I want to make one of these, but...

[murdercitygrrrl.livejournal.com]

I can't figure out how its made.
I have a button maker, and it looks like the crafter used buttons, but the backs are all weird. I've never seen a back like this before.
Any guesses?
Neat bracelet

x-posted to buttonmakers

EDIT: I just bid on the pin-up bracelet, so maybe I'll win it. If I do, that'll let me get a closer look and I can take it apart. I only bid the opening amount, so I'll probably get outbid, so I'll still need your help.

EDIT 2: The lovely, lovely, fantastic, brilliant crafty honey that made these will tell us how in a few days! Everyone send love and happy vibes her way (and if you don't have a button maker, and have some cash unlike the rest of us poor fools, buy something too!)