Dreamcatcher Weddings: Crafting Your Own Magical Web

Wedding dreamcatchers are a beautiful and unique addition to any wedding décor. With their intricate designs and symbolic meaning, dreamcatchers can add a whimsical and personal touch to your special day. Native American cultures, particularly the Ojibwe people, have a rich history associated with dreamcatchers, believing that they protect sleepers from bad dreams. The web-like pattern within the dreamcatcher is thought to trap negative dreams, while allowing positive dreams to pass through.

When it comes to making your own wedding dreamcatchers, the process is quite straightforward and offers plenty of room for creativity. You can choose from a variety of materials, such as metal or wooden hoops, suede lace, embroidery floss, feathers, beads, and more. The design and decoration of your dreamcatchers can be tailored to match your wedding theme, incorporating specific colours or meaningful symbols.

Dreamcatchers can be used in various ways at weddings, from backdrop installations for the head table to charming favours for guests. They can also be crafted in different sizes, from small keychains to large wall hangings, making them versatile decorations.

Making dreamcatchers is a fun and rewarding project, allowing you to explore your creativity while learning about the cultural significance of these beautiful crafts. So, if you're looking for a unique DIY project for your wedding, consider creating your own dreamcatchers to add a touch of magic and tradition to your big day.

Choosing the hoop

If you're feeling creative, you can opt for an embroidery hoop instead of a traditional metal hoop to give your dream catcher a unique look. Just make sure that the hoop is sturdy enough to support the weight of the materials you'll be using.

Once you've selected your hoop, it's time to wrap it with suede lace or ribbon. This adds a decorative touch and provides a sturdy base for the rest of the dream catcher. Choose a leather or buckskin suede lace, or a ribbon that complements the overall design. The length of the lace should be approximately 18 times the diameter of the hoop, and its width should be similar to that of a shoelace (around 0.5 inches).

When wrapping the hoop, start by securing the end of the lace with a small amount of glue to prevent slipping. Then, wrap the lace tightly and evenly around the hoop, making sure there are no gaps between the pieces of lace. Continue wrapping until the entire hoop is covered, and secure the end with another small amount of glue. You can also use small binder clips to hold the lace in place while the glue dries.

After the glue has dried, cut off any excess lace or ribbon to create a neat finish. Now you're ready to move on to the next step of creating your dream catcher!

Wrapping the base

Selecting the Right Materials

Choose a metal or wooden hoop as the base for your dream catcher. The size of the hoop will depend on your desired dimensions. Along with the hoop, you'll need suede lace or ribbon to wrap around it. The length of the lace should be approximately 18 times the diameter of the hoop, and its width should be similar to that of a shoelace. If you prefer a different aesthetic, consider using an embroidery hoop instead of a traditional metal one.

Preparing the Hoop for Wrapping

Place a line of glue along the top of the hoop and secure the end of the suede lace or ribbon against it. Begin wrapping the lace tightly around the hoop, ensuring there are no gaps or spaces between the pieces of lace. Use small binder clips to hold the lace in place as you work, and add more glue at regular intervals to keep the lace in place. Continue wrapping until the entire hoop is covered, with both tails of the lace pointing up.

Tying a Secure Knot

Once you've finished wrapping the hoop, tie a tight knot at the base of the tails, right at the top of the hoop. Then, tie another knot at the ends of the tails. This second knot will be used to hang your dream catcher. You can also use a string or sturdy suede lace to create a hanging loop.

Adding Embellishments

Now, it's time to add some decorative elements. Tie one end of your embroidery floss or string around the knot at the top of the dream catcher. Bring the floss or string around the inside of the hoop, over the top, and back through the loop you just created. Continue this motion around the hoop, keeping some slack in the floss or string. Repeat this process, but this time, wrap the floss or string around the middle of the previous loop. Keep wrapping and pulling tighter with each pass. You can add gemstones or other beads at any point during this process.

Finalizing the Wrap

Once you're happy with the number of wraps and embellishments, pull the end of the floss or string to tighten the web and tie a secure knot. If your dream catcher features feathers, thread the floss or string through the loops at their tops. You can also tie the feathers securely if they don't have loops. Add as many beads as you like to each string.

