How-Tuesday: Doily Dream Catcher

When browsing flea markets or thrift stores, it’s the lovely little doilies that always call my name. I want to rescue these beauties — probably made with love by somebody’s grandma — but I tend to battle my textile-hoarding instinct, unsure of what that doily’s life would look like with me. Jill, a.k.a. ILoveLune, has dreamed up a How-Tuesday project to transform these second-hand findings into a modern dream catcher for the vintage heart.

Hey everyone! I’m Jill. I own and operate a vintage fashion shop (and mobile trailer shop) in Winnipeg, Canada and run Lune Vintage, a website dedicated to vintage fashion and DIY thrift style. I’ve always been very inspired by the native crafts of indigenous cultures. I also find satisfaction in creating something with my own hands, using natural and re-purposed materials. In this spirit, I fashioned this project using a vintage doily and traditional macrame techniques. It’s fun, simple, inexpensive and easy to customize. I hope you enjoy it. Come visit me at Lune Vintage to find more tutorials and tips for your vintage home and wardrobe.

Supplies you’ll need:

  • Large metal loop (wire macrame hoop)
  • Lace doily — Find them at a thrift store, flea market, or on Etsy. (Thinner fibers like doilies made of mercerized cotton work the best.)
  • Small ball of inexpensive, lightweight yarn (Use a cotton/poly blend for less fray.)
  • Clothespins or clips
  • Decorations (feathers, shells, stones, gems, trinkets, jewelry pieces)

Directions:

1. Tie a lark’s head knot and begin to macrame your metal loop. Cover the entire frame with the knots. I created this video to illustrate the best way to do this. Alternately, you could simply tightly wrap the hoop with the yarn.

2. Knot a piece of yarn into a loop at the top of your dream catcher. This is what you will eventually use to hang it.

Lay your doily in the center of the hoop to decide which way is up. Notice how small the circumference of the doily appears in relation to the hoop?

3. Tie a piece of yarn to opposite ends of the doily. Using clothespins to help you find the center, tie each side securely, stretching as tight as possible. This is the really fun part — but if you allow the web to go slack, you’ll be disappointed with the final result. Work across from each side in quadrants. Think north, south, east, west, and divide evenly until there are no sagging areas. If you find halfway through that your initial tie-offs are a bit slack, cut them and re-tie.

4. Leave tied-off ends loose and do not trim. Keep your web as tight as you can, like the skin of a drum. I also left all ties with two loose ends dangling. These ties are what secures the adornments you will add in the final stage of the project. Remember to keep that web taut!

Tips on creating a seamless look:

  • Use yarn with mixed fibers of a similar tone to make it easier to match that of your thrifted doily
  • Consider dyeing your doily to match the yarn, or immerse the finished product in a dye bath before adding embellishments. If doing this, be sure that you are using natural fibers of similar content. Synthetics require special acid dyes and heat methods, so stick to natural cold water baths if possible.
  • Scout doilies which are lacy, unstarched, and on the thin side. Thicker, stiff doilies will not give you the stretched effect, as they won’t expand or contort into a natural web-like shape.

5. Finally, once all loose areas have been pulled and tied tightly, your web will be tight and ready to decorate. Using a lace crocheted doily like this one provided me with an instantly intricate design that would have been beyond my capabilities. Using similar fibers and colors, the doily blends almost seamlessly into the project.

6. Adorn your piece with tassels, feathers, stones, gems, trinkets, shells, fabric, and any special object that gives you a feeling of peace. Hang and enjoy!

If you make your own doily dream catcher, share a photo with us in the Etsy Labs Flickr group.

More Things to Make | Supplies on Etsy

  • RareDesign
  • valeriephoto

    valeriephoto says:

    This is great! Very thorough how-to instructions. I would add that I also battle the hoarding mentality, but love doilies. I've started putting them under plants or anything else that might rough up a wooden surface.

    244 days ago

  • BanglewoodSupplies

    BanglewoodSupplies says:

    These are so beautiful and creative. Thanks for the instructions! I need to try and make one.

    244 days ago

  • norajane

    norajane says:

    this is awesome!

    244 days ago

  • PetiteRobeNoire

    PetiteRobeNoire says:

    OH MY GOD, I love LOVE this!

