How to Make a Simple Dreamcatcher

Ever since I was a kid, I've loved making all kinds of different crafts with origins in various tribes.

The Origins of Dreamcatchers

According to PowWows, dreamcatchers started with the Ojibwe and spread amongst other tribes through intermarriage, trade, and other means. The practice grew into widespread popularity across many tribes in the 1960s and '70s thanks to the Pan-Indian Movement.

Dreamcatchers have come to be adopted by many North American natives as a symbol of fellowship. Though originally from a small part of northeastern Canada, now you can find them almost anywhere.

How Traditional Dreamcatchers Were Made

Traditionally, dreamcatchers were made simply by parents wishing only pleasant dreams for their children. The objects incorporated were found on that day as signs or messages from the Creator—a feather or two, maybe a pine cone or seed head from some dried flowers.

A willow withe was cut and bent in a small 3- to 8-inch circle and tied with leather lace. Sinew or twisted thistle fibers were used for lacing the web. A single bead was threaded on to simulate the spider, master of the web. It was this controller or webmaster that would be in charge of catching all the bad dreams and letting the good ones filter down the feathers to be cleansed, protecting the child's need to rest peacefully.

My Experiences Making Native Crafts

I grew up making native crafts from moccasins to beaded vests, belts, and chokers.

I made my own set of bow and arrows, but they were pretty pitiful examples. I learned to make small invisible fires and catch and cook a rabbit or squirrel. I even know how to loom beads to make flat decorations or hand sew roundels.

I made my moccasins out of a deerskin my dad traded woodwork for—I thought wearing them would make me able to sneak up on rabbits easier. It worked like a charm, and my mom didn't have to provide me with summer footwear. It worked because I believed it would.

Many of these skills I still carry with me, though some may be a bit rusty. Each of these crafts, however, came with a story or legend that I read before I did my work. I mostly liked the dreamcatcher legends.

The Commercialization of Dreamcatchers

I was born in Ontario, where many Ojibwe natives reside, but grew up in Northeastern Alberta, where the Northern Cree call home. My wife is Mete of Northern Cree and French descent.

I've enjoyed making crafts from many different native cultures, but I like to keep them accurate.

Now in the last few decades, the dreamcatcher has succumbed to commercialization and is no longer the art of loving hands. Cold steel rings replace the formed, bent willow withe. Gaudy colours and shapes abound. Almost every flea market and trade show around has one stall or another selling dreamcatchers. They are not the same. They don't have the power.

Let me show you how to make a dreamcatcher that works—if you believe.

Find Personal or Found Objects to Craft Your Dreamcatcher

Typically, dreamcatchers are made with personal pieces or collected objects. This process invokes power and makes the connection between the dreamcatcher and the owner than much more complete. I've found crow feathers and long, wispy heron feathers and made a dreamcatcher just from those findings.

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How to Make Your Own Dreamcatcher

This project should take roughly an hour to complete. Here's what you'll need to get started.

Materials

• Willow withe
• Black pony bead or charm
• Leather lace (to wrap the circle and make feather dangles)
• Flat waxed thread or simulated sinew
• Feathers (turkey, gull, or pheasant feathers are all good options)
• Blue pony beads for the feathers
• A short length of yellow yarn
• 2 small squares of red felt

Instructions

1. Cut a willow branch or withe—long and straight but thin enough to bend into a circle or teardrop shape. Bind the ends and let dry for a few days to become less flexible. It is easier to make the web with a rigid form.
2. You can start stringing the web or start lacing the leather around the outer ring. I have done it either way with no difference in the final product. Space the lacing so the willow bark shows through.
3. Start stringing the web with the outer ring. Tie on with a clove hitch. Lay the string across the hoop about 1 1/2 to 2 inches away. Bring the string behind and through the loop you've made and continue on around the outer ring. Depending on the size, either 7 or 11 points of contact are made in the first cycle. Your last contact should be about 1/2 an inch from the first.
4. Continue on with the next cycle using the center of the webs made on the first round as your contact points. Adding a bit of tension will make that diamond shape. Be careful not to pull too tight, as it will warp the willow circle. Continue around for a two or three more cycles.
5. When you get partway around the third or fourth cycle, string on your spider bead or charm. If your finished dreamcatcher was a clock face, the spider would be sitting around 7 or 8 o'clock.
6. Finish the last cycle after the spider bead, but remember to leave a hole in the center of the web. Tie off the string and add a dab of glue or nail polish to seal the knot.
7. Next comes the addition of feathers. The traditional way to prepare feathers was to add a small loop of lacing doubled over the end of the quill to form a loop. The base of the feather had a few down fluffs added, and a small 1 inch square of red felt was wrapped around the quill to hide all the quill and lacing ends. Two wraps of yellow yarn held the felt in place. This is suitable for a large feather. For a smaller feather—like a pheasant or grouse feather—I would use the waxed thread and string a pony bead on as the tie loop and wrap the quill ends with red and yellow yarn.
8. I like blue or turquoise beads on my feather ties. I string the feather on the leather lace, loop the ends over the hoop, and pull the ends back to the front of the hoop, one on each side. Slide two or three pony beads on the ends of the lace to hold it in position. This is a friction fit, so match the size of the beads with the lace. If you have to, use a bit of glue. But I use friction fit beads, because you can change the feathers easily (they tend to fade and age after a while and could stand to be replaced).

