Comments on: How to Make a Dreamcatcher

on 4/11/2008 Can anyone tell me where to buy the metal rings, please?

on 11/22/2005 I have found that using wooden embroidery hoops to make dreamcatchers is much easier than using metal rings. I am able to place a mark on the hoop where I want each loop of the first round to be. I do the weaving first, then I wrap the hoop with strands of suede or strips of leather cut from scraps. I glue the leather (suede) onto the hoop about every other wrap around. Wrapping the hoop after the weaving is done also makes it possible to cover what you have used to do the weaving. While weaving, I add a colored bead, bone bead, wooden bead, or very small animal (or bird) figures every once in a while. My favorite is the minature silver feathers or crystal beads (crystal beads sometimes look as if they are sparkling stars). It is best to use only two or three of these items in the weaving - any more is overload. On the suede strips (that are added after this is all done), I usually add pony beads and bone beads to create a pattern. I also add feathers of different sizes and colors (gluing the feathers into the last bead) to create a particular color theme, and end by tying a knot in the end of the strip. I have tried all the usual things for doing the weaving, and I have found that embroidery thread is the easiest to work with. It also looks very authenic if you use a tan or wheat color. My step-father is a full blooded Sioux, and he has helped me a lot.

on 11/22/2005 When trying to have 500 Cub Scouts make dream catchers, we needed an inexpensive hoop. Try using metal coat hangers. Not only can they be shape into a circle, but you have a hook to hang them up with.

on 11/22/2005 Instead of knotting the string onto the hoop, try weaving the string through a bead, around the hoop, and back through the bead.

on 11/22/2005 When you have spaces between knots, string stone beads (turquoise, etc.) or animal/spirit totems along the sinew.