{(*If you're using a different glue, such as a cyanoacrylate "crazy" or "super" glue, make sure you follow their instructions...)}

Step 4: The Meanings

What you have made, of course, is a Möbius band.  Escher didn't invent it, but he used it a lot in his work.

This novel structure has only one surface, and one edge.  It can thus be seen as even "more endless" than a simple circle.  Eternal and unending.

I made this one from a plain band, with no logo or legend, but you could use a band for your favoured charity or saying.  It is even possible to get custom-made bands that say whatever you want them to.

Whatever kind of band you use, turning it into a Möbius band adds that extra layer of meaning to it.