How to make a Dream Catcher

Native Americans believed that the night was filled with both bad and good dreams.  The dream catcher is hung over your bed to catch dreams as they pass by.  Good dreams know how pass through the dream catcher, slipping through the outer holes and slide down the soft feathers so gently, that the sleeper doesn't know they are dreaming.  Bad dreams perish with the first light of day.  This article will explain how to make a dream catcher.

Native Americans used a woven hoop of willow.  They added things from everyday life like arrowheads, beads, twigs and of course feathers.

A modern craft that you can do is the following.  You will need a paper plate, yarn, hole puncher, scissors, feathers, beads and colored markers.

a.  Cut out the center of your paper plate.  Leave a two inch rim.

b.  Use the hole punch and punch holes half an inch apart all around the paper plate rim.

c.  Measure your yarn 6 feet long.  Tie one end of the yarn to one of the holes.

d.  Weave the yarn through each hole, on both sides of the plate.  Miss no holes.

e.  Add beads, as you go through the holes.  Feel free to crisscross across the plate, with your yarn and beads.

f.  When all holes are filled, tie off the yarn at the last hole.

g.  Now punch three holes in the bottom of the plate.  Hang three pieces of yarn from each hole.  Tie a feather to the end of each piece of yarn.

h.  Use colored markets to decorate your plate.

i.   Place one hole in the top plate.  Run a colored piece of yarn through it and hang it freely over the bed.

The dream catcher is hung above the bed of an individual.  They work great for children.  Many grandparents enjoy making these and putting them to use.  You do not have to be a Native American to make and use one.  There are many legends and lore's behind the dream catcher.

sources; http://www.dream-catchers.org/dream-catchers-faq.php

Comments (2)

Jack said:

	... Great instructions! My son loves his dream catcher and I think making one together would be a great event for both of us.
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January 17, 2010
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Donna Thacker said:

	... My house is filled with dream catcher. Some I have made, some were purchased. Your instructios soumd like a fun project.
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January 28, 2010
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