Dream Wedding Catchers: Diy Guide To Making Yours

Wedding dream catchers can be a beautiful addition to your special day, adding a romantic and bohemian touch to your decor. Making your own dream catchers can be a fun and creative project, allowing you to personalise them to match your wedding style. Here's a step-by-step guide to crafting your own wedding dream catchers:

Start by selecting a metal or wooden hoop, which will serve as the base for your dream catcher. Wrap the hoop with suede lace or ribbon, ensuring a snug fit. You can also use embroidery hoops for a unique touch. Choose a strong and flexible cord, such as artificial sinew, hemp cord, or silk thread, to create a circular web pattern. Space the cord evenly for a whimsical and intricate design. Attach feathers, beads, gemstones, shells, or fabric strips for a personalised charm. Experiment with different patterns and colours to make your dream catcher unique. Secure all the elements with hot glue for durability. Finally, trim any excess string for a neat finish, and hang your dream catcher using a sturdy hook.

Making wedding dream catchers can be a fun DIY project, allowing you to add a personal touch to your wedding decor. You can customise the dream catchers to match your wedding colours or theme, creating a romantic and whimsical atmosphere for your special day.

Choosing the base: metal or wooden hoop

When making a dream catcher, the first step is to choose the base, which can be a metal or wooden hoop. Both options have their advantages and can be used to create a sturdy and attractive dream catcher. Here are some factors to consider when choosing between a metal or wooden hoop for your wedding dream catcher:

Metal Hoops:

• Metal hoops are readily available in craft stores and come in various sizes, making them a convenient choice for dream catchers.
• They offer a sleek and modern aesthetic, complementing contemporary wedding themes.
• Metal hoops are durable and sturdy, ensuring they can withstand the weight of decorative elements without warping.
• The smooth surface of metal hoops allows for easy wrapping with suede lace or ribbon, creating a secure foundation for your dream catcher.

Wooden Hoops:

• Wooden hoops provide a natural and rustic look, ideal for bohemian-themed or outdoor weddings.
• They are lightweight, making them a good option for hanging dream catchers without causing strain.
• Wooden hoops can be found in different tones and grains, adding a unique touch to your dream catcher design.
• Embroidery hoops, a type of wooden hoop, are a popular choice for dream catchers as they offer a unique aesthetic and are easy to work with.

When choosing between metal and wooden hoops for your wedding dream catcher, consider the overall theme and style of your wedding, as well as the specific decorations you plan to use. Both options provide a strong base, so you can select the one that best suits your creative vision and desired look.

Wrapping the hoop with suede lace or ribbon

Prepare the Hoop and Suede Lace:

Start by selecting a metal or wooden hoop in your desired size. For beginners, a hoop ranging from 5 to 8 inches (13 to 20 cm) is ideal. Cut a piece of suede lace that is approximately 18 times the diameter of the hoop. The width of the lace should be similar to that of a shoelace, around 0.5 inches (1.27 cm). If you prefer, you can also use a ribbon instead of suede lace.

Secure the Starting Point:

Place a line of glue along the top of the hoop, approximately 0.5 inches (1.3 cm) long. Press the end of the suede lace against the glued section and start wrapping it tightly around the hoop. Ensure there are no gaps between the pieces of lace. Secure the lace with a small binder clip where you applied the glue and let it dry for about 5 minutes.

Wrap the Hoop Tightly:

Continue wrapping the suede lace tightly around the entire hoop, making sure there are no gaps. As you wrap, apply thin lines of glue at least four evenly spaced spots on the hoop to keep the lace in place. Use small binder clips to hold the lace where the glue is applied. Each loop of lace should touch but not overlap the previous one.

Finish Wrapping and Secure the Ending:

As you near the starting point, apply a final line of glue next to the first loop. Finish wrapping the lace and secure it with a small binder clip at the glued spot. Allow the glue to dry for 15 to 20 minutes. Once dry, remove the binder clips and trim any excess lace or ribbon for a neat finish.

This step-by-step process will ensure that your dream catcher has a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing base. Now you're ready to move on to the next steps of creating your dream catcher, such as weaving the web and adding decorations.

Weaving the web: creating a circular pattern

To create a circular pattern for your wedding dream catcher, start by selecting a metal or wooden hoop. The size of the hoop will determine the size of your dream catcher, so choose accordingly. Once you have your hoop, you'll need to wrap it with suede lace or ribbon to create a sturdy base. Cut a length of lace or ribbon that is approximately 18 times the diameter of your hoop, and wrap it tightly around the hoop, securing it with glue as you go. This will ensure that your dream catcher has a neat and sturdy foundation.

Now it's time to start weaving the web. Cut a piece of strong and flexible string that is about 10 times the diameter of your hoop. You can use artificial sinew, hemp cord, waxed nylon string, or silk thread for this. Tie a secure double or triple knot at the top of the hoop to anchor your string.

