Behold the Loomband Craze!

Don't you find it fascinating that in the era of smartphones and Facebook, tiny little rubberbands in different colors have suddenly become a huge hit?

Loombands are pieces of colorful rubber bands that one can 'weave' and turn into happy bracelets. Rainbow Loom, the company that popularized loombands as we know it, was started in 2011 by a Malaysian named Cheon Choon Ng, based in Michigan. With only a $10,000-investment, Rainbow Looms have taken numerous playgrounds, classrooms, and homes all over the world by storm.

I personally don't do loom bands but I'm really fascinated by all these Facebook posts I see from friends who have become addicted with these. One of them is ate Flec, almost every weekend she posts one or two "themed" loom bands and people rush to buy them hahah. I love how she's able to mix and match colors to come up with really cool representations of various themes. Here are some samples (all photos taken from their Facebook with permission):

Belgium Origami

Red Velvet

Philippine Independence

Eye Candy

Aaaand of course I had to have one too! I super love my coffee themed loom band!

 

But the most awesome loom band wearer of them all would have to be the pope. Hahah geez I never thought he'd actually care to wear one! 

That's a holy loom band he's wearing, heheh

Loom bands were originally made for kids aged 7 to 14 years old, but even adults have joined in on the fun and seem to be more addicted to it. It's known to be a relaxing activity because it requires focus and allows your creative juices to flow. If you've noticed on the photos, all these looms come in different weave patterns that have varying difficulty levels, which makes it a challenge to work on. Posting their works in social media also allows them to gain satisfaction from all the appreciative likes and comments that they get, plus the increased challenge when they see more difficult patterns from other people. Heheh!

Here are some of the most interesting loom band creations I've come across:

(disclaimer: photos not ours, click photos to view source)

Para po sa tabi! 

Coffee cup holder!! I want oooooone!!! 

This phone holder is charming, yes?

Would you wear this? 

It's a little scary hahah

Well if you really love loom bands so much you can just wear it all over your body. Man that must have taken a lot of work! It looks silly though. :-p

           

Finally, there's a worldwide craze that doesn't involve apps and smartphones. It's a great way to unwind and disconnect after a stressful day at work, plus its a great bonding activity for the family!

My only worry though is what happens when the fad is over, kids should know to dispose of them properly. And please don't forget to keep them away from dogs and cats as it can block their intestines and cause vomiting and diarrhea. 

Yep I think it's a fad, but a good one at that. Maybe when I get the patience for it I might try and learn how to make one. Heehee. :p