How to Make a Dreamcatcher

Sioux Indian legend says that a dreamcatcher hung over a bed or cradle would catch the bad dreams and let good dreams pass through, bringing peaceful sleep to those resting below it.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Gold Or Silver Craft Wire
• Elmer's Glue-All
• Colored Beads
• Paper And Binder Clips
• Feathers
• 8- To 10-inch Metal Rings
• Wire Cutters
• Wire cutters

Complex Dreamcatcher

1. Wrap an 8- to 10-inch metal ring with suede lacing. Keep the lace tight and don't let it get twisted.

2. Glue both ends of the lacing to the ring and hold it in place to dry with a paper clip.

3. Create a web with real or synthetic sinew.

4. Tie one end of the sinew to the ring and make loose half-hitch knots around the ring, spacing them about 1 1/2 inches apart.

5. Keep the sinew taut between the knots.

6. Make the next section of the web using the loops you just made.

7. Continue looping and knotting, keeping the sinew tight. Eventually you will have a small hole in the center.

8. Tie a double knot in the sinew and put a drop of glue on the knot to make sure it holds.

9. Cut off any sinew poking out of the knot when the glue dries.

10. Cut three or four pieces of lacing about 8 inches long.

11. Tie the lacing to one side of the ring.

12. Slide a colored bead onto section of lacing and tie a knot below it. Add other beads the same way.

13. Push a feather into the last bead on each lace and squirt a little bit of glue in to hold it.

Easy Dreamcatcher for Kids

1. Twist one end of gold or silver craft wire onto a 4- to 5-inch round metal ring. The wire needs to be fairly tight.

2. Take the wire across the ring to a point opposite the wraps you just made.

3. Wrap the wire around at that point so that the wire has crossed the circle.

4. Choose another point near the original starting point and repeat the process. You should now have a crooked V shape.

5. Wrap the wire tight and clip the end.

6. Start with a new piece of wire at a place about 45 degrees from the first wrap you made.

7. Repeat the above steps except this time, as you cross parts of the original V, make a tight loop around it and string a bead on the wire. You can change direction slightly at that point. This will create a web effect.

8. Make a third set, again adding beads at random intervals.

9. Add a feather or fetish and a couple of leather strips to the top.

Tips & Warnings

• Supervise children while cutting wire.