Do you have trouble sleeping, or do your children often have nightmares? Perhaps a handmade dreamcatcher is the solution! The dreamcatcher originates from Native American traditions. It catches bad dreams in its web and neutralizes them in daylight, while good dreams glide down to the sleeper through ribbons and feathers. And best of all, a dreamcatcher is a real eye-catcher. Let this guide inspire you and create your own dreamcatcher!
Making a Dreamcatcher - Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Wrap the Ring
Start by wrapping the wooden ring. Secure the end of the jute string tightly to the ring and further fix it with a drop of craft glue. Then wrap the string tightly around the entire ring so that no wood is visible. Once you finish, tie the string again and cut off the ends. Lastly, apply a bit of craft glue on the knot to secure the string.
Step 2: Weave the Web
For the web, unwind about 3 to 4 meters of wool. Secure the end of the wool to the ring and fix it with craft glue. Divide the ring into ten equal sections visually.
Place the yarn OVER the ring to your first section, loop it once outside the ring, and thread it from behind between the yarn and ring. This is well illustrated in the photo
Pull this first section tight by pulling on the yarn.
Continue like this around the ring, loop after loop.
To close the yarn circle and connect it with the beginning, thread it from the back through the first section to form a loop directly under your start. Now you have ten equal segments and can proceed to the second round.
In principle, work as in the first round, but place the loops in the center of the previous round's yarn instead of around the ring. With the first loop, you move the round's start to the middle of the yarn, and from the second loop, you create the pattern known from the first round.
The end of the second round is closed again like at the first round: from behind through the first section of the round, and pull the loop tight.
Continue like this round after round. If you want, you can incorporate beads into the web. Simply thread them onto the wool, slide them to the desired position, and they will be automatically fixed by making the next loop.
Once the web's opening is small enough, knot the last loop, cut the wool, and seal the knot with craft glue.
Step 3: Add Feathers and Ribbons
Now that we have secured the bad dreams, we just need the part of the dreamcatcher that allows the good dreams to pass
We start with the feathers: these are attached to a piece of white wool with craft glue, then a wooden bead is threaded over it. Ensure you do this while the glue is still wet so that everything holds together securely.
We chose to use five feathers for our dreamcatcher, but you can vary this according to your personal preference.
Cut pieces from the remaining ribbons and cords. As the ribbons should be longer in the dreamcatcher's center than at the edges, you will need different lengths. For reference, my longest ribbon in the center is about 40 cm, and the shortest on the edge is around 20 cm.
A small tip: broad ribbon looks especially nice when you tie a few knots at intervals.
Now knot everything onto the ring. I started with the feathers as I wanted even spacing here.
Then add the other ribbons and cords one by one until you are happy with the overall look.
Finally, attach a ribbon at the top of the ring to hang it. Your personal dreamcatcher is ready and guarantees a restful night with sweet dreams. Close your eyes and enjoy the calming effect of your handmade masterpiece!
Sleep well with your personal dreamcatcher!
Svenja
Want to create your own dreamcatcher? Visit our online shop and discover a wide range of materials you need for your personal dreamcatcher. Have fun crafting!
