Dreamcatcher Instructions
Traditionally, the Ojibwe construct dream catchers or “dreamcatchers” by stringing sinew strands in a web around a small round or teardrop-shaped frame of willow. In a way, it is roughly similar to their method for making snowshoe webbing. The resulting dream catcher, hung above the bed, is used as a charm to protect sleeping people, usually children, from nightmares. Dream interpretation has directly influenced Native American cultural and spiritual beliefs for centuries. American Indians believe dreams influence the conscious soul of the dreamer, often acting as a means for change in personality traits such as confidence, maturity, kindness, and loyalty.
Materials Needed:
- Metal Ring
- Leather Lace
- Crow Beads (Some suggestions: Czech Glass Crow Beads – India Crow Beads – Plastic Crow Beads)
- Artificial Sinew
You can acquire these materials separately or purchase a Dreamcatcher Kit from the Wandering Bull with the supplies you need to make a Dreamcatcher!
Starting Your Own Dreamcatcher:
1) Fold the piece of leather lace in half. Knot it leaving a loop to hang the dreamcatcher. Make sure the fold leaves two equal measurements of leather lace on both sides to ensure it will cover the entire metal ring when wrapped.
2) Wrap each side of the leather lacing tightly around the metal ring with remaining ends meeting at the bottom of the ring. Tie the ends in a knot.
3) Take the artificial sinew and knot the end at the top of the ring near the loop. Move 1 inch along the loop and wrap the sinew loosely once over the ring from the front to backcrossing over to create a loop. Continue this wrap until you get back to the top of the ring.
4) For each round to follow, wrap the sinew around the middle of the stitch from the previous round.
5) On the fourth round, string one of the beads on your sinew to represent the spider on the web.
6) Continue looping the sinew. End at the bottom of the hole. Be sure to leave the center open. Knot the sinew, pulling it tight. Cut the remainder of the sinew.
7) String the remaining crow beads on the loose ends of the leather lacing and knot the bottom.
Decorate your dreamcatcher:
Add your own personal touch to your dreamcatcher by incorporating your own color swatches and combinations using the vast array of products we provide. You can even add Feathers (T-Flats Plumage – Turkey Body Plumage – Natural Hackles )
Find everything you need to create your personal dreamcatcher at WanderingBull.com!
-
Czech Glass Crow Beads
$9.95 – $109.95 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Imitation Sinew
$7.05 – $22.95 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page -
Deerskin Lace – 5 feet x 1/4 inch
$4.00 Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Follow Along with Chris as he shows you how to make your own Dreamcatcher!