Greetings Learning Expressions Readers!
This week, we’d like to introduce a kit that’s flying off the shelves at Learning Express stores around the country. It’s a kit that produces treasures so intriguing they’ve become the new medium of exchange for expressing thanks and commemorating friendships. There’s no doubt that the Rainbow Loom Kit, formerly known as the Twistz Bandz Kit, is a hit! With the kit, kids can make everything from bracelets to key chains by using rubber bands, a loom, a hand tool, and c-clips. These woven creations can be customized by color and pattern. And with some practice on the various techniques, the sky’s the limit!
Check out this video to see the Rainbow Loom in action:
What’s in the box: Rainbow Loom, a bag of c-clips, mini rainbow loom (hand tool), instruction manual, and 600 non-latex rubber bands in assorted colors (enough rubber bands for 24 Single pattern bracelets).
This week, we caught up with our Rainbow Loom expert, Rachel. Rachel has wowed her local Learning Express of Alpharetta storeowners with her brilliant bracelet-weaving skills, and has invented Rainbow Loom styles all her own. We chatted with Rachel to find out how she first became interested in the Rainbow Loom, and how she ended up making a bracelet the length of her driveway!
LE: How were you introduced to the Rainbow Loom?
R: I first discovered it at my friend’s house a few months ago. My friend showed me the basics of how to use it. I thought it was cool and I went out and bought one myself that day.
LE: Had you ever done any weaving or bracelet-making before using the Rainbow Loom?
R: I used to make friendship bracelets, the embroidery thread ones. Now I use the bandz.
LE: Bandz?
R: The Rainbow Loom used to be called Twistz Bandz.
LE: Did it take some time to figure out the techniques?
R: At first I said, “I can’t do this,” but then my friend showed me how a couple of times. I also went on the Rainbow Loom website and they show you how to hook them, put the rubber bands on, and finish with the c-clips. They have videos and instructions you can print out.
LE: Now that you are more experienced, what types of things do you make on the loom?
R: I make different types of bracelets like really long Singles and Triples, and Tulip Towers, mini bags, and necklaces. I also made a really long Single bracelet that reached from my backyard to across the street. My favorite style to make is a Triple.
(You can learn about these different patterns here: http://rainbowloom.com/instruction.html)
LE: Wow, that’s a long bracelet! How long did that take?
R: I worked on it for some time each day, and it took
about three days to finish.
LE: Do your friends like the Rainbow Loom?
R: It’s a really big trend. My friends were asking me where I got mine and now they’re telling me they have a loom too. All the girls in my class have them. A lot of boys have kits too. They make Singles—they ask the girls sometimes to turn the bracelets into necklaces. They also use the loom to make key chains for their lunchboxes.
LE: How often do you work on the Rainbow Loom?
R: Probably at least an hour a day. I get refills of the rubber bands every couple of weeks. You can buy individual colors. My favorite colors are aqua, green, and pink.
LE: What do you usually do with your creations?
R: Some of my friends ask me to make them bracelets, and I’m going to make bracelets as holiday gifts this year. I also take some of my designs to the Learning Express Twistz Bandz Tuesdays where I teach the kids how to make bracelets and show the staff what I’ve invented.
LE: If you had to give advice to kids just starting out with the Rainbow Loom, what would it be?
R: Don’t give up! When I first started I needed help making the bracelets, but now my friends say, “Now you’re faster than me!” If you stick with it, it’s a lot of fun. You can work on designs in the car or when you’re sitting around the house and bored.
I’m sure you can see why the Rainbow Loom is our Favorite New Find of the Season! It’s fun, unique, and allows for endless creativity. If you have any amazing Rainbow Loom creations of your own, feel free to send them to us at [email protected]!
Thanks for reading!