Tips for a Successful Wrap

• Use hot glue to secure the end of the suede lace or ribbon before wrapping to prevent slipping.
• Wrap the lace or ribbon tightly and evenly around the hoop for a neat finish.
• If using regular ribbon, tie a double or triple knot at the starting point instead of using glue.
• Let the glue dry completely before removing the binder clips and trimming any excess lace or ribbon.
• Embrace the unique personality of your dream catcher; it may not turn out exactly as you expected, and that's okay!

Weaving the web

Selecting the Right Materials

Choose a strong and flexible string for the web. Artificial sinew, hemp cord, waxed nylon string, or silk thread are all great options. Cut the string to a length that is ten times the diameter of your hoop. While traditional dreamcatchers use natural-coloured string, feel free to choose a colour that resonates with you.

Preparing the Hoop

Before you begin weaving, wrap your chosen string or embroidery floss around the hoop. This adds colour and provides a better grip for your webbing material. Secure the end with a knot or a small amount of glue. Leave a tail of about 6 inches at the top of the hoop. Continue wrapping tightly and closely, ensuring no metal is visible. Tie a tight knot at the base of the tails and another knot at the ends, which will be used for hanging.

Starting from the top of the hoop, tie your webbing material to create a loop and pull the string through to form a knot. Work your way around the hoop, maintaining even spacing between the strings. You can add beads to your web for a decorative touch. Continue this process, moving towards the centre of the hoop. As you weave, the circle in the middle will get smaller. Keep weaving until only a small circle remains in the middle.

Finalising the Web

Once you've created a small circle in the middle, tie a knot to secure the web. Cut off any excess string, leaving enough to tie another knot. Slide a bead onto the end of the string and tie another knot to keep the bead in place. Snip off any remaining string above the final knot.

Adding Decorative Elements

Cut lengths of your webbing material or use ribbons for hanging decorations. Tie feathers at the ends and string beads as desired. You can also thread beads onto strips of fabric or suede lace and attach them to the bottom of the dreamcatcher. These hanging elements are believed to help slide good dreams down to the sleeper.

Adding decorations

• Slide beads onto the string before you loop and hitch it to the next string. You can either space them out randomly or create a pattern by placing a bead on every other string.
• Hang strips of fabric by cutting different colours or patterns of fabric into strips and folding them in half to create a loop. Place the loop under the bottom rim of the dreamcatcher and thread the ends of the fabric through the loop, pulling tightly to secure it.
• Thread beads onto the fabric strips. Position the bead where you want it on the string, then tie a small knot underneath to hold it in place.
• Group four to five feathers together and use a small binder clip to hold them together. Then, tie and knot a string around the tops of the feathers to secure them. Finally, tie and knot the string along the bottom of the dreamcatcher.
• You can also thread various beads onto strings before attaching them to the dreamcatcher.
• Feathers add a whimsical and airy feel to your creation, while beads bring a burst of colour and texture.
• Experiment with different feather sizes and colours to find the perfect combination.
• Secure everything with hot glue for durability.

Final touches

Now that you've woven your dreamcatcher, it's time to add the finishing touches! Here are some ideas to perfect your creation:

• Inspect your work – Check your dreamcatcher for any loose ends or unsecured decorations. Make sure everything is securely attached before you hang it up.
• Add a hanging loop – Create a loop of string at the top of your dreamcatcher for easy hanging. This will ensure your dreamcatcher is securely hung and won't fall.
• Add feathers and beads – Cut lengths of string or ribbon and attach feathers at the ends. String beads as desired. In traditional dreamcatchers, these hanging elements are believed to help slide good dreams down to the sleeper.
• Incorporate personal touches – Make your dreamcatcher unique by adding personal touches. You can attach small photographs, embroider or paint meaningful quotes, or incorporate elements from nature such as shells or stones.
• Mind the environment – Consider using natural or recycled materials for an eco-friendly touch. This could include using natural feathers, beads made from natural materials, or recycled string or yarn.
• Add a protective coating – If you plan to hang your dreamcatcher outdoors, consider spraying it with a clear protective coating. This will help protect it from the elements and ensure it lasts longer.
• Experiment with colours and patterns – Don't be afraid to play with different colours and patterns. You can use colourful yarn or string, or add colourful beads and feathers. Experimenting with different colours and patterns will make your dreamcatcher unique and reflect your personal style.

Frequently asked questions