Dream catchers promote good dreams, warding off nightmares.
Native American traditions state that a dream catcher hung above the door, window or bed will keep dreams safe by catching bad dreams, only allowing the good dreams to come. Although there are many different stories and traditions surrounding the purpose and mechanisms of a dream catcher, their primary purpose is always the same: to promote good dreams. All dream catchers have the same basic form, though they can differ greatly in terms of design and materials.
Materials
Dream catchers require a solid ring, thread, leather stripping and accent items for completion. Solid rings vary in size and material and can be made from wood, metal or plastic. Choose a pre-formed wooden ring or flexible twig or reed for a natural dream catcher. Leather stripping comes in different widths and lengths and is usually thin and easy to wrap around rings made from different materials. At least two feet of leather stripping is necessary, with more being better in the event of breakage. Thread materials may include leather cording, twine, fishing line, silk, cotton or thread depending on preference. Accents can include feathers, beads, bones and charms that you can weave into the webbing or hang from the bottom of the catcher. Make sure that the thickness of your thread is compatible with the size of any beads or charms you intend to use.
Methods
Wrap the leather stripping around the entire ring, then tie the thread around to hold it in place. Spiral the thread around the entire hoop with approximately two inches of thread left loose between each wrap. After wrapping entirely around the hoop, continue by spiraling the thread around the spaces left in the thread to create a spider web pattern. Pull the thread taut with each spiral to create a tight pattern. String beads and charms into the web as you go, as desired.
Accents
Although the basic dream catcher form remains the same, dream catchers can vary significantly in terms of design and accents. Attach twine or leather stripping to the bottom and sides of the dream catcher frame and then add beads, feathers, bones, shells, charms and other accents as desired. Create a natural dream catcher with bird feathers and glass beads or create a bright and colorful dream catcher with plastic pony beads and dyed or artificial feathers.
Placement
Ideal placement for a dream catcher can vary depending on personal beliefs and lore, though the most common placement is above the bed. Place a dream catcher on the wall above your pillows or hang it above a window or door. The placement of a dream catcher is important because it is designed to protect the owner from bad dreams by catching them in its web, while allowing good dreams to pass through.
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