How to Make Rubber Band Bracelets - WITHOUT the Loom!

There are several rubber band bracelet designs that can be easily made without using the loom.

Source: All photos by Valerie Bloom

Rubber Band Bracelets: Several Patterns That Don't Require a Loom!

I was excited and intrigued when my sons told me about bracelets that "every kid" in their elementary school was making.

They are bracelets made by linking together small, colorful rubber bands, sold under the brand name Rainbow Loom.

While I was prepared to spring for the loom kit, which sells for $16-$18, I soon learned that I might not have to buy the whole kit. Our nine-year-old cousin said she knew how to make the bracelets without the loom and would be happy to give us a lesson!

Rubber Bands

BlueDot Trading 600-Piece Do-It-Yourself Bracelet Kit Refill Pack, Includes Rubber Band and S-Clips for Loom Art/Kids Craft with Rainbow, Pink

To make a rubber band bracelet, you don't have to buy a loom. But you will need to get rubber bands!

These come in "rainbow" or single-color packs. Most packs include 600 rubber bands, along with 24 c-clasps.

Many have free shipping available through Amazon!

 Buy Now

 

Completed chain bracelet

A Risk-free Experiment

I hoped that my kids would have fun making bracelets without the added cost of the loom. And going "loom-free" would mean just a little less clutter in the house!

I figured if the process of making the bracelets by hand proved to be too difficult, I would be happy to buy the Rainbow Loom. Therefore, I didn't feel like it was risky to purchase the rubber bands without the loom.

A simple and beautiful chain bracelet

Learning to Make a Chain Bracelet

As she promised, our cousin came over to show us how to link the rubber bands together to create a bracelet.

My sons, nine and six years old, were initially frustrated. I was a little confused myself at first -- but I also understood that these kinds of projects often seem difficult until something clicks in your head and you realize that it's really very simple.

And that was exactly the case! Once we figured out the process, we were able to easily put together simple chains, attached at the ends with small plastic c-clasps that were included with the pack of rubber bands.

Chain bracelet

Detailed Instructions for How to Make a Rubber Band Chain Bracelet

NOTE: There's a link to a great video below, so if the written instructions are confusing, check out the video!

1. Slide a segment of a rubber band into a c-clip. Ideally, the rubber band should be doubled over (make a figure-8 and fold it over on itself to create a small circle) and slipped inside the c-clip. Let's call this rubber band #1.
2. Now another rubber band (let's call it #2) is slipped halfway through rubber band #1. Try not to twist #2. You then grab the two sides of #2 and hold them together. #2 is looped through #1 but will easily slip out if you let go.
3. Now, carefully gripping #2, you slide the next rubber band, #3, through the hole created by stretching #2. As you hold #3 and let go of #2, you'll see that #2 is firmly attached to the bracelet and you need to hold #3 to prevent it from slipping out from #2.
4. Hold #3, stretching it out to create an opening, which you then slide #4 halfway through. Grab the two sides of #4, letting go of #3, and slide #5 halfway through #4. Continue this pattern.

This process creates a simple chain. When the bracelet is long enough to fit comfortably around your wrist -- not too tightly -- then take the last rubber band in the line and slip one side of it through the other (one loop through the other) and pull it tightly to firmly attach it to the previous rubber band. Now slip the last rubber band's loop into the same c-clip that is holding the first rubber band.

Tah-dah!

You can choose to not use the c-clips at all and can simply tie the ends of the bracelets together. It's a good idea to knot the ends first by sliding one loop of the band through the other (as above) and then tying the ends together.

See the following excellent video that clearly shows how to make the same kind of rubber band bracelet that our cousin taught us how to make. Rubber bands are simply looped together to form a chain. Starting it is the hardest part; stringing the bands together is a piece of cake!

How to Make a Basic Rubber Band Bracelet - Video

Looking for Another Kind of Bracelet?

Check out my article: How to Make a Survival Bracelet

A bracelet made with teamwork

Helping Younger Kids

When we were first shown how to make the simple chain bracelet by hand, both of my sons were overwhelmed at the prospect of doing it themselves. And this is completely understandable, since it does feel like you need three or four hands!

