If you've seen my instagram feed lately, you'll know I've been using the hashtag #rainbowloom like it's going out of style! You could say that the kids and I are slightly obsessed...and that's a good thing. Here's the low down...
So, what is Rainbow Loom?
The only limit is your imagination. Initially, it was released as a bracelet making kit, however some very crafty and talented people have discovered you can do so much more. There's a tonne of YouTube videos out there showing you step-by-step tutorials on how to make bracelets, charms, characters, purses...you name it! Our favourite tutorials are by Justin's Toys, Made by Mommy, Rainbow Loom, and So Craftastic.
You can purchase a Rainbow Loom kit for as little as $8-$30, depending on the brand. Kits will come with the loom, a hook, "C" or "S" clips, and a set of bands to get you started. Replacement bands are available in multi-coloured packs, or in single colours and will cost $3-$5 a packet. We prefer to buy packs of single colours...usually because the kids are working on a particular project and will use lots of one colour at a time.
Where can I buy a Rainbow Loom?
In Australia, Rainbow Loom (or similar) can be purchased from places such as Spotlight, Riot Art and Craft, Big W...even The Reject Shop. My local scrapbooking store, Scrapbooking Delights, sells them too. You'll find them in the craft section. If you can't find it, chances are it is sold out! Yes, it's that popular.
The best way to store your Rainbow Loom products is in a divided container. You can then sort out your coloured bands into each compartment. This will make selecting your colours for your project super easy! Here's the tip...make sure you close the lid after each project. We've had to re-sort our bands one too many times after the container has been kicked over on the shag pile rug...grrrr!
No way! This is a fun crafting activity for the whole family! We very quickly realised that we ALL enjoyed looming together, so we now have three looms in the Warren house...one for me, and one for each of the kids. While I'm creating something more complex, Eme will be making pretty bracelets and charms for her friends, while Seth will be make Minecraft characters or bracelets for his mates too...in masculine camo colours of course.
1. It's a family friendly activity.
2. It teaches your children mathematics, sequences, and colour combinations.
3. It improves your child's fine motor skills.
4. There's no messy paints, glitters, or glues.
5. It's screen free time...unless you're watching the tutorials of course!
6. It's perfect for a rainy day, and you will never hear those dreaded words "I'm bored" ever again.
So, where do I start?
Grab yourself a kit, and start playing! Get the feel for the hook, and how to manipulate the bands...how hard you need to pull them, what happens when you pick up the wrong band, or when you accidentally drop a band and have to start again...it's trial and error...but super fun!
Stay tuned for some fun Rainbow Loom tutorials...right here on the Life as we know it blog!
