EXCLUSIVE Rainbow Loom band colors at Michaels

Starting in December, Michaels has been selling some exclusive new Rainbow Loom rubber band packs in new color/style combinations.  These are licensed by Rainbow Loom but made specifically for Michaels so you can’t get these exact colors anywhere else.

First there are four different band packages that contain a specific mix of bands.

Multi-color Rainbow Loom bands at Michaels

1. Tie dye – each band contains 2 alternating colors.  There are several color combinations in the pack: yellow/green, blue/green, pink/blue, and yellow/orange.

2. Camouflage – a mix of shiny black, dark green, and a light brown.

3. Pastel sparkle – a ‘jelly’ mix of light pastel pink, orange, blue, and greenish yellow with tiny silver sparkles.

4. Metallic – a mix of shiny gold, silver, blue, green, purple, burgandy, and pink.

Neon Rainbow Loom bands at Michaels

Next there are 4 separate single-color packs in new neon colors: blue, orange, yellow, pink.

Pearlized Rainbow Loom bands at Michaels

Lastly there are a couple of ‘pearlized’ shiny single-color packs – they are hot pink and maroon.  This is more true maroon – more purple than the original burgandy color.

Happy Looming!

 

Rainbow Loom on Access Hollywood LIVE

Rainbow Loom™ Super Action Figures

New on the Rainbow Loom™ facebook page are some awesome super hero figures created by a Rainbow Loom fan named Pg David. Here is a link to his tutorial on youtube and to a printable guide that was created at MadeByMommy.com.

Spider man Rainbow Loom VIDEO tutorial from PG’s Loomacy

PRINTABLE Rainbow Loom spider man guide from Kim at MadebyMommy.com

Here are the characters that I made using this pattern.

Thanks also to the creator of MadebyMommy.com for putting together the excellent pdf. I was able to complete the project by following the pattern on her site.

Make sure to check out the Rainbow Loom facebook page for more examples.
Facebook – official Rainbow Loom™ page

What characters are you going to create? How about Santa Claus, Robin Hood, Cinderella, Frankenstein, King Arthur?

Rainbow Loom phone cover

Here is my current effort at a Rainbow Loom phone cover.  To make this I first did five separate ‘triple single’ bands, each using just one loom.  Then I added basic chain sections at the top and bottom to go around the phone.  Next I made a single band for each side  and threaded it through the final loop of each triple single band to link everything together.  This design uses 4 C clips and about 260 rubber bands.

To learn how to make a ‘triple single’, check out this video from the creator of the Rainbow Loom.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=9fE9btyAEwc

Top 5 Reasons Why Rainbow Loom is Great for Kids

1. Helps with Hand Writing.  Handwriting efficiency requires a mastery of multiple skills, including hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity.  When looping the bands on a Rainbow Loom, the hook is held the same way as a pencil (with the thumb and first two fingers).  Using this pencil grasp helps develop and improve the fine motor skills which are critical for success in school.   When children have better small muscle control they are able to focus more on the content of their handwriting rather than the mechanics.  Children who are able to write quickly and confidently will find it easier to take accurate notes, complete school assignments, and finish timed tests.

2. Develops Appreciation for Giving.  The Rainbow Loom makes it easy to share a little happiness with others.  Children can make a bracelet in five or ten minutes and give it to their friends or family members.  Research has shown that people feel happier after doing kind deeds for others.  Giving activates parts of your brain associated with pleasure and trust, and it promotes social connections.  When Rainbow Loom catches on in a group you can see the ripple effect of generosity.  To read more about the benefits of altruism, check out this link: http://greatergood.berkeley.edu/topic/altruism/definition

3. Promotes Spatial/Pattern Skills.  Rainbow Loom involves lots of colors, patterns, and shapes.  The skills used in making a Rainbow Loom creation are the same skills used when reading a map, following instructions, arranging a room, creating an architectural masterpiece, or analyzing the stock market.  These skills of spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, matching, logic, and construction are key inputs into future math and science success.

4. Builds Confidence.  For a young child, it may take a few tries to get comfortable using the Rainbow Loom.  My seven-year-old got frustrated the first couple times he used it.  But now he knows he can do it.  Rainbow Loom is great for helping kids improve their perserverance and confidence.  It boosts self-esteem and creativity.