Tip: When using multi-stranded thread like the simulated sinew, waxed thread or even dental floss, tie a knot in the leading end so your thread doesn't split and cause you grief.

Step-by-Step Photos

Cut willow withes or straight thin branches.

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Tips for Adding Your Personal Touch

Now that you've seen the traditional—or my take, at least—on the simple dreamcatcher, let's personalize it. I mentioned earlier that it was typically made with found items, so look around and see what you have.

• If your craft basket has no leather lacing, but you have ribbon, use that.
• If you are on a walk in the park and find a crow feather or pigeon feather, use those.
• I made one dreamcatcher with a jack pine branch with a pair of pine cones still attached. I had to steam the branch to bend it in a circle, as it is stiffer than willow, but it worked.
• I tried once to use little crystal seed beads at each joint of the web, and I think it turned out lovely—like a spider web covered with dew.
• Instead of feathers, try fringe or lace ribbons.
• Sometimes I leave the branch long, sticking out from the loop, and put a feathered bird to perch on it.
• Use silver charms that match your personality or intent and use them for the spider bead.
• In the middle of the web, instead of a hole, sew a photo of something special in the center.
• Try wrapping birch bark around the loop. Use only the outer bark that peels off easily, and don't cut too deep or you will kill the birch tree. You should be able to find bark that is freely peeling from a live tree for this. If you must cut the bark off, find a dead standing tree or one that has fallen. The bark is so tough; it is there long after the tree inside has rotted. There is no need to kill a tree for its bark.

More Information on Dreamcatchers

• History and Tradition of the Dream Catcher

Your Comments Are Appreciated and An Integral Part of This Lens

Shermie Mills from US on August 10, 2014:

Thanks for sharing this. Love this lens. :) Great reference.

Northerntrials (author) on June 08, 2014:

@Ibidii: Sorry to hear about those chickens. It would be a nice way to remember them.

Northerntrials (author) on June 08, 2014:

@ZenandChic: Now you can try again. I'd love to see a picture of them.

Northerntrials (author) on June 08, 2014:

@AnonymousC831: Thanks.

Northerntrials (author) on June 08, 2014:

@Lionrhod: Awesome. Send me a picture of your creations.

Ibidii on June 07, 2014:

This is awesome! Thank you for the detailed information and instructions. I have wanted to make some of these dream catchers forever! My hens were attacked, and died. I saved some of their feathers. Now I know what to do with them. I have direct ancestors from Ontario. Awesome lens! :-)

Patricia on June 07, 2014:

Glad I found this. I love dream catchers and made one years ago but I forgot how to make one.

AnonymousC831 from Kentucky on April 23, 2014:

Great lens, I love windcatchers,

Lionrhod from Orlando, FL on March 17, 2014:

Beautiful. I've always wanted to make one. Thank you!

Renaissance Woman from Colorado on February 22, 2014:

I love the two handmade dream catchers in my home. Appreciated learning how to make my own here. This is a craft I would very much enjoy.

Northerntrials (author) on October 01, 2013:

@SavioC: I agree. Sometimes hand made is the best. I do like the original idea behind the dream catchers more than the commercial look of the modern ones.

SavioC on September 30, 2013:

I was reading about Dream Catchers some time back & I understand they were made (in the old times) as a medium of filtering Dreams (only letting the good dreams & holding the bad ones in the web). I guess the commercialization must have ruined this concept. Glad you put this out. Thanks .

Northerntrials (author) on September 16, 2013:

@shabi9764: I'd love to hear about the results. Good luck. They are awesome.

shabi9764 on September 16, 2013:

thanks for your advices! I'll do it for sure!

Northerntrials (author) on July 29, 2013:

@hovirag: Simple crafts with a history. Everything handmade with a history makes the object that much more connected to the person. Even more if you pass it on.

hovirag on July 29, 2013:

I really want to go and learn from the Native Americans - one summer we had a Hungarian girl visiting form Canada in our summer shamanic camp and she told us a lot of stories - what she experienced over there!

Making my own mocasin and dreamcatcher with real feathers would be an added bonus:)

Northerntrials (author) on July 27, 2013:

@anonymous: Thanks Stay tuned in a week's time for updates.

anonymous on July 27, 2013:

great page.

anonymous on July 27, 2013:

great page.

Wilson Lisa from Hong Kong on July 27, 2013:

Useful lens. Love it.

Northerntrials (author) on July 26, 2013:

@anonymous: I believe the power within only comes with those hand made. The power comes from the bond shared between the maker and the receiver. Thanks for your lovely comment.

anonymous on July 25, 2013:

I love your lens. And I like how you provide the attributed rather than pointing to ready made ones. This is inspiration from the top level. Thank you very much for sharing and showing us how it is done. Namaste.

