Traditional dreamcatchers are made from willow and hung over the cradle.
They are a highly significant and sacred part of Native American culture; the web represents the protective figure of the Spider Woman who watches over children, the circle represents the circle of life, and the feathers act as a ladder for good dreams to come to the dreamer.
You can make your own basic version to catch bad dreams using a paper plate and some yarn. It's a great way to prompt conversations about Native American culture and as an activity for celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Contains affiliate links to products we own (or similar)
We really enjoyed making this craft together, especially punching the holes and threading the beads onto the wool. Not only is this dreamcatcher fun to create, but there are so many ways to develop fine motor skills through cutting, punching and threading.
Depending on the ability of your child, you can either follow the more traditional style of pattern here, or you can pass yarn randomly back and forth between the holes - both will look lovely.
To make this dreamcatcher craft you will need:
Scissors
Wool
Start by taking your paper plate and cut out the centre – the easiest way to do this is to make a hole with the point of the scissors and cut from there (a grownup will probably need to help with this).
Use your single hole punch to create 8 evenly spaced holes around the centre. For younger children it can help to draw a little pencil dot where they need to punch.
Taking your yarn, tie a large knot in one end and begin passing through the holes in a clockwise direction. You will need to bring the yarn from the back and pass it through the hole to the front each time.
Continue working in a clockwise direction, and every time you come across a gap in the existing threaded wool pass the wool in your hand through this from front to back.
Keep going in a clockwise direction, passing the thread through the triangle-shaped holes until you get to the centre, then secure the wool with a knot.
Use your hole punch to make a hole at the top and three evenly spaced holes at the bottom - these are to hang your dreamcatcher and to add the decorative beads and feathers.
Cut three lengths of yarn, thread a bead (or two) onto them and then tie on a feather. Pass the opposite end through each of the three holes and knot to secure.
Double up a piece of yarn, tie it in a knot and pass it through the top hole. When you've finished, hang it on a bedroom wall to keep all those nightmares at bay!
This is one of those crafts where your child can really unleash their creativity! How about adding beads to the centre whilst threading, or tie on some ribbon? If you want to add a bit of colour, try painting the plate – just leave it to dry before punching your holes.
Have you made one of your own? I'd love to see a picture!
