Weaved into bracelets, owls and even fish, the new rubber band obsession, which started as a playground toy, is fast becoming the latest fashion fad. Loom bracelets seem to be this year's must-have ...

They come in waves: collectible doohickeys that fixate schoolchildren, vex teachers and keep corner shops in business. From figurines to trading cards, a play craze operates in rough biannual cycles, ...