I've seen dreamcatchers in movies and in stores having a decoration purpose. I decided to make my own and to find out more about its meaning.
The Dreamcatcher is a handmade object made of willow hoops on which is woven a loose net or web. It is specific to Native American cultures and it it decorated with feathers and beads which are sacred items. The dreamcatcher is like a protective charm for children and adults. Its purpose is to catch bad dreams into its net and allow good dream into ones mind while asleep.
The shape of the dreamcatcher, the circle, represents how the sun, moon and month travel each day across the sky.
Specific charm of the Ojibwe people, the dreamcather is hung above the bed, is used to protect sleeping people, especially children, from nightmares.
With this nice story behind it I think it makes a very nice present for your friends&family and it is very easy to make.
I used a wooden bracelet as the base circle, white cotton string and all sorts of ribbons and braids. I will add some feathers as soon as I will get some, but for the moment I used beads.
You can see how to make the string loops here.
Sources: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dreamcatcher