And so we used four hands.

My job was to hold the most recently added rubber band in place. I held it securely, making sure it didn't fall out of the bracelet and stretching it open so that my son could choose the next color band and slide it through the one I was holding. Without the stress of trying to hold a rubber band in place, my sons started to enthusiastically string the rubber bands together, and it only took less than 10 minutes to complete each bracelet.

After working with me to create a couple of bracelets, my older son got the hang of it and started doing them completely on his own. My younger son still prefers to have help, which is fine -- creating the bracelets as a team is a lot of fun!

Organize Your Bands!

Darice 14-Inch by 8.5-Inch by 1.875-Inch Adjustable Organizer with 4 Removable Sections

If you really get busy with rubber band bracelets, you may want to organize your materials. This style of crafting box is very popular and can be used for any number of applications.

You can arrange the dividers inside the box to suit your needs, and they can even allow for a Rainbow Loom to fit!

 Buy Now

 

Different Patterns

Rubber Band Bracelets

With our first lesson, we cranked out several bracelets. Then it occurred to me that perhaps something more than the basic chain could be made without using the loom.

Looking on youtube, I found two good videos showing two other patterns. One is called the fishtail, and the other the dragon scale. (Scroll down to see these videos.)

Once we got the hang of these patterns, my sons and I were able to make the bracelets without much difficulty.

Fishtail Pattern - Thicker and more sturdy than a chain

Click thumbnail to view full-size

I really like the look and feel of the fishtail pattern. And the instructions are easy to follow!

How to Make a Fishtail Bracelet - Video

This video clearly demonstrates the technique to make a fishtail bracelet, using two markers as a loom.

It's best to use three colors, at least for your first bracelet, because it makes the pattern very easy to follow.

What to Do with Rubber Band Bracelets

• Make them to wear
• Trade them with friends
• Give as inexpensive, homemade gifts
• Sell to raise money for charity

Dragon Scale Pattern - I love how this uses a fork as a loom!

Click thumbnail to view full-size

The Dragon Scale pattern creates a wider bracelet. Sharply contrasting colors look great for this pattern!

How to Make a Dragon Scale Bracelet - Video

As with the other patterns, once you get the hang of it, it's extremely simple!

Make sure to give a tug on the bracelet as you add to it in order to keep the stitches tight and in the right place.

So What's Wrong with the Loom? - NOTHING!

There is absolutely nothing wrong with using the Rainbow Loom! Everyone I know who has one is very happy with it. There are many more designs that can be made using the loom than by hand.

Twistz Bandz Rainbow Loom

If you are interested in doing more complex designs, it would be worth your while to invest in a loom!

 Buy Now

 

More Advanced Designs

These are all intriguing designs that can be made without using a rubber band loom.

While I like all of these designs and enjoyed watching the videos, these techniques are beyond my sons' patience level, so we have not done them ourselves.

Most of these techniques use two forks, secured back-to-back, as the loom!

Cornrow

The artist does a great job of explaining each step.

This really helps me to understand the process much better than the videos that have only music on the sound track.

Double Cross Spiral Twist

I love this spiral design!

The video has only music in the background. Since there's no narrative description of the steps, you have to watch carefully to see what's going on.

Starburst

The Starburst is a compelling and complex design.

I was surprised to see this could be done without a loom!

Homemade Christmas Cards with Fingerprint Snowman Families

Making Your Own Christmas Cards - Cute Ideas for Fingerprint Snowmen and Other Christmas Art

Here's a cute idea for making your own homemade personalized Christmas Cards. Use fingerprint art (also called Thumprint Art or Funprint Drawings) to make Fingerprint Snowman Families, or Reindeer Families or any other creative thing you can think of. Give interesting facial expressions - you can even match expressions to the personality of the family member. Then you can add each person's name underneath the fingerprint character.

I've added a few samples here to help wtih ideas. Some are my own ideas, some I've found online but the idea of fingerprint art is credited to Mr. Ed Emberley. He is a master of simple art for kids - and adults! He has illustrated an entire book dedicated toThumbprint Art (I'll tell you more about that farther down the page). But first, here are some ideas and examples of Christmas Cards using fingerprints to make our families.

