Make a Dreamcatcher
A dreamcatcher is a Native American item which is traditionally hung over a child’s bed as protection. Dreamcatchers allow good dreams through, while catching and stopping bad dreams. Most kids will enjoy this craft, but a DIY dreamcatcher is particularly great for kids who have trouble with nightmares. You can work through the problem together as you make the craft, and the dreamcatcher will offer them comfort after it’s hung over their bed. These paper plate dreamcatchers are far from traditional cultural objects, but they’re a lot of fun to make. Making dreamcatchers is a great activity for birthday parties, sleepovers, summer camp, or anytime! Dreamcatchers are the perfect craft for a group because they’re so simple and customizable. Each child can decorate their own dreamcatcher however they like, whether they use buttons, pom poms, sequins, or gems. The sky is the limit!
Paracord Bracelet Popsicle Stick Catapult Pop Bottle Firefly Beaded DIY Wind Chimes
Here’s what you’ll need:
This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something we may earn a small commission which helps us run this website.
Paper Plates Yarn Feathers Pony Beads
What is a dreamcatcher?
Traditional dreamcatchers are made of willow branches, with sinew (or animal tendon) woven into a web pattern in the middle. Their purpose is to protect against bad dreams. Dreamcatchers were originally made by the Ojibwe people, but in the 1960s and 1970s they were adopted by other tribes, as the Pan-Indian movement promoted unity. This helped dreamcatchers become more widely known. The way dreamcatchers work is that good dreams pass through the web and slide down the feathers to the sleeping child. Bad dreams stay caught in the web and are destroyed.
Where should I hang my dreamcatcher?
Dreamcatchers should be hung in the bedroom, especially in children’s rooms. Near cribs or by the bed’s headboard is the ideal location. You can also place dreamcatchers in or near a window. Legend has it that this offers a layer of protection from the outside world as it lets the dreamcatcher catch the light. In the morning, the light will supposedly destroy the bad dreams.
Where can I buy supplies to make a dreamcatcher?
We make these dreamcatchers with really simple items, many of which you might already have in your craft cupboard. Otherwise, the dollar store is a great place to pick up paper plates, markers, etc.
Can I make a dreamcatcher without feathers?
Yes, you can definitely make a dreamcatcher without feathers. You can cut feather shapes out of felt, fabric, or even out of paper. Another option is to replace the feathers altogether. The traditional replacement for feathers is gemstones. If you have any craft gemstones, you can tie them on or use a glue gun to attach them. You can also add pom poms, tassels, artificial flowers, or even a jewelry pendant instead.
Making paper plate dreamcatchers is so much fun, and they’re so easy to make! The decorating possibilities are endless, giving you an opportunity to use up craft supplies you already own. These DIY dreamcatchers will have you saying goodbye to bad dreams in no time!
Here’s even more summer camp craft ideas:
Paracord Bracelet
Popsicle Stick Catapult
Pop Bottle Firefly
Beaded DIY Wind Chimes Our book Low-Mess Crafts for Kids is loaded with 72 fun and simple craft ideas for kids! The projects are fun, easy and most importantly low-mess, so the clean up is simple!
Where to buy:
