 So these rainy days over the Summer holidays are really starting to get to us all and finding things to do in the home for the older ones especially seem to be a challenge, especially when it does not include a t.v or computer screen . I have been enjoying a lot of crafting but as my eldest daughter starts to mature a little , the need for paints and plasticine seem to have withered away as quick as she has grown . A few weeks ago I was sent a new upcoming toy that is being introduced to children aged 8+ Manufactured from Flair, the Strand Bands Designer Set in cotton candy style. You can purchase this set for £20 from Thetoyshop.com  You can also get other sets such as Hippie chic and Goth girl which are similar other than the different shades of colours available. Each set comes with -
 The bands them selves are all stuck together in sets of 6 which can be used together or separated into separate bands depending on how thick you wish your design to be . I tried to follow the instructions but simply got a little confused on how to get started and my daughter ended up having to Youtube some tutorials which was not the point in the activity but gave us a start and helped us a lot. First of all we had no idea on what size the length of band we needed had to be so we took a guestimate and doubled the length of the Strand styler hoping it would be ok. The bands are very thin and stretchy as they are made of rubber but they are also very strong which enables us to pull as tight as we need to to get a nice neat pattern . We decided to give a bracelet a try and I have to be honest in saying my daughter really did struggle and she is aged 13 years old. I think the instructions on the leaflet showed a little too hard of a pattern for a starter so I ended up taking over to get her started and showing her the video tutorials bit by bit until she understood the pattern . After some adult teaching of the cobra stitch she soon got the hang of it .  The one thing I absolutely hate about girls craft kits is the fact that once used they usually end up in the bin or break easily. Not only are Strand bands reusable but they also come with refills. I think the whole concept of using the rubber strands has been inspired from loom bands but instead of small elastic bobble type they have made them long length thread type but of course made of rubber which gives you a more lasting finish. There are so many things other things to make with strand bands such as -
And so much more , if you can imagine it , you can Strand band it! After struggling with the instruction side of things and getting a hang of the whole pattern part of it we really got into it and it has now become some what a new addiction just like any other craft does.  The cobra Stitch I love the concept of this craft toy for the kids, the girls especially love it and after the older one gave it a try , the younger 9 year old had a atry with a more simple design of the plait and got stuck in to it straight away. The fact that they can weave and design to their hearts content and buy refills when they run out also gives it an added bonus and the strand styler makes it so much easier to do as it keeps the pattern into place . Another good thing about this is the fact that it is waterproof to so they can keep them on in all weathers and are more durable wearing than other materials usually used for making friendship bracelets and items alike. I know by the end of the summer holidays the kids arms are going to have these covering them , the whole family will own one and they will be handing them to friends and teachers at school on their return. Looks like I may need to go get some refills just in case. What do you think of the strand bands ? Remind you of something you used to play with or is it something you wish to try to?  The Plait
12 Comments
30/7/2015 10:09:11 am
That looks a good set - different from the usual bracelet kits. I do wish they would include better quality items though, they would appeal to a wider audience then.
cass
30/7/2015 01:24:57 pm
This looks like something my daughter would love although she's lose interest if it was too difficult x 30/7/2015 02:37:38 pm
this year's loom bands? I can just see young teen girls getting into this for the friendship and other charms
Rebecca Smith
30/7/2015 03:14:35 pm
This definitely reminds me of something I used to play with, can't think of the name though 31/7/2015 08:14:29 am
Would have loved this as a young girl, looks good for a quiet afternoon. 31/7/2015 04:07:24 pm
My daughter would absolutely love this - like you say, it's a great rainy day activity. 2/8/2015 10:50:22 am
Lisa, this is a great kit to have for older girls, I hope Emma will be into things like this as she grows up. The bracelets you girls have made look beautiful!xx 5/8/2015 03:01:23 am
My daughter really enjoyed things like this when she was younger - I can see it being a great boredom breaker in the holidays! Your comment will be posted after it is approved.
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