The Dream Catcher

There are many different theories and methods to making this fine craft.

Traditionally, the dream catcher is used to "catch" dreams. "Good" dreams are able to weave their way through the web and strands of the hoop, then slide down the feathers to the sleeping dreamer. The "Bad" dreams get tangled in the web on their way through the hoop. Once the light from the dawn sun hits the dream catcher, it carries away the "bad" dreams. Of course, there are many other theories of how they work, this is just what I was taught by my mother.

Directions to make your own "Dream Catcher".

Items needed:
Brass/silver/metal hoop OR fresh twigs twisted into a hoop shape then dried.
Waxed cord (traditional dream catchers used "sinew" from their hunted animals)
Feathers (color choice is yours)
Beads (again, color choice is yours)
Leather cord

Step 1
Now, this first part can be done in a couple of ways.
Method 1:
Take hoop and wrap leather cord around it. Then thread waxed cord around the leather covered hoop

Method 2:
Thread waxed cord around the bare hoop, then wrap leather cord around the hoop.

What you do is up to you. I prefer to wrap the hoop with the cord first...just easier that way.

Step 2
Traditional dream catchers will contain thirteen sections going around the hoop. 13 represents the 13 moons of the year.

Take your waxed cord and tie it to your hoop, leaving about 5 inches extra string hanging (this will be to tie knots when you make new sections as you weave). Eyeball how much space you want between your initial knot and your first weave. Wrap the cord over the hoop, and through the now formed loop (so from the knot, stretch a bit, go up, over hoop, through loop, then pull tight). This is your first loop (one of 13). Continue this until you have 12 loops.

Step 3
When you come back to the knot, take your excess string and tie a new knot. This will start your new line of loops. Again, continue the same looping method as above, and tying a knot when you come back to the excess string. Keep doing this until you have no more room in the hoop.

Step 4
During the weaving/looping process, thread beads, feathers, whatever you like, in strategic places (please do not overwhelm the dream catcher). When I make a dream catcher, I use traditional native colors: Black, White, Red and Yellow, and placing them in the appropriate directions (Black=South; White=North; Red=West; Yellow=East). I don't normally weave feathers into the web itself, but to each his own. This is your dream catcher.

Step 5
Once you are done the initial web, you are ready for the hanging feathers. Take some more leather cord and fold it in half. Tie the cord to the hoop by threading the two ends of the cord through the loop around the hoop. Thread beads onto the cord, then slide the beads over both the cord AND the shaft of the feather. The beads should hold the feathers in place.

You have a completed dream catcher.

Again, traditionally a dream catcher is hung over the bed of the dreamer. I was taught that a dreamcatcher should be placed in the window of the sleeping dreamers room. Both are acceptable places. Periodically, take the catcher out and cleanse it with a smudge to unblock any "bad" dream residue.











(I hope to perhaps give better instructions in the future, with images)