Take a Break: Make/Be Inspired by a Dreamcatcher

 In addition to the grape vine growing everywhere at this time of year, the barn spiders are creating amazing webs in various spots on windows, doorways and even between twigs. It’s a perfect time to think about making a “dreamcatcher.”

Not familiar with a dream catcher? It is an object made in the form of a circle with a net or spider-web design inside. ...The current widespread belief is that a dream catcher literally filters dreams. It usually hangs above the bed and captures the good in a person's dreams so that it remains with the individual for the rest of his/her life. Any bad or evil in their dreams passes through the hole in the center, and does not become a part of the person...They originated in traditional Indian beliefs....Among the Chippewa, net cradle charms protected a baby by catching "everything evil, as a spider's web catches and holds everything that comes in contact with it." Evil forces included colds, illness, and bad spirits. Similar beliefs are found across North America. Dreamcatchers have been recorded to be used by the Ojibwa, Cree, Crow, Zuni, Cochiti, Laguna, and the Huichol of Mexico. They have also been portrayed in murals produced by pre-Colonial peoples of Central America. AritFACT: Dreamcatchers 

The materials are simple-a hoop of some sort, though antlers and twigs can be used, plus thread of some sort. Depending on the size of the hoop you can use thread, embroidery floss or even rope. Below are instructions to help you get started. Keep in mind that while the threading is easy, it can be difficult if

you are using a big ball. It may be smart to cut off what you need and then wrap around a piece of cardboard. As you’ll see in the video, they’ve used embroidery floss, which lays pretty flat.

Native American Technology and Art: How to make dream catchers 

Video Tutorial 

Think I want a “summer catcher” to hold all the warmth of the summer sun as we get closer to fall and the approaching winter.

Not interested in today’s activity? Check out the Take a Break Pinterest for lots of Take a Break ideas.