The Wakan Circle

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The following instructions are using materials you can purchase. With all it's best if you can use the beauty that Mother Earth provides us first, but the Wonder of a Dreamcatcher is one that should be shared in as many forms as possible. This is just a basic how~to and is followed by ideas for using it as a craft with young ones. By sharing the legend and the beauty of it, it keeps alive whats meant to be so forever...

~ How to make a Dreamcatcher ~

The following are basic across the board instructions for making one. Now based on your tradition, materials available, likes and dislikes, yours will vary. When you're making the Dreamcatcher charge it with the energy needed to keep at bay all of the bad dreams for the one for whom you're making it.

1 5 inch hoop (natural wood or metal)

4 yds Suede (string/lacing) 1/8 inch

3 yds Sinew (or string)

1 Concho

12 Feathers

Pony Beads (approx. 18, 12 of one color, 6 of a different one)

Scissors

Glue (white)

Clothespin

Begin by cutting an 8 ft length of suede. Holding your hoop glue one end of it to the hoop. Use the clothes pin to hold it in place. Next begin wrapping the hoop with the suede. (Be sure to not overlap or twist it). When you get back to the beginning glue that end to the first and again secure it with the clothes pin. (Allow this to dry completely). To make the "web" tie one end of the sinew to the hoop and begin to make 9 half-hitch knots around the hoop. Keep the sinew (string) pulled tight as you do this and make them evenly spaced. When you get back to the beginning you'll tighten the space of the 9th one (this prevents a huge gap from happening). Continue on with this same process until you created a web with a small opening in the middle. When you get to the last knot, tie a double knot in the sinew (string), put a dab of glue on it (to keep it from unraveling) and cut off the excess.

Next create a "loop" to hang your dreamcatcher with. Cut a 12 inch piece of the suede and loop it at the top of your dreamcatcher and tie it securely. Again you can place a dab of glue here to prevent it coming undone. Next you attach your feathers and beads. Take the remaining suede and cut it into 3 8 inch strands. Tie one on each side about a 3rd of the way up. Onto these thread the beads. Alternating colors. Secure the beads on by tying a knot at the end. Finally take the remaining piece thread it thru the conch and secure the conch to the middle of the web (up towards the top). To both sides of the hanging suede again place beads. Alternating colors and tie a knot to secure them. Take a slide up inside the beads 2 feathers on each of the side ones. (again you can place a dab of glue on the ends before doing so) and then 2 on each side of the conch.

When you've finished and allowed it all to dry make sure nothing is loose (especially if it's going to be Anywhere near a little one) remember they put Everything in thier mouths...lol

(Note: Most of the supplies for this can be purchased at either a craft store or one like Wal-mart)

Variations To Making Dreamcatchers

Babys ~ For this you can use yarn instead of suede. Either the color that fits (room color or sex appropriate). You can also substitute colored string, "soft" feathers and baby type beads. Again (Always) make sure if it's going to be in Anyway around a little one that there is Nothing loose. Little ones love to put things in their mouths. So make sure all is secure and that it's not placed where the little one can get to it. Also when giving as a gift enclose the legend of the Dreamcatcher. It's something that as they grow can be shared between themselves and their parent(s).This is also very helpful with little ones that have bad dreams or fear monsters in the nite or the boogey man. It helps to calm their fears and gives them a feeling of safety.

Natural ~ Instead of a store bought hoop use wood. Many types are flexible enough to bend, but not break. Shape them into either a circle or a teardrop and secure them with suede ties. Also with this type include "gifts" of nature. Stones/Crystals can be added to the "web". To do that simply tie them into the web (use a dab of glue here again to add a little security). Use feathers that you've found. We're giving the gift of them for a reason.

Class Projects ~ Instead of buying a hoop use something like an Ice Cream lid. Cut out the center of it. Also use yarn instead of suede. That comes in a quantity thats cost effective for a school and/or group project. Items like the feathers and beads do also. For this type you can eliminate the conch and substitute a feather in the middle. (its also apart of the legend and many Nations use a feather instead). Again be sure to supply a copy of the legend of Dreamcatchers.

I've used all 3 of the above types. The baby one is perfect as a newborn gift. It's something that they'll have for many years to come. The class project type I've used in many grade levels, and with various types of materials. It's something that is fun for them to do, but at the same time teaches skills, and passes on the Beauty of the legend.

I was told by an elder that we should alway make our dreamcatcher at night because if they were made during the day it would catch our daydreams.

Important Announcement The MSN Groups service will close in February 2009. You can move your group to Multiply, MSN’s partner for online groups. Learn More
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