    244 days ago

  • psucaspurr

    psucaspurr says:

    i remember taking embroidery hoops and making them with the kids at day camp... yarrrrn

    244 days ago

  • oldsckool

    oldsckool says:

    Love doilies. Cute ones.

    244 days ago

  • KettleConfections

    KettleConfections says:

    These are beautiful! They reminds me of the lace embroideries my mother used to make to use as mats for flower vases.

    244 days ago

  • aymujer

    aymujer says:

    This is awesome! I wonder how a cut paper dreamcatcher would be? Great inspiration!

    244 days ago

  • ikabags

    ikabags says:

    Traditional doilies awesome as always !

    244 days ago

  • lostboysandlovers

    lostboysandlovers says:

    jill, you are so amazing!

    244 days ago

  • adoreneko

    adoreneko says:

    Your instructions and tips are so easy to follow. The only difficulty is searching for the perfect doily!

    244 days ago

  • ItchinStitchin

    ItchinStitchin says:

    This is a really unique way to display doilies - which I ♥

    244 days ago

  • MegansMenagerie

    MegansMenagerie says:

    How neat! I'm going to attempt to make one of these! Sounds fun =)

    244 days ago

  • myvintagecrush

    myvintagecrush says:

    Never thought of a lace dream catcher, amazing!

    244 days ago

  • designlab443

    designlab443 says:

    very pretty, thank you for sharing!

    244 days ago

  • ILoveLune

    ILoveLune says:

    Ahhh! Thank you for letting me share this with your readers Julie and the Etsy blog! How cool to see my project here! The cool thing about this is that every one looks different, so I hope a lot of unique ones are spawned from this little tutorial! Jill

    244 days ago

  • hypericumfragile

    hypericumfragile says:

    Great items! Thank you!

    244 days ago

  • Ayca

    Ayca says:

    So fun! I love doilies as well :)

    244 days ago

  • PearlShellJewelry

    PearlShellJewelry says:

    Great ideas and beautiful doilies :-)

    244 days ago

  • PthaloAzul

    PthaloAzul says:

    I really like it with the lace cut doily--lovely!

    244 days ago

  • jammerjewelry

    jammerjewelry says:

    Loved the article

    244 days ago

  • shannondzikas

    shannondzikas says:

    These are a great way to showcase the delicate tedious crochet techniques grandmas everywhere somehow used for gorgeous utilitarian doilies.

    244 days ago

  • LittleWrenPottery

    LittleWrenPottery says:

    Amazing tutorial! I love the look of this it's so striking particularly against a dark background you can see all the detail!

    244 days ago

  • blueroompottery

    blueroompottery says:

    Oh, what Fun!! I wouldn't think to do this on my own, although I crochet a lot, I'll give it a try. It would make such a lovely gift!! Thanks for the inspiration! :>)

    244 days ago

  • myAvonlea

    myAvonlea says:

    Love Love Love this. I have recently fallen in Love with doilies. What a fantastic idea <3 Thank you for sharing.

    244 days ago

  • ThePeachTree

    ThePeachTree says:

    Brilliant and so calming!

    244 days ago

  • Tidepools

    Tidepools says:

    I am a doily hoarder and this is a brilliant idea!

    244 days ago

  • Earleyimages

    Earleyimages says:

    Beautiful creations

    244 days ago

  • RhettDidntGiveADamn

    RhettDidntGiveADamn says:

    Kind of like this - http://www.etsy.com/listing/79022273/dreamcatcher-antique-needlework-white :P

    244 days ago

  • MonMonBoBon

    MonMonBoBon says:

    LOVE IT!

    244 days ago

  • johnyrocks

    johnyrocks says:

    This looks very fun thinks for sharing!!!

    244 days ago

  • nanasknotsntwirls

    nanasknotsntwirls says:

    I have so many doilies from grandma - thought of framing them, but not in this way - very creative - beautiful. Love your idea.

    244 days ago

  • nanasknotsntwirls

    nanasknotsntwirls says:

    I have doilies from grandma - thought of framing them but not this way- beautiful, very creative. Love it.

    244 days ago

  • econica

    econica says:

    what a brilliant tutorial! can't wait to try this one with my kids!

    244 days ago

  • bhangtiez

    bhangtiez says:

    Great idea! Thanks for sharing!

    244 days ago

  • paramountvintage

    paramountvintage says:

    amazing!!!

