How to Make a Mini Beaded Dreamcatcher

By Louise Pool
This isn't a traditional Seychelles craft, but I've given it an island touch by adding a piece of seaglass. You could make it more beachy by using shells instead of glass beads.

A traditional craft among many groups of native North Americans, dreamcatchers are hung above the head of a sleeping person to ensure a good night's sleep. The web traps bad dreams, while the hole in the centre allows good dreams to pass through.

My son used to have nightmares until I made him one of these, but since he hung up his dreamcatcher, he enjoys peaceful sleep. Don't know if it is the power of suggestion, but it definitely works. And looks nice, too...

You will need:

• bracelet memory wire (or an old bangle)
• seed beeds
• shiny embroidery thread
• needle
• nylon jewellery thread or thin fishing line
• feathers
• large beads
• charms or sea glass or shells

Step by step instructions:

1. Cut the memory wire to one round and make a loop on one end.
2. Thread seed beads loosely onto the memory wire and close with another loop.
3. Cut a long piece of embroidery thread and tie one end through the loops leaving a good bit dangling.
4. Thread the embroidery thread through the needle and make half hitch knots around the beaded ring, spacing them half an inch apart. Thread the last hitch through the loop. Keep the thread snug between the knots.
5. Begin the next row of the web in the middle of the thread that you have already woven in the first row.
6. Continue weaving in the same way for a couple of rows, then add a bead and continue as before until you have a small hole left in the centre.
7. Tie a double knot in the thread and tie a bead to the dangling piece.
8. String up three strings of varying length with beads, a feather and charms and tie to the dream catcher. (see picture of beaded dreamcatcher above)
9. Add two shorter bits in the same manner to the sides of the dreamcatcher.
10. Finally, attach some nylon or thread through the loop at the top, so you can hang your dreamcatcher.

Sleep tight, don't let the bedbugs bite.