Working in a clockwise direction, stretch the string across the hoop to a spot about 2 inches (5 cm) away. Loop the string around the hoop and then back over itself to create a hitch. Pull the string tight and continue this process, moving around the hoop clockwise and creating loops at regular intervals. As you work, make sure that the loops are evenly spaced to create a balanced and aesthetically pleasing design.

Once you have looped the string all the way around the hoop, start the second layer by looping the string through the centre of the first layer's loops. Continue this process, always looping through the centre of the previous layer, until you have a small circle in the middle of your dream catcher. Secure the web with a final knot and trim off any excess string.

Your circular web is now complete, and you can move on to decorating your dream catcher with beads, feathers, and other embellishments.

Adding decorations: feathers, beads, fabric

Adding decorations to your dream catcher is a fun and creative process that lets you infuse your unique style and personality into your masterpiece. Here are some detailed instructions on how to incorporate feathers, beads, and fabric into your wedding dream catcher:

Feathers

Feathers add a whimsical and airy feel to your dream catcher. When selecting feathers, consider choosing feathers of different sizes and textures to create a dynamic and varied look. You can find feathers at your local craft store, such as duck, goose, or peacock feathers. Opt for feathers that complement your wedding colour palette or go with classic white feathers for a elegant touch.

To attach the feathers, group four to five feathers together and secure them with a small binder clip. Then, tie a knot with a string around the tops of the feathers to create a secure hold. Finally, attach the other end of the string to the bottom of the dream catcher with another knot. You can also add beads to the strings before attaching them to the feathers for extra embellishment.

Beads

Beads bring a burst of colour and texture to your dream catcher. When choosing beads, consider using a mix of sizes, colours, and materials such as gemstone or crystal beads. You can either slide the beads directly onto the string of the web or add them to hanging strips of fabric or suede lace for a dreamy effect. If adding beads to the web, place them on the string before looping and hitching it to the next string. You can create a pattern by placing a bead on every loop or spacing them out randomly for a more whimsical look.

Fabric

Fabric strips can be used to create a soft and romantic feel to your dream catcher. Choose fabrics in colours or patterns that complement your wedding theme. Cut the fabric into strips and fold them in half to create a loop. Place the loop under the bottom rim of the dream catcher and then thread the ends of the fabric through the loop and pull tight to secure it in place. You can also add beads to the fabric strips by tying a small knot underneath each bead to hold it in place. Experiment with different fabrics, such as silk, lace, or chiffon, to create a unique and textured look.

Remember, when adding decorations to your dream catcher, the key is to be creative and have fun. Mix and match different feathers, beads, and fabrics to make your dream catcher truly one-of-a-kind. Don't be afraid to experiment and add personal touches that reflect your style and the theme of your wedding.

Securing attachments: using hot glue or strong adhesive

When creating your dream catcher, securing attachments is a crucial step to ensure the durability of your masterpiece. Using hot glue or a strong adhesive, you can firmly affix feathers, beads, and other decorative elements onto the hoop. Here are some detailed instructions to guide you through this process:

Start by gathering the necessary materials, including hot glue or a strong adhesive, feathers, beads, and any other decorations you wish to use. You can easily find hot glue at craft stores or online. If you prefer a strong adhesive, look for one that is specifically designed for use with the materials you have chosen.

Before you begin, make sure your work area is protected. Hot glue can be messy, so consider covering your work surface with newspaper or a craft mat. This will make cleanup easier and protect your work area from any accidental glue drips.

Now, it's time to start securing your attachments. If you're using hot glue, make sure your glue gun is loaded and plugged in. Apply a small amount of hot glue to the base of the feather or bead. You only need a little dab to create a strong bond. If you're using a strong adhesive, follow the instructions on the package for proper application.

Carefully affix the feather or bead to the dream catcher hoop, holding it in place for a few seconds to ensure a strong bond. Repeat this process for each decoration, working your way around the hoop. If you're using feathers, you can also apply a small amount of hot glue or adhesive to the quill and secure it by wrapping string around it.

As you work, be mindful of the placement of your decorations. Space them evenly for a balanced and aesthetically pleasing design. You can create patterns or clusters to add visual interest to your dream catcher. Experiment with different arrangements to find what speaks to you.

Once you have attached all your feathers, beads, and other decorations, it's essential to double-check each attachment. Gently tug on each item to ensure it is securely in place. Reinforce any loose connections by adding a bit more hot glue or adhesive and holding it in place until it dries.

Remember to avoid using weak adhesives, as they may cause your decorations to fall off over time. Opt for a strong, reliable adhesive or hot glue to ensure the longevity of your dream catcher.

By following these steps and taking your time, you will create a dream catcher that is not only beautiful but also durable. Enjoy the process of bringing your unique creation to life!

Frequently asked questions