Fingers + Ink = Fun!

Homemade Christmas Card with Thumb Print Snowman Folks - Here's a family represented as Snow People!

Home made Christmas Card using Snowman Fingerprint Caricatures

For the snowmen, I used a Blue Ink Pad. Of course snow is white, but that won't work on white paper and I like the look of the blue ink. If you have a deep desire to have white snowmen (and you're feeling brave :-), grab some white acrylic paint and colored paper and give it a go. Now that I'm thinking about this I'm going to give it a try and see how it turns out. When it dries I'll add a picture here. For the eyes, nose, buttons and arms, I used Ultra Fine Point Colored Markers - Sharpies are my favorite. I really like the orange nose on the snow people.

Homemade Card with Reindeer Family - Add names underneath

Christmas Card Thumbprint Reindeer Family with Names

Here I used a brown ink pad. That's not a color I would normally have so I bought one and it worked great. Eyelashes show moms and daughters plainly :).

Fingerprint Art Christmas Tree Idea

Homemade Christmas Tree Card

Use finger tips on this one

This one is not personalized with names, but does use fingertip art. I used green ink and my set ofSharpie Ultra Fine Markers and aRegular Fine Point Yellow Marker for the star. I also scanned it into my computer and typed in the wording (much neater than my handwriting!). This one could be a simple card like a postcard and not folded. You could fit 4 on a page and print them out at home or have copies made at a copy store.

Family members could simply sign the front.

*Special Note from a Mom :-)

If your family sends out lots of cards (like ours does) this could end up being quite a project! Some kiddos get fidgety and can't sit still to make 50 Christmas Cards. Consider making one master card - tweak it till it's just like you want it to be and get color copies made from the original. Then cut them to size for your envelope.

Or make them at Zazzle (scroll down for more info.)

Funprint Stocking Card

Personalized Stockings with family member's names on them

Add a Greeting of Merry Christmas to the front or inside

Here's an idea using stockings with names on them. For the top of the stocking I had to have a straight line in order to add the cuff. I added pictures below to show how to do it. This would be really cute with some fireplace art in the background but I didn't have any on hand. You can probably find some online. If I find some I'll add a link. On all the cards I made, I added a simple outline border for a little extra umph. Another idea would be to add little stickers around the edges or in the corners.

Singing Thumb Print Family! - A family singing songs

Fingerprint people singing Christmas Song

The expressions made using thin black lines will make all the difference with these caricatures! Use Ed Emberley's Book to learn how to make hundreds and hundreds of expressions. If you like thumbprint art you will want to have a copy of his book as a guide. It's a keeper.

Another idea: Use cards you already have

Adding art to greeting cards

Here I used a card I had on hand and added the snowmen to the inside for a personal touch. The great thing about this idea is that I already have envelopes to match etc.

THE Best Thumbprint Art Book Ever - Don't miss this book!

Ed Emberley's Complete Funprint Drawing Book

We've had our copy of this book for many many years and I wouldn't trade it for anything. It is chocked full of ideas for kids and adults. Even kids who "think" they are not good artists will get a boost of self-confidence once they start making cute fingerprint critters and people with the step by step instructions.

 Buy Now

 

You Can Also Make Your Cards at Zazzle

You can use this sample and change the words

Here's one I made as a template. It is fully customizable by changing the art and the wording. Feel free to use it to make your own card! Zazzle is an excellent online printing company and I order ALL of my printed products from them. Buy any quantity: 1, 2, 50, 500! Very dependable.

Fingerprint Snowman Christmas Card - Personalize by puzzlemaker
Shop for a greeting card on zazzle.com

*New - Make Your Own Matching Christmas Stamps

Here's a template I made - feel free to use this one

Here's what you do: You can click on this stamp and you'll be prompted to add your own image (have it ready in your computer by scanning it or another means) then add your own text too. I have a place holders of "Merry Christmas" and "Add Your Text Here", but you can easily change both (or you can delete the wording). You simply make it like you want it!