5. Hours of Focused Fun.  The Rainbow Loom is seriously addictive.  It is an awesome activity to help increase a child’s attention span and ability to focus.  Plus kids LOVE it!

Rainbow Loom is sold at most Michaels stores. There is also a new Rainbow Loom book that you can buy online.  https://books.michaels.com/rainbow

To learn more about why the Rainbow Loom is beneficial for kids, check out this article from a pediatric occupational therapist: http://macandtoys.blogspot.com/2013/08/rainbow-brights.html

3-Pin Fishtail Necklace Pendant

Here is my latest creation. This pattern is called a 3 Pin Fishtail. I made the bracelet first using black and 2 colors of purple. Then I wanted a necklace to match, but I didn’t want to make that long of a Rainbow Loom fishtail. So, I got the idea to just make a short fishtail and loop it into a pendant. I put the mini-fishtail onto a basic black cord and knotted that to a ‘lobster clasp’.

 

You can learn how to make the 3 Pin Fishtail pattern here:

You can buy the cord and lobster clasp at Michaels in the jewelry making section. Michaels has cords with the clasps already attached or you can buy the specific type of cord and clasps you want. Here’s a quick definition of a lobster clasp: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lobster_clasp

Have a great DIY day!

Colors of the Rainbow Loom

OK, maybe I have some obsessive tendencies. I have made the standard bracelet in over 20 different colors – almost every color of Rainbow Loom band that Michaels sells now.  If you are wondering what all the colors are, check this out:

colors of Rainbow Loom bands

From left to right the colors are:

1. Grey
2. Glow-in-the-Dark white
3. Burgandy / Maroon
4. Fuchsia
5. Red
6. Pink
7. Orange
8. Caramel
9. Yellow
10. Transparent Yellow (see-through)
11. Olive Green
12. Neon Green
13. Dark Green
14. Teal
15. Transparent Teal (see-through)
16. Ocean Blue
17. Transparent Blue (see-through)
18. Navy Blue
19. Transparent Purple (see-through)
20. Purple
21. White
22. Black

I think I am missing  lime green, turquoise, neon orange, and maybe a transparent green. I hereby challenge you to make 20+ bracelets, each in a different color.  Do you accept the Rainbow Loom color challenge?

You may be wondering, “Did she spell #4 correctly?”.   I did my research on this one.  http://petscribbles.blogspot.com/2012/02/is-it-fuchsia-or-fuschia.html

Rainbow Loom square position

Rainbow Loom square position

Standard loom position

When you get a Rainbow Loom, it comes in the ‘standard’ configuration.  In this position the middle column of pegs is shifted so it sticks down one notch at the end with the red arrow.  The basic pattern is made using this configuration.

There is another way to set up your loom which will allow you to make other patterns.

 

Use other end of hook to help take loom apart

To change the loom position, first turn it over and use the other end of the hook (yes – it is multi-purpose!) to help loosen the blue sections from the clear peg sections.  You don’t need to take the blue parts completely out, just loosen them a bit so that you can lift out the middle column of pegs.  Shift the middle column of pegs so that it is in line with the outer columns.

 

Rainbow Loom square position

Look at the 3rd picture to see what the Rainbow Loom should look like in the square configuration.  Notice that the columns are evenly alligned so the overall shape is square.  The pegs all face the same direction – that is, the peg grooves all are turned the same way.

 

Rainbow Loom parts

You can completely take apart the loom, and you will end up with 6 parts.  There are the 3 columns of pegs, 2 small blue pieces, and 1 big blue piece.  For certain types of patterns, if you want to make them very long they can be made more easily by connecting two looms end to end.  You can use the big blue piece to bridge two sets of peg columns together.

Happy Looming!

The RAINBOW LOOM spell…

The RAINBOW LOOM spell…

My seven-year-old son says that the Rainbow Loom has put a spell on me. I suppose he is right. I can hardly put it down. How is it that such a simple yet colorful tool can capture my limited attention and imagination day after day in my precious few hours of free time? I don’t know, but I love it so much that I’m starting my very first blog in order to share my fun with you.