Things You'll Need
4 popsicle sticks
Markers
White glue
Glitter
Heavy book
Yarn
Scissors
Beads with wide holes
Artificial feathers (optional)
Dreamcatchers are a Native American craft that you can make at home with a few popsicle sticks and some string. According to Native American tradition, hanging your dreamcatcher above your bed captures nightmares, ensuring you get a peaceful night sleep. Complete this craft with a child and teach her about Native American history as she practices her fine motor skills by threading the yarn. Turn this craft into a group activity for a sleepover.
Step 1
Take four popsicle sticks and color both sides of each one with markers.
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Step 2
Spread white glue over one side of each of the sticks and sprinkle glitter over the sticks. Shake the excess glitter off and let dry. Flip the sticks over and glue glitter to that side, shaking away the excess glitter after you finish. Let that side of the sticks dry.
Step 3
Arrange the four sticks in a square pattern so the ends overlap by one inch. Apply white glue between each stick where it crosses another stick. Press the sticks together and lay a heavy book over the square to ensure the sticks are set firmly together. Let the glue dry.
Step 4
Cut four pieces of yarn six inches long. Wind a piece of yarn around one of the joints of the square where the sticks cross in a figure 8 shape. Apply a dab of glue to the end of the yarn and press it against the rest of the wound yarn. Repeat this with the other three corners of the square.
Step 5
Cut a piece of yarn that is between 12 and 24 inches, depending on how full you want the web of the dream catcher. Tie one end of the yarn around one of the sides of the square and wrap the yarn around the stick on the opposite side, parallel to the starting point.
Step 6
Wind the yarn back around to one of the other sides of the square. Thread a bead with a wide hole onto the yarn and slide the bead so it sits somewhere in the middle of the web design. Wind the yarn back to one of the other sides and thread on another bead.
Step 7
Continue wrapping the yarn across the square to form a web-like pattern. Add as many beads as you desire to the yarn as you continue wrapping.
Step 8
Tie the end of the yarn in a knot around the side of the square closest to the end of the string.
Step 9
Cut an 18-inch piece of yarn. Tie the yarn to each end of one of the popsicle sticks so it forms a loop. Hang your dreamcatcher in your bedroom, preferably above your bed.
Tip
You can attach artificial feathers to the dream catcher using yarn for a more authentic appearing dream catcher.
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