How to Make a Paper Dreamcatcher

Dreamcatchers are a traditional art usually made out of things like leather, beads and feathers. The dreamcatcher is supposed to hang in the bedroom to catch bad dreams before they enter you. They filter and separate your dreams, only allowing the good dreams in. The woven or crossed threads of the dreamcatcher are supposed to catch the bad dreams or nightmares like a net or a spider's web, not letting them through. This version of a dream catcher is one that children can make with inexpensive supplies.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• White paper Markers, crayons or colored pencils Stickers Yarn Cellophane tape Thread or embroidery floss Beads

1. Cut a circle of paper 3-inches to 6-inches in diameter. To make it easier for smaller children to make a circle, draw the circle on the paper for them to cut. Then cut a hole in the middle of the paper so the circle now looks like a donut with a cut out donut hole.

2. Color the front of the donut shaped piece of paper with markers, crayons or colored pencils. Draw any desired pattern or design like a sunshine, a star or just random geometric shapes on the paper. Then stickers or writing can be added on top of the drawing. A child can write her name or a family name to personalize her dreamcatcher.

3. Turn the dreamcatcher over. Cut pieces of yarn that are long enough to go across the middle cut-out hole and that extend far enough to be taped into place on either side of the middle hole. Tape each piece in place as they are cut. Keep all the tape on the back of the paper so it doesn't show from the front of the dreamcatcher. Criss cross at least 4 pieces of yarn and tape them in place so they look like a web or a net.

4. Cut 2 long streamer pieces to look like feathers. Make them at least 5-inches long. Tape them to the back of the circular piece so both will hang down from the bottom of the circle like tails.

5. Cut a 6-inch to 10-inch piece of thread or embroidery floss. Bend it in half like a loop, and then thread a few beads on each side of the thread. Tape the open ends to the back of the dreamcatcher. This is the hanging hook for the paper dreamcatcher. Now it is all done and ready to hang up and chase away bad dreams.