Introduction
I am delighted to finally share this post with you! Our art camp in July was a blast, and one of the highlights was making these beautiful dream catchers. The kids were fully engaged in every step of the process, from taping and wrapping to sewing, beading, painting, and even pom-pom making. I was amazed at their creativity and independence. In fact, I shared a photo on Instagram that day, and it became the most popular photo of the entire summer. So, without further ado, let me guide you through our dream catcher adventure!
The Story of Dream Catchers
Before we dive into the details, let’s explore the intriguing history of dream catchers. Did you know that they originated in Native American culture? According to Native American beliefs, the night air is filled with both good and bad dreams. The dream catcher, when hung over or near your bed, catches the dreams as they pass by. The good dreams effortlessly slide through the outer holes and feathers or pom-poms, gently descending upon the sleeper without them even realizing they are dreaming. On the other hand, bad dreams, unaware of the way, become entangled in the dream catcher and vanish with the first light of the new day.
Supplies Needed
To create your own dream catcher, gather the following supplies:
- Wooden embroidery hoop
- Washi tape
- Yarn
- Felt (small piece)
- Polyester batting (a small amount)
- Needle and thread
- Beads (pony beads and wooden beads)
- Pom-pom maker (optional)
- Paper pinwheels made from sulphite paper
- Watercolors
- Wire for hanging (silver or colored)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s proceed with the step-by-step process of making your dream catcher:
- Begin by covering the embroidery hoop with little pieces of washi tape. Encourage the kids to tear the tape or use small scissors for added creativity.
- Select two colored yarns and tightly wrap them around the hoop. Ensure that the yarn is secure by avoiding loose wrapping. If necessary, gently pull the yarn or use a dot of hot glue gun to hold it in place.
- Now, it’s time for sewing. Let the kids choose two colors of felt and create heart shapes using a paper template measuring approximately 3.5″ wide.
- Double the thread when threading the needle and tie a knot at the end to prevent it from slipping out. Teach the kids the whip stitch technique, ensuring the two sides of the heart stay aligned. You may monitor their progress to maintain stability but let them do the sewing themselves. The sense of accomplishment will make them feel incredibly proud.
- Leave a small opening in the heart and stuff it with polyester batting. Close the opening by stitching it up securely.
- Set up a station with pre-made paper pinwheels and watercolors. Let the kids unleash their creativity by painting the pinwheels. Once dry, punch a hole at the top of each pinwheel.
- Encourage the girls to make two pom-poms each using pom-pom makers or any other suitable method.
- Finally, the most exciting part arrives – assembling all the elements! Cut four pieces of string, one for each pom-pom, pinwheel, and heart. Use a larger needle to thread the yarn through the top of the felt heart. The kids can also string beads on some of the strings, and you can even introduce old buttons for added charm. Tie the strings at varying lengths onto the hoop. To hang the dream catcher, fashion a hook using colored wire, securing it with a hot glue gun.
Your dream catcher is now ready to hang and catch those bad dreams!
Conclusion
The process of making dream catchers was an absolute delight for both the kids and me. I couldn’t resist making one for myself, and now I’m hooked on this creative endeavor. The possibilities and variations are endless, making it a truly enjoyable craft project. If you decide to make one, don’t forget to share your creation with me. I would love to see it!
xo, Bar
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