Q&A for How to Make a Dreamcatcher

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  • Question
    How do you make a bigger dream catcher?
    Nicole Bolin
    Crafts & DIY Specialist
    Nicole Bolin is a Crafting Specialist and the CEO of Stencil, a DIY Craft Studio in Phoenix, Arizona. Nicole specializes in interior design and various craft and DIY projects. Nicole holds a Certificate in Interior Design from the New York Institute of Art and Design. She opened Stencil in 2017 to teach others to create DIY projects that fit their home and lifestyle.
    Crafts & DIY Specialist
    Expert Answer
    You can simply follow the same steps using a bigger hoop, like an embroidery hoop.
  • Question
    If I put a peacock feather in a dream catcher, is that good or bad?
    Community Answer
    The placement of a peacock feather is not a bad thing because if it is of the earth and it is special to you. An odd superstition surrounds the peacock feather due to its looking like an eye (the evil eye), a superstition that arose in earlier times without any basis and of no relevance to dreamcatchers. Moreover, the dreamcatcher is a personal thing to you and what you choose to add to it reflects your meaning, not a bunch of superstitions created by others.
  • Question
    What other feathers can I add besides the owl feather?
    Community Answer
    You can add different types of feathers from craft store, such as duck, goose, or peacock.
  • Question
    I was wondering if using sea shells would be alright making a dream catcher?
    Community Answer
    Sea shells are fine to use, as long as you have made sure there are no little animals living inside them. You can drill a small hole in the spot you want in the shell and thread it through with the string you used to make the dream catcher. You can use them instead of feathers.
  • Question
    Can I use natural feathers, like the feathers that I find in my backyard?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can. It brings the same effect of chi air and also catches bad dreams and thoughts.
  • Question
    Where is the best place to hang it up?
    Community Answer
    The best places to hang it up are above your bed (to catch the bad dreams straight from your mind) and on a window.
  • Question
    Do I have to put beads on?
    Community Answer
    No, you can decorate your dreamcatcher with whatever you like!
  • Question
    Can I use any color of beads, and if not, what are the best colors to use?
    Community Answer
    You can use any color of beads that you want. The best colors to use are earth tones, including different shades of brown, orange, and dark yellow.
  • Question
    How does a dream catcher catch a bad dream when it is just hanging there?
    Community Answer
    Bad dreams would be caught in the web. As the first rays of the morning light hit the dream catcher, the bad dreams would disappear. Children sleeping under a dream catcher would thus be protected from nightmares.
  • Question
    What type of bad dreams does the dreamcatcher catch?
    Community Answer
    If you believe that a dreamcatcher protects you from bad dreams, then one from the Ojibwa tribe is most suited to you. It should catch any and all bad dreams that you may have.
  • Question
    Can I use other materials instead of a feather?
    Community Answer
    Yes! You can use other materials such as string with attached beads, ribbons, or thin strips of fabric.
  • Question
    Are Blue Jay feathers bad?
    Community Answer
    Blue Jay feathers aren't necessarily 'bad,' but they are legal to the USA. They are native to North America/Canada area, so they are okay to use on your dreamcatcher.
  • Question
    Can the dream catcher catch good dreams as well?
    Community Answer
    Not if there is a hole in the middle of your dream catcher.
  • Question
    If I find an owl or eagle feather on the ground, can I use it?
    Community Answer
    Yes, you can incorporate it into your dreamcatcher.
  • Question
    Do I have to use leather lacing?
    Community Answer
    No, you do not. You could simply use string and wind it tightly around the hoop. Just make sure you have enough.
  • Question
    If I want to make a huge dream catcher, like the size of a full bedroom window, what kind of base circle should I use?
    Community Answer
    I think you should use grapevines because they are really long so you can make a big hoop.
  • Question
    Who invented the dreamcatcher?
    Jessie Chen
    Community Answer
    Dreamcatchers originated with the Ojibwe people and were gradually adopted by some neighboring nations through intermarriage and trade.
  • Question
    Does the dream catcher have to be a circle?
    Community Answer
    Yes, is has to be infinite! Circles never end.
  • Question
    If I string a bead into the circle in the middle, will it still work?
    Community Answer
    No. The good dreams have to go through the hole and slide down the feathers, and the bad dreams stay in the web until the sun shines on them and destroys them.
  • Question
    What's the purpose of a dreamcatcher?
    Grazy girl
    Community Answer
    It catches the bad dreams in the web and lets the good dreams go through the hole in the middle.
  • Question
    Should the beads and feathers be part of the same color scheme?
    Community Answer
    It's up to you.
  • Question
    It seems like using a good size blunted needle would help you thread the string around the loop and in between the string. Right?
    Community Answer
    Yes, a blunt needle can make it easier to thread the string. Either way works fine.
  • Question
    Could I make it without a hoop of any sort?
    Community Answer
    I have made a few with sticks in a triangle, I'm not sure if it affects any of the superstitions, but I think it looks nice. Another hoop you could use are embroidery hoops, or I've used metal bracelets before.
  • Question
    Can I use a turkey feather in place of duck or goose feathers?
    Community Answer
    Sure. Legally, it is OK because turkeys are game birds.
  • Question
    Why do I have to use a metal hoop?
    Community Answer
    It doesn't have to be a metal hoop; it can be wood, vines etc.
  • Question
    Which thread did you use for the web?
    Community Answer
    Use thin knitting thread.
  • Question
    So the entire circles are made with only one long strip of thread?
    Community Answer
    Yes, but if you run out, you can always add more. Just tie the leftover to the new piece.
  • Question
    Can I use bottle charms instead of feathers?
    Community Answer
    Yes. You can use anything you want. Bottle charms would be a great idea.
  • Question
    Can you use something other than suede lace? Like just fabric or something?
    Community Answer
    Yes, I am using yarn, and you can also use ribbon and lace and anything else that works.
  • Question
    Do the feathers have to be long?
    Community Answer
    No, they don't. Your feathers can be whatever length you prefer for your dreamcatcher.
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