Three Snowmen Fingerprint for Postage by puzzlemaker
Browse other Christmas Postage

What size paper do you need? - Options for paper and envelopes

All of the cards on this page were made using paper size 5" x 4" (folded size). If you want larger paper or have a bigger family or want to add fingerprint pets too, you'll need a bigger size. Here are some options for sets of cards and envelopes.*You can also purchase these at office supply stores.*

50 Blank Greeting Cards & Envelopes 5x7 A7 White

 Buy Now

 

Blank Cards and Envelopes - Ivory - 5 x 7 - 50 pcs - Value Pack

 Buy Now

 

I've been out looking for more fingerprint ideas... - Here's what I've found from crafters, bloggers and artists

• From Creative Ruminations
  Not a card, but a cute idea for a funprint tree ornament for kids to make.
• Another Cute Ornament
  Another idea for a Snowman Ornament. Really really cute. Use white paint on a blue ball ornament, then decorate the snowmen with scarves, faces and hats.
• Here's a link to a photograph
  A teacher shares a photo of Snowman Cards her students have made. Kids always have the very best ideas!
• Reindeer Card
  A family of four reindeer make a very cool Christmas card.
• Reindeer in lots of poses - by a graphic artist
  GREAT ideas for full body adult reindeer.

Pin It

How to Make Handprint Art on Ceramics

Fun Handprint Craft for Kids

Paint your child's handprints on a ceramic platter to make a sweet homemade gift.

Source: Alissa Roberts

Handprint Art Homemade Gift Ideas

Special Occasion	How to Decorate Ceramic Dish
Birthday	Make balloons with handprints.
Valentine's Day	Turn hands upside down to create a heart shape.
Mother's Day	Make flowers with handprints.
Grandparent's Day	Make all grandchildren's handprints with names and date of birth.
Thanksgiving	Make turkeys with handprints.
Christmas	Make a Christmas tree or angel with handprints.

Make each ceramic dish special with a cute title or sweet poem.

Homemade Gift Idea for Mom

Ask any mother or grandmother around what are the best gifts they have ever received. Their reply will most likely be those gifts that were homemade and from the heart. These kind of gifts carry so much meaning and can be treasured throughout the years. If you are looking for a sweet and unique homemade gift idea, try making handprint art on any kind of ceramic dish. Preserving your child's handprint is a wonderful way to remind you and others just how small your kids use to be.

Wanting to do something special for both grandmas for Mother's Day, my boys and I went to work making handprint art on two ceramic platters that I had purchased. They turned out really cute and I thought they would make perfect homemade gifts for birthdays or other holidays such as Christmas, Grandparent's Day, etc. Refer to the table to the right for cute decorating ideas for each special occasion. If you would like to recreate our "Mimi's Garden" handprinted platter, read further for a list of supplies and step-by-step directions for making this craft.

Handprint Art Supplies

Folk Art 4006 Enamel 2-Ounce Acrylic Paint, Engine Red

This is the type of paint used in project. Search Amazon for more available colors.

 Buy Now

 

One Stroke Painting INT4175 Folk Art Glass and Ceramic Completer Set

Great paintbrushes for ceramic or glass painting.

 Buy Now

 

Corelle Livingware 12-1/4-Inch Serving Platter, Winter Frost White

This platter is similar in size to one used in project.

 Buy Now

 

What Kind of Paint to Use on Ceramic Dishes?

You may be wondering what kind of paint to use on your ceramic dishes. I suggest choosing an enamel acrylic paint which is specially formulated for use on both ceramics and glass. We used the Folk Art brand of enamel paint on our platters. This kind of paint is a little more expensive than your standard acrylic paint, but it is more durable and scratch resistant. You also can wash these dishes on the top shelf of your dishwasher once they are dried and cured in the oven.

If you are planning on using these dishes around food, you need to make sure your ceramic paint states toxic-free and safe to use around food. Some ceramic paints contain harmful ingredients that should never be used near food. If you are handpainting a ceramic dish for home decor, you do not have to worry about the toxic-free label.