Northerntrials (author) on July 23, 2013:

@PriscillaPWood LM: Thanks for visiting. I appreciate it.

PriscillaPWood LM on July 23, 2013:

beautiful lense! love these. :)

lewisgirl on July 22, 2013:

I love dreamcatchers. Nice lens!

Tom Christen from Switzerland/Ecuador on July 22, 2013:

Thank you very much for this lens! Great idea.

Northerntrials (author) on July 21, 2013:

@maryseena: Yes. We'll see how the kids do when we go camping in a few weeks. I have all the supplies and a surprise for them....

maryseena on July 21, 2013:

An ideal holiday project! Children would love to make their own dream catchers and adults too.

Northerntrials (author) on July 19, 2013:

@crstnblue: Awesome. I am glad I could do that......

Northerntrials (author) on July 19, 2013:

@anonymous: nice to see you here... thanks for visiting

crstnblue on July 19, 2013:

Very nice lens! Made me recall some wonderful childhood moments! : )

anonymous on July 19, 2013:

Its nice to see this

Northerntrials (author) on July 18, 2013:

@ArtbyMAR: Do try... stay tuned I'll add more pictures as I can

Northerntrials (author) on July 18, 2013:

@shellys-space: Thanks.... and thank you for visiting

Northerntrials (author) on July 18, 2013:

@HughSmulders LM: You bet.. those are the ones I keep

ArtbyMAR on July 18, 2013:

What a great tutorial. My daughter is obsessed with dreamcatchers--will have to try making our own.

Shelly Sellers from Midwest U.S.A. on July 18, 2013:

You have made a great tutorial for making dream catchers!

HughSmulders LM on July 18, 2013:

I guess that it is a perfect gift! Hand-made presents re always more personal.

anonymous on July 18, 2013:

nice

Northerntrials (author) on July 17, 2013:

@anonymous: Truly? Trey...

Northerntrials (author) on July 17, 2013:

@GregoryMoore: Thanks so much .

anonymous on July 17, 2013:

omgz awesome!!

Gregory Moore from Louisville, KY on July 17, 2013:

Both of my children have dream catchers. I love the idea of making them. Well done.

Northerntrials (author) on July 17, 2013:

@LynetteBell: I hope so too. All of them.

Northerntrials (author) on July 17, 2013:

@Scarlettohairy: Thanks. I hope so.

LynetteBell from Christchurch, New Zealand on July 16, 2013:

I bet the girls will have a wonderful time!

Peggy Hazelwood from Desert Southwest, U.S.A. on July 16, 2013:

What a fun craft to do with kids. Bet they'll love it!

Northerntrials (author) on July 16, 2013:

@ldnznmx: Thanks for visiting and commenting.

ldnznmx on July 15, 2013:

Really very inspiring lens. I'll also try to make it on my free time. Reading this lens is very interesting..

Northerntrials (author) on July 15, 2013:

@Rosanna Grace: Thanks.stay tuned.

Northerntrials (author) on July 15, 2013:

@rebecca-mathews1: Thanks... I appreciate it.

Northerntrials (author) on July 15, 2013:

@Torrs13: Stay tuned... I`ll be doing the photo series with the girls the first August weekend.... so stay tuned.

Rosanna Grace on July 15, 2013:

I've wanted to make one of these for some time. Thanks for the inspiration and the instructions too. I'll check back later for those photos! :)

rebecca-mathews1 on July 15, 2013:

this is a good lens. love learning to make new things. great job

Torrs13 on July 15, 2013:

I've always wanted to learn how to make my own dreamcatcher... I think they look really cool. Thanks for sharing!

Northerntrials (author) on July 15, 2013:

@Rosetta Slone: I'll get on it....

Northerntrials (author) on July 15, 2013:

@CrazyHomemaker: I think it makes them more interesting if you know a bit about them..

Northerntrials (author) on July 15, 2013:

@EpicEra: handmade or gifts bought or received?

Rosetta Slone from Under a coconut tree on July 14, 2013:

When my son was born, a good friend made him a dreamcatcher which has hung ever since in his bedroom. It's such a sweet tradition and I didn't realise I could make my own so easily. Can't wait to see more step by step photos.

CrazyHomemaker on July 14, 2013:

very nice lens. I've never known anything about dreamcatchers. I always thought they were commercial items because they are sold in gift stores. Thanks for sharing.

EpicEra on July 14, 2013:

We've always got a dream catcher or two floating about :)

Northerntrials (author) on July 14, 2013:

@Lady Lorelei: So true. Making one yourself means so much more than buying one for a gift.

Northerntrials (author) on July 14, 2013:

@Gayle Dowell: Thanks. I have made so many myself and the only one I have myself is the first one I made. It seems so small and crude now by what I do now... still..

Gayle Dowell from Kansas on July 14, 2013:

My Osage grandmother made me one of these years ago. It is a very special piece in my home. Great lens!

Lorelei Cohen from Canada on July 14, 2013:

I have always loved the thought behind dream catchers. I think they are a great gift to be given to those who you care about.