Creative DIY Dreamcatchers

Many of us are familiar with seeing these little items called Dreamcatchers. You may have seen one hanging from the rear-view mirror of someone’s car, your neighbor’s front porch, or you might even own one (or a few) of your own! Have you ever wondered the meaning behind them or where they originated?

Dreamcatchers are an original creation of Native Americans, and it is believed that they began within the Ojibwe Chippewa tribe and branched out from there through intermarriage and trade. Real, authentic dreamcatchers are made of all natural materials, with the hoop usually being a piece of bent willow branch. The hoop would also sometimes be wrapped in bent sinews or leather. The native word for dreamcatcher means “spider”, because legend says that a spiritual, maternal protector, the “Spider Woman”, created the first dreamcatcher in order to protect the tribe and especially to protect the babies and young children. The “Spider Woman” gave the first dreamcatcher to tribe members who began traveling and spreading out among the land, so that they could be protected as well even when they were far away. The dreamcatchers then became somewhat of a maternal keepsake that mothers and grandmothers would give to loved ones to keep them protected. 

But just what does a dreamcatcher protect one from? It is a talisman that protects sleeping people from bad dreams and nightmares. The open webs allow good dreams to pass through and travel down the hanging feathers to the one sleeping below, while the bad dreams are caught in the web and then burned up by the light of day. 

Today, dreamcatchers come in many different shapes, sizes, colors, and themes. Our own Crew Member, Lena, created a few stunning pieces of her own using found objects and we just love how unique and gorgeous they are! Lena has definitely inspired us with these beauties and we hope you are inspired by them, as well!

Lena wanted to create these dreamcatchers by using different materials she already had on hand. We love this vintage chic dreamcatcher that she created out of old doilies, an embroidery hoop, and some other added embellishments. Absolutely gorgeous! 

You could use Canvas Corp Burlap or Canvas Scraps, 7gypsies Lace Trimmings or Lace Packs, all kinds of Canvas Corp natural cord and 7gypsies charms. Mix and match with what you have in your stash already and create beautiful, romantic home decor.

This next dreamcatcher is a bit more colorful and fun! We love this deep purple and those colorful beads that Lena added to the inside web. A little sparkle around the hoop also adds to the glamour. This one is sure to catch some fun dreams! 

This third dreamcatcher is absolutely stunning! Lena used an old frame as the hoop, and then even added our Lion Doorknocker Architextures piece from 7Gypsies to the web. Hopefully this lion can protect the sleeper from any nightmares trying to pass through! More vintage doilies gives this dreamcatcher a shabby chic vibe along with those blue beads that are hanging from the frame. 

Our 7Gypsies Architextures are inspired by real, vintage pieces, and they are meant to look and feel like the real thing! This doorknocker might be mistaken for a real brass one if you don’t look closely! Also, don’t be afraid to visit your old jewelry box to find beads, necklaces, bracelets, brooches, or other little trinkets that you might want to repurpose into some unique home decor. A sentimental keepsake added to your project can make it a little more meaningful, and gives it a rich background and story that will be fun to share with guests! 

We are absolutely blown away with Lena’s creativity and inspiring artwork! These dreamcatchers are fabulous and the best part is that they are created with items that we probably all have in our homes already! Next time you come across an old embroidery hoop or even an empty frame, you can quickly and easily turn it into your own dreamcatcher to display in your home or over your bed! 

If you would like to see more of Lena’s work, please visit her BLOG or INSTAGRAM! 

Happy Crafting! 

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