Dreamcatcher or dream netting tool was first created by the Ojibwe by weaving a net made from the outside or circle of willow trees. This circle means the journey of giizis (the spirit of the great moon), between the sun and the sky. Which means, if at night there is a hole in the middle of the bawedjige, which means you will have a sweet dream. However, if the light of the sun in the morning is blocked by Bawedjigewin's nets, then a nightmare will occur.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Gathering Materials to Make a Dreamcatcher
Step 1. Gather materials for your dreamcatcher
Read carefully what will be explained below.
Step 2. Choose the material used for the dreamcatcher circle
The circle on the dreamcatcher serves as a framework or as the basis for shaping your dreamcatcher. Usually the diameter of the circle is the same as the diameter of an adult wrist. These hoops are usually made of dried willow, you can get them at craft stores. You can also use some olive branches or other plants with strong, curved branches.
- Purchase the 2 meter section of the willow tree that will be used to wrap the circle. You can also collect the fresh willow parts, and store them until the willow dries.
- A circle of wood or metal can also be used. Choose the material that has a diameter of 7.5 cm and 20.5 cm.
Step 3. Purchase soft leather for tying the rope
Tie a string to wrap around or wrap around the hoop. Choose deerskin or other leather. It doesn't have to be as wide as a shoelace, and the length should be eight times longer than the diameter of the loop you're going to make. You can also use regular twine or string to wrap around the hoop. (border thread is highly recommended for wrapping around the hoop).
Step 4. Select the yarn type
The strong, thin thread is excellent for winding and netting your dreamcatcher hoops.
- The thread used for dreamcatchers is generally white. But you can choose other colors for your dreamcatcher.
- The length of the thread should be ten times longer than the length of your dreamcatcher hoop. You'll need to wrap the yarn around the hoop for the first layer on your dreamcatcher hoop.
Step 5. Modify the dreamcatcher
In ancient times, dreamcatchers were just plain shaped without knick-knacks. But in the current era, many are modifying dreamcatchers with various kinds of knick-knacks.
- The hanging feather is a symbol of the air, which means that we cannot live without it. If the hanging feather rotates, it shows that the dream has gone through the process. The feathers that are commonly used are feathers from owls which have the meaning of wisdom. There are also those who use feathers from an eagle which means courage. But for now the feathers of endangered birds should not be used anymore, because these birds are already threatened with extinction. Instead, you can use artificial fur to replace it.
- Gemstones or gemstone-shaped beads can be used to represent the four directions, namely: north, south, east and west. These beads are attached when wrapped around your dreamcatcher.
- Choose the color of the gemstone that reflects your personality.
Part 2 of 4: Creating Circle Sections
Step 1. Shape your circle
Soak the willow in a bowl of warm water, and soak for half an hour until it is pliable and bendable. Shape the willow tree into a circle and wrap the thread to make the circle strong. With the technique of attaching a tie to make it easier for you to wrap around the circle. Then dry the circle.
- Press the circle in the center of the thick book to make sure your circle is dry.
- If you are using a metal or wooden hoop, follow the next steps.
Step 2. Wrap the circle
Apply glue to the soft end of the skin, then press firmly. Use one hand when you apply the glue. And use the other hand to wrap the circle until all the circles are wrapped.
- Each circle on the soft skin should be tightly wrapped.
- The last loop should be tied at the beginning of the leather strap. Take the soft leather end and tie it under the two loops.
Step 3. Create a hanging circle
Take the excess leather strap and tie it so that the ends of the straps come out of the folds.
Part 3 of 4: Weaving a Net
Step 1. Weave the first row
Start by tying one end of the rope hanging in a knot at the bottom of the loop. Tie in a clockwise direction. Stretch the thread a few inches down the circle. Put the thread in the stretch. Continue this way until the thread reaches the beginning of the thread in the loop.
- If your circle is 7.6 cm in diameter, make 8 loops in your circle.
- The uppermost thread must be loosened.
Step 2. Continue weaving the circle
Hold the ends of the thread and weave under the loop between opposite points on the loop. Create a snag by using yarn to create loops over loose yarn. After making the first snag, make another snag in the thread between the second and third knots. Continue weaving the yarn in this manner until you have created a snag in the yarn at each knot.
- Each snag must be exactly at the midpoint of the thread between the knots.
- As you weave, pull the thread slowly.
- After making the first row of snags, continue to weave the yarn between the new internodes you've created and make a snag in each of the middle sections. The circle you are weaving will get smaller and smaller.
- You can also add trinkets to your dreamcatcher while weaving.
Part 4 of 4: Final Steps
Step 1. Fasten the net
If you have woven the web into a small loop in the middle, tie the end of the thread over where you will make your final snag. Make a double knot and pull it tight.
Step 2. Add feathers
If you want to add feathers for decoration, tie a new thread at the end of the feather's base. Follow the tip of the feather to the center of the top dreamcatcher. Use double covers to make sure everything is tightly bound. Let the yarn dangle at both ends.
- You can add trinkets to the dangling yarn.
- You can wrap the ends of the feathers in soft leather if you want to hide the thread ties. Apply glue to the tip of the soft skin up to the hair shaft and let it dry. Wrap the hair shaft, then trim the soft skin by smearing with glue.
Step 3. Save the dreamcatcher
Place the dreamcatcher near your bedroom window that hits the sun in the morning. All bad thoughts must be removed. You have to think good things all the time.
Tips
- Add more feathers and trinkets to make your mind happier.
- Be sure to store and care for your dreamcatcher with care.
- For adults, dreamcatchers should be made with strong fibers to reflect adult dreams.
- Dreamcatchers made for children should be made with soft fibers.
- Add small bells to the net for good luck.
- At dawn, feel the magic of the rising sun, like a ray of light caught and shimmering in the morning dew on a net.
- Use yarn in other colors to add uniqueness to your dreamcatcher.
- Dreamcatchers can also be performed in teardrop form, as is customary in Canada and the Northeastern United States.
