Reduce, Reuse, Recycle: Rainbow Loom DIY

Two words... Rainbow Loom. At our elementary school they are all the rage. When I was little it was shrinky-dinks and friendship pins along with a whole host of others that I'm quite sure killed my parents each time a new fad rolled through. My oldest is all of 8 years old and we've gone through a ton of fads. But as far as crafty fads go, this is new. My son loves, I mean loves, these bracelets. The colors, patterns and limitless creations. Oh my. It's almost too much to bear - without a loom that is. But these precious (plastic) loom kits cost $17.00. And I know that as most toys go, that's pretty cheap, but we are on a tight budget and I have zero idea how long he will actually like these things. Once the trend is over or if the loom breaks, do I just toss it? No thanks.

So after much begging, pleading and a few tears, I thought - "we can make this." We did and it works! If you'd like to try your hand at making your own loom and saving a few dollars, here are the materials you will need...

Materials:

1 wood board/scrap 15" x 4"

ruler

marker

nails (we used carpet tacks)

hammer

Step 1 - mark three lines of dots 1" apart each (dots 1" apart and lines 1" apart)

Step 2 - hammer nails (tacks) in board on each dot

That's it. You're done. You've just made a loom. So easy right? (the "J" and "L" markings are for the different sizes for each of my boys)

Materials needed to make bracelets:
1 crochet hook
1 pack of rubber bands (buy the bands made specifically for the bracelets - it matters, plus they'll want all the colors. we got ours at Joann craft store with a 40% off coupon.)
1 pack of "O" rings - (we used chain mail links because they're thicker than most jump rings)
1 pair of needle nose pliers

We watched videos on youtube to learn how to make them. And to be honest, it was a little rough going at first. But once he got the hang of working with a crochet hook he made over 12 bracelets in 1.5 hours. Uh-huh, it kept his attention that long. I love it! He even learned little tricks to make it easier for him to loom the rubber bands.

You guys, I've gotta say it - I love this craft. He's using his imagination, creativity, math, hand coordination/dexterity. And, he's making them for his friends at school that love them but don't have a loom. Come on! What's not to love here?

What crafty fad did you fall in love with when you were little? xo