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Loom bands

(79 Posts)
jinglbellsfrocks Thu 10-Jul-14 09:35:43

they appear to be dangerous shock

Just when I've posted off a pack to DGS2!

annodomini Fri 11-Jul-14 19:03:45

We used rubber bands knotted together as catapults when we were at primary school - generally using folded-up bus tickets as ammunition. If we tried it on inside the school, we'd get the belt, but nobody policed them in the playground.

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 11-Jul-14 18:45:43

My DD was hit in the eye by a stone when she was 8. I don't remember her being "viuolently sick". Or screaming.

She did have to stay in hospital for a couple of days, keeping very still.

jinglbellsfrocks Fri 11-Jul-14 18:43:28

temporarily blinded

And it doesn't look very bad.

Scaremongering?

Ana Fri 11-Jul-14 18:39:07

Report today of a young lad 'blinded' by one of the loops after it was accidentally pinged into his eye! I suppose the same could happen with an ordinary elastic band...

sparkygran Fri 11-Jul-14 18:33:21

We were out for a meal last night with family and GC and they were all sporting them even Finn!!!!!! and during the meal he was beavering away.

Reminds me of cat`s cradle - ok I`m old

Grannyknot Fri 11-Jul-14 18:01:28

I am completely mystified by this sort of extreme risk aversion behaviour. I mean it's not as if kids don't ever come across elastic bands! I just don't get it.

I remember once warning my children at length about a real risk - a strong current alongside a nearby pier - before they went in to the ocean for a swim in a designated swimming area with lifeguards around etc; they were familiar with the sea as they grew up by the ocean. I just remember my son then about 11, actually saying to me "Why are you giving us a lecture? We're just going for a swim".

shysal Fri 11-Jul-14 08:55:45

I use two freebie ballpoint pens, blunt end up, and use my fingers to lift the bands. Lots of tutorials on YouTube.
The technique reminds me a bit of the french knitting we used to do with wool and a cotton reel with 4 nails in the top. Only posh people used the bought dolly shaped version!

gillybob Thu 10-Jul-14 23:45:34

Exactly Absent well said !!!!

Will miss you tomorrow sad

Ana Thu 10-Jul-14 23:00:06

And crochet hooks...oh no, that reminds me of a horrible story!

jinglbellsfrocks Thu 10-Jul-14 22:50:39

Knitting needles next for mine.

Ana Thu 10-Jul-14 22:28:52

Lona, two forks to make a loom bracelet is beyond my ken! Your DGs are very innovative...I think...

Ana Thu 10-Jul-14 22:26:32

It's so good to see them all enjoying themselves actually doing something with their hands other than clicking on a mouse or a games console. They get such a sense of achievement in making something.

Lona Thu 10-Jul-14 22:24:24

Ana my dgds make them using two forks joined together! pay attention, I'd already posted that wink

hildajenniJ Thu 10-Jul-14 22:10:21

Just back fron Great Yorkshire Show. Loom bands on the corner of every stand! My DGD loves them, so we bought her a pack of glittery ones as she doesn't have any of those. What a lovely day it was sunshine all day.

absent Thu 10-Jul-14 22:07:57

Child chokes on a banana - in future, all fruit will come with a health warning and instructions for eating.

jinglbellsfrocks Thu 10-Jul-14 21:40:18

That's why DD won't buy them. I've stepped in now though. Can't see him go without.

Ana Thu 10-Jul-14 21:38:31

Shame...I keep finding odd ones on the carpets, they get everywhere!

jinglbellsfrocks Thu 10-Jul-14 21:25:08

When I last saw GS he was doing it on his fingers, but he only had about five - which he reckoned he had "scavenged". He could have meant "pinched"! grin (his mum wouldn't buy him any hmm)

Ana Thu 10-Jul-14 21:22:43

Don't anyone else's GC make them without the looms? I'm amazed at how quickly my two can whip up an ordinary chain or a fishtail one just by putting them over their two fingers and using the other hand to stretch and loop them to make the links...

rosequartz Thu 10-Jul-14 21:16:15

DGD2 age 5 has just made me a lovely one, but I was going to ask her to add a few more links - it is very snug even though she kept measuring me!

Might be a good chance to have a chat about them and not wearing them at night.

rosesarered Thu 10-Jul-14 20:03:37

My 9 yr old DGS loves them and makes tons of them at school [he came home with 7 last night] he said he will make one for me today, they look tiny but stretch for even the widest wrists and don't seem tight.

POGS Thu 10-Jul-14 16:25:28

Nonu

It is a 'cautionary' tale and I think the fact so many kids have taken to them is obviously showing they are providing entertainment which is of a crafting nature in a small way. Better than t.v watching maybe.

Dependant on her age you could be a 'cool' nan, ask your GD's mum, she might have some already and needs new colours.

jinglbellsfrocks Thu 10-Jul-14 15:39:07

Does say on the packs not suitable for age under 8.

joannapiano Thu 10-Jul-14 15:09:48

Have just bought a packet each for our 6 year old and 8 year old DGC.
Was advised by a little girl also looking at them, not to buy Poundland ones as they break easily.
They are coming over at the weekend and the weather forecast is for rain, so thought the loom bands would keep them occupied. Must just make sure the 21 month old doesn't get hold of them-will distract her with Playdough!

Lona Thu 10-Jul-14 15:01:05

My gds and my dd make them on two forks! Don't ask me how.