*The following is a sponsored post. Received products to share honest opinion.*
I made my first dream catcher when I was in grade school during art class. My art teacher had us wrap twine around a metal hoop. From there we could create any design in the middle. If I remember correctly, I chose a star. Because it seemed like the easiest shape to make out of twine. Honestly, it wasn’t so my friend did it for me. #shameless
We hung feathers from the bottom and other crafts to make it our own. I took it home and proudly hung it above my bed. I knew I wouldn’t have anymore nightmares if my dream catcher was there to filter out the scary ones.
A Bit of History
While researching the history of dream catchers I found out that a dream catcher must be shaken before sunrise to get rid of the bad dreams. I never did that with the dream catcher I created. I am sure my childhood nightmares are stored away in my basement of my parents’ house.
The best place for a dream catcher is above the bed or where sunlight is present. The belief behind this is that the sunlight destroys the bad dreams. Since my childhood bedroom had plenty of light, maybe my nightmares aren’t stored away in my parents’ house.
Dream catchers are not just cute decoration. History traces itself back to the Ojibwe tribe. The symbolism behind the feather and beads? I read that the good dreams will travel down to the beads and feathers to calm the sleeping person. After reading more about dream catchers, I have a better appreciation for the Native American tribes who kept their tradition alive through these beautiful pieces.
This is my favorite bit of history: The connection of the thread to the hoop is symbolic to spider legs. Native Americans believed that a spider was a protector of the tribe. In fact, they believed in a mystical Spider Woman who protected the tribe. When the tribe grew, she could not protect everyone so she created the dream catcher. Because of this, mothers would make dream catchers to protect their children. Are you crying? Because I am.
Does this make you want to get a dream catcher for your kids?
Catching up with Friends and Dreams
A few weeks ago my friend from nursing school messaged me on Instagram and asked me if I would like dream catchers for my daughters’ rooms. Immediately, I said yes! Knowing how much I relied on my dream catcher as a little girl, it’s my hope that Isla and Ellie would see their dream catchers as a symbol of positive energy. Also, it’s my hope that the dream catchers will absorb all the attitude and sass. Here’s hoping, right?
Becky personalized each of their dream catchers to the color of their rooms, including an accent color, with their names in the middle. Her Etsy shop, BeaCapesDesign, is full of handmade knitted fashion accessories like hats, headbands, and scarves. Recently, she’s expanding to wood work! I feel so honored to be given these gifts!
Knowing how much work it was to make a dream catcher of my own, I appreciated how much effort and time it takes to make something so special. From the gift bag to the personalized note and the incredible art she made, you can tell how much passion and patience she put into this.
I decided to put each of their dream catchers on the wall opposite of their window in their bedroom. (So when the sun rises it will zap out all the bad energy and be ready for the next night.)
These would be perfect gifts for expecting parents and those who just welcomed a new member to their family. It’s the perfect touch of boho chic to add to any nursery or room! Check out her shop here to see all of her wonderfully knitted designs as well!
Thank you again, Becky!
