Hannah Beuchler Loops Thousands of Colorful Loom Bands like Brushstrokes

Decades ago, loom bands captured the attention of parents and kids alike. These small, colorful rubber bands were used for making bracelets and other items. YouTube creators offered tutorials for elaborate projects, but the trend eventually faded. Artist Hannah Beuchler, however, found a new use for these humble bands. Beuchler's works resemble expressive paintings with their gestural brushstrokes and carefully selected colors. However, it's their unique texture that truly stands out upon closer inspection.

Drawing inspiration from fabrics and Impressionist mark-making techniques, Beuchler explores the boundaries of textiles using found and recycled materials. Her pieces often delve into the relationship between natural and synthetic media. To create her artwork, Beuchler starts with a felt template, which also serves as the substrate. She then loops the bands onto small tufts of colorful wool roving. The soft, malleable segments can be curved and nestled among one another, creating various shapes, much like a puzzle.

The finished works maintain their textile-like pliability, but when framed and hung on the wall, they transform into paintings. See more of Beuchler's work on Instagram. "Frozen Realm" (2025), made with loom bands, wool, felt, framed, measures 74 x 47.85 x 2 inches. Photographed by Spencer Higgins. "The Space Between" (2024), also featuring loom bands, wool, and felt, is framed and measures 77 x 72.5 x 2 inches.

Photographed by Spencer Higgins. "Fountains" (2025), comprised of rubber loom bands, wool, and felt, is framed and measures 48 x 44.5 x 2 inches. Photographed by Spencer Higgins. "Black Sheep" (2025), crafted with loom bands, wool, and felt, is framed and measures 26.75 x 19.75 inches. Photographed by Spencer Higgins. "Don't Push" (2025), featuring loom bands, wool, and felt, is framed and measures 52.5 x 34.5 x 2 inches. Photographed by Spencer Higgins.