They are all the craze this holiday season, with kids immersing themselves in hours upon hours of crafty creation.  They have even been banned from some area schools for causing fights on playgrounds.  What has caused such a frenzy of creativity and violence? Rubber band bracelet looms.

Step #2: place the pencils in the middle of the book

Step #3: place rubber bands around the book to hold the pencils in place

Now to make your bracelet!

Step #4: make an figure 8 with the first rubber band and place it over the two pencils

Step #5:  add one or two colors

Step #6: pull the bottom color over the top of the pencils on each side

Step #7: add the same color that was last pulled over the top of the pencils

Step #8:  separate the colors periodically as you go along and remember to pull up the bottom color only

Step #9: now add the S clip and repeat steps 5 and 6

Step #10: after adding each color pull the S clip down and repeat steps 5 and 6 until you have reach your desired length

You can always find inspiration in books at the library.  If you are at a loss for what to read next just ask a librarian. But remember: rubber bands and pencils could potentially damage our materials, so please use your own books for this project.

We would LOVE to see what you create! Take a picture of your creation, post it on Twitter, Instagram, or Pinterest with the hashtag #nyplBracelet, and show us the book that inspired and influenced your creation!

(All photographs, instructions, and bracelets are by Gwendoyln Accoo. The book and bracelet pairings above were done after-the-fact by Billy Parrott.)

Additional Resources:

The Hipster Librarian's Guide to Teen Craft Projects, by Tina Coleman

Crafternoon: A Guide to Getting Artsy and Crafty with your Friends All Year Long, by Maura Madden

Hardware: Jewerlry From a Toolbox, by Hannah Rogge