Navajo Dream Catcher
- In other words, a dream catcher would trap the bad dreams that blew freely in the night air and keep them from entering the mind of those it protected. History of the Dreamcatcher In her writings, Densmore dispels a common misunderstanding of the Ojibwe dream catcher by indicating that its purpose was to ensnare harmful influences in its web, thereby keeping them from reaching the dreams.
- NAVAJO DREAM CATCHER Rainbow Design, Native American Beaded Dreamcather, Chakra Feather Wall Hanging, Turquoise, Brown and Black Feathers. From shop AmazonCrystals. 5 out of 5 stars. (3,806) 3,806 reviews. $29.88 FREE shipping. Only 2 available and it's in 19 people's carts.
This beautiful dream catcher is made for us by Navajo artist Mae Stone. This dreamcatcher comes with a certificate of authenticity as well as a dream catcher legend card. The four leather dangles that adorn the dreamcatcher have feathers held in place by beautiful glass beads. Each dream catcher may vary slightly in feather type and bead decoration.
Dream Catchers |
| 1. Start with a 2 - 6 ft. length of fresh Red Willow (Red Osier Dogwood), or soaked Grapevine (dried grapevine is available in the craft department of many stores) Carefully bend the vine around to form a circle with a 3 - 8 in. diameter. You decide on the diameter, but traditionally dreamcatchers are no wider than adult's hand. 2. If you are using thin Red Willow or grapevines, twist the piece you are bending, around the circle you have made to strengthen the hoop. |
| 3. Use 4-16 ft. of strong but thin string (the length is determined by the diameter of the hoop). Knot a loop in one end from which you will hang your dream catcher when it is done. 4. Tie the hanging loop around the top of your dream catcher (or at the weakest point of your hoop). |
| 5. The dream catcher repeats the same stitch from start to finish. To start, hold the string and place it loosely over the top of the hoop. Move the string around to the back of the hoop (forming a hole) and pull the string back through the hole you just made. |
| 6. Pull each stitch taught but not too tight or it will warp the hoop of the dream catcher and it will not lie flat when it is done. |
| 7. Continue the same stitch for the first round around the hoop of the dream catcher. Space the stitches evenly, about 1 1/2 to 2 in. apart (making 7 to 13 stitches around the hoop). 8. The last stitch of the first round should be placed about a half inch away from the the hanging loop. |
| STITCH FOR THE SECOND ROUND: 9. On the second and subsequent stitching rounds, place the string around the center of each stitch from the previous round (rather than around the hoop). 10. As you pull each stitch tight, the string from the previous round should bend towards the center of the hoop slightly, forming a diamond shape. You should see the spider web beginning to form. 11. On the third or fourth round add a bead to represent the spider in the web. Simply place the bead on your string and continue stitching as usual. |
| 12. Continue stitching towards the center of the hoop. Eventually, the stitches become so small that it is difficult to pass the string through. Make sure you leave a hole in the center of the dreamcatcher. 13. Stop stitching at the bottom of the hole in the center of the dream catcher. End by stitching twice in the same place, forming a knot, and pull tight. |
| 14. You should have 6 - 8 in. of string to tie 2 or 3 feathers which dangle from the center of the dreamcatcher. Tie on 2 or 3 feathers and knot. |
| 15. Wrap a 1 in. square of felt around the knot of string and over the base of the feathers. Tie two 4 In. pieces string around the wrapped felt. 16. Hang over sleeping place. Sweet Dreams!! |
Branches, Twigs & Roots Bibliography and Books to Buy On-Line
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Navajo Dream Catcher Earrings
| Text and Graphics © 1994 - Tara Prindle unless otherwise cited. |