How to Make Handprint Art

Click thumbnail to view full-size

Our finished handprint garden displayed on an easel.

Source: Alissa Roberts

Handpainted Ceramics Quiz

view quiz statistics

How to Paint Child's Handprints on Ceramics

To get started making handprint art on a ceramic dish, you will first need to gather all the necessary supplies and decide what kind of dish you are going to paint. Be sure the dish has been thoroughly washed and dried. You also need to wipe it down with alcohol and a paper towel to remove any hidden residue.

Before attempting to make the handprints, make sure to wash your child's hand. Dirt and oil from his or her hand could potentially affect the quality of the paint. Below are the supplies you will need and step-by-step directions for painting your ceramic platter.

Supplies:

• Ceramic serving platter
• Ceramic paint - green, blue, yellow, red, and purple
• Ceramic paint markers - black and white
• Letter stencils (optional)
• Paintbrushes
• Alcohol
• Paper towels

Directions:

1. Wash and dry ceramic dish. Wipe down dish with alcohol and a paper towel to remove any residue.
2. After washing your child's hand, use paintbrush to cover the hand completely with desired color of ceramic paint.
3. Press child's hand firmly down on the platter. The gloss on the ceramic platter makes it slippery but try to keep the hand from moving.
4. Carefully lift up your child's hand. If satisfied with the print, move on to the next color of handprint flower. If you wish to start over, quickly wash platter with warm water or use alcohol to help remove paint.
5. Once you have completed the handprint flowers, paint stems and leaves to bottom of the prints. Add grass to bottom of platter.
6. Use a black ceramic paint marker to write "(insert name here)'s Garden" up above the flowers. You can also use letter stencils to help with this if you do not wish to free hand the title.
7. To make the butterflies, cover your child's index finger with black ceramic paint and press firmly to platter. Once dry, add colorful wings, antennas to head, and cute faces to the butterflies.
8. To make either the ladybug or bumblebee, use red or yellow ceramic paint to cover the tip of your child's thumb and press firmly to platter. Once dry, add black dots or stripes, antennas, legs or stinger, and cute bug faces. I used the black ceramic marker to decorate these bugs.
9. Once satisfied with the design, set platter on baking pan. Place in oven and bake for 30 minutes on 300 degrees. Do NOT preheat the oven. Let the platter gradually warm with the oven to prevent cracking or shattering.
10. Carefully take the pan out of the oven and set aside in a safe area to allow the platter to completely cool.

Handprint Art Poll

Which special occasion will you be making handprint art for?

•  Birthday
•  Valentine's Day
•  Mother's Day
•  Grandparent's Day
•  Thanksgiving
•  Christmas

See results without voting

Fun Art Projects for Kids

This handprint art platter is a really fun art project for parents to make with their kids. Keep in mind that it will take some practice to perfect the handprints. Several of our handprints did not turn out so well, but we just washed or wiped away the print and started again. A good idea would be to practice on paper before applying the handprints to the platter. Also remember this craft could get messy, so be sure to protect your table with newspaper or crafting tablecloth to prevent paint from getting all over the place.

So the next time you need a sweet and unique homemade gift idea for a loved one, try making handprint art on a ceramic dish. This is one gift that will truly be treasured for many years to come and serves as a wonderful reminder of just how small your child once was.

I hope you have found this guide helpful to creating handprint art on ceramic dishes. If you have any comments or questions about this art project, feel free to leave these in the comment section below. Happy crafting!

More Craft Ideas:

• How to Monogram Coffee Mugs
  Read to find step-by-step instructions to creating DIY hand painted monogrammed coffee mugs. This craft project is great for an easy and inexpensive update to your dinnerware or makes the perfect homemade gift for that special someone.
• How to Monogram Cloth Dinner Napkins
  Read to find step-by-step directions for hand painting monograms on cloth dinner napkins. This budget-friendly, DIY craft idea is super easy to make while adding an elegant and personal touch to your home decor.
• Budget-Friendly Crafts for Kids to Make
  Looking for easy to make kid craft ideas that won't break the bank? Here are five budget-friendly craft ideas that use recycled products from around the house that both your kids and wallet will love!