Cra-Z-Art Shimmer 'n Sparkle Cra-Z-Loom Bracelet Maker

great gift

Handmade, wearable art is an enduring and endearing fashion expression of school-aged youth. From headbands and string bracelets to duct-tape bags and knotted scarves and hats, all manner of original designs and functionality sweep through the schoolyard year to year.This season, the big thing is the "crazy loom," a pegged board on which small bands can be attached to create a variety of colorful rubber-linked bracelets and necklaces. Give into this craze and purchase this item for your child or family. Not only will they learn to follow pretty intense directions, they are rewarded for doing so with an intricate and beautiful design. The loom builds a positive feedback loop into their efforts as they share experiences and product samples with their family and peers (right now, I'm wearing two of the dozen or so bands my kids made me).You know a craft is something special when both 3rd-grade boys and 5th-grade girls are coming together on the playground to swap ideas, compare styles and trade bands. The loom opens up this kind of cross-age and gender participation and skills building. If only art class provided this kind of artistic and colloborative fun.Peer acceptance and social groups are important influences even at the elementary level. Encourage your child's positive growth and development of this kind of "social learning" through this unique and affordable fad.

In general the product was ok. However, the needle was so soft that it created pressure on my fingers. To prevent the needle from bending and breaking, I needed to use extra strength to keep the needle straight. I loved rubber band projects but could not work on them for too long. Meanwhile, the fact that the base was not adjustable really limited the type of projects I could do. By the way, the instruction was also very confusing. I ended up visiting youtube for demonstration.

My daughter purchased the cra-z-loom with some birthday money. All the kids at school are doing this trendy craft, and she wanted to keep up. The loom works as described, but only after a few trials and errors with the process. Once the learning curve has been overcome, the product is easy to use and produces really pretty, unique bracelets and other items that kids can trade with friends. They are even going to sell their handmade bracelets to raise money for their 5th grade school trip this year. I would recommend purchasing extra bands right away because local stores run out before their supplies even hit the shelves--that's how popular this product is with the 5th graders. Also, you can get more for the money on Amazon.com than you can in the craft store. If your child is patient and smart, she will really enjoy working this fun craft.

i love this item because it is the easiest way to make fashionable and fun bracelets. also are fun to ware and to share for your friend. also fun to give to your friends four their birthday or just to make for fun to give away. things to make for: brest cancer awerness,valintines day, a present for mothers day, and fathers day. i reccomend this loom bracelet maker for anyone who is crafty and loves to make bracelets

This was the one gift my 10 year old granddaughter asked for that was not clothing or electronic. I could not see how the loom worked at first glance, but she was able to get going on it in a very short amount of time. Plenty of rubber bands are included, but I would suggest refill packs and packages of charms be bought to go along with it in the beginning. This is fairly inexpensive and can bring hours of fun for a child. My grandson even wanted to try it out. This is the new friendship bracelet thing in Elgin, Texas. I also gave one to my grandniece and she was thrilled. If your child is not crafty, probably not a good gift. But if so, I would highly recommend.

We bought one of these before (not this brand/style) and it was junk. This one was AWESOME. My daughter uses ir every day. I'll have to find her more replacement bands. She especially loves the "round" loom. Once she figured that one out, it was all she would use. She's made some pretty neat bracelets for friends and family. She likes to make them as gifts. It keeps her busy and that means less sibling rivalry ;)

Misleading!! The name is "Shimmer 'n Sparkle". The box has prominent photos of bracelets with beads, some of which sparkle. However, they are not included!! It is a piece of plastic and rubberbands, with a plastic crochet hook. Total waste of money. The loom has prongs on the pegs, which catch the bands as you attempt to move them. The "Rainbow" loom has pegs that are much easier to work with, and they do not deceive you with their name and advertising.