    244 days ago

  • AuthenticAVictoria
  • tiltomorrow

    tiltomorrow says:

    The Doily Dream Catchers are lovely. So much creativity goes into making these beautiful doilies. I cherished my doilies and hold them close to my heart. When I pick-up these soft vintage doilies I run my fingers across the lace and wonder, who made these intricate doilies? These textiles were made with love and I believe you should not alter their appearance by cutting them up. Doilies tell a story from the creation to the final product and given as a special gift. They should be cherished…

    244 days ago

  • ShoeClipsOnly

    ShoeClipsOnly says:

    How beautiful they are! Reminds me of when I used to sit and watch me grandmother crochet beautiful doileys...

    244 days ago

  • flowerystone

    flowerystone says:

    creative arts,I love this.

    244 days ago

  • SweetiePieCollars

    SweetiePieCollars says:

    This is beautiful! A refreshing alternative to traditional dreamcatchers!

    244 days ago

  • DUSKtillDAWNvintage

    DUSKtillDAWNvintage says:

    Love this idea, any ideas for vintage handkerchiefs?

    244 days ago

  • Officeboy01

    Officeboy01 says:

    Interesting and neat way to display the works of art. I remember my grandmother creating doileys to sell at the church fund raisers. Nice memories.

    244 days ago

  • Officeboy01

    Officeboy01 says:

    Interesting blogs to read tonight. The Halloween blog has some scary, but fun food ideas

    244 days ago

  • DreamOfPhilanthropy

    DreamOfPhilanthropy says:

    It's so exciting to see my shop featured under the "related items" section! I wish I would have had all my new designs listed by today. :-) Great blog!

    244 days ago

  • SweetandDandyVintage

    SweetandDandyVintage says:

    What a beautiful idea! Funny timing... I just listed a line of folk inspired, upcycled vintage clothing using vintage/antique crochet and needlepoint pieces. This gives me yet another idea for repurposing my doilies...LOVE it!

    244 days ago

  • ACupOfSparkle

    ACupOfSparkle says:

    Fun project! Thanks for sharing.

    244 days ago

  • AgelessThings

    AgelessThings says:

    Great! Thank you!

    244 days ago

  • BellaAmore0486

    BellaAmore0486 says:

    check out my shop! now accepting paypal!!

    244 days ago

  • katrinaalana

    katrinaalana says:

    Great project! I always found dream catchers so interesting.

    244 days ago

  • theblackfeather

    theblackfeather says:

    Absolutely beautiful!!!

    244 days ago

  • kerriannshop

    kerriannshop says:

    Neat idea!

    244 days ago

  • gilstrapdesigns

    gilstrapdesigns says:

    great article and I just looked at your blog and website I will be coming back to visit.

    244 days ago

  • eastmeetswest

    eastmeetswest says:

    This is fantastic! Thanks!

    244 days ago

  • Jungle

    Jungle says:

    I've been creating dreamcatchers for years - but never like this I've got a collection of lace from my grandmother, but not being the "dainty" type, it's just sitting in a drawer somewhere. Thanks for the inspiration to use my heirlooms in a style that suits me :)

    244 days ago

  • PeanutAndButtons

    PeanutAndButtons says:

    I recently bought some doilies to use in my children's art pieces... it was fun to see them used in such a unique way!

    244 days ago

  • kmcknight1

    kmcknight1 says:

    This is adorable! Great decoration and great vibe for a room. Nice!

    244 days ago

  • Iammie

    Iammie says:

    So cute!

    244 days ago

  • squibbles76

    squibbles76 says:

    I love this! I will have to try it!

    244 days ago

  • sandboxcastle

    sandboxcastle says:

    I love this idea! It is a very pretty update to the classic dream catcher :3

    244 days ago

  • SlopingBarnVintage

    SlopingBarnVintage says:

    I absolutely love these! So so pretty!

    244 days ago

  • loovee

    loovee says:

    l love this,l am going to try it soon, Thanks

    244 days ago

  • justthegoods

    justthegoods says:

    Hi everyone =-) I appreciate crafts of all varieties and - after a great deal of thought - felt it was important to share this article as something to reflect on =-) Thank you for the opportunity to share this. http://www.mediaindigena.com/sarah-hunt/issues-and-politics/an-open-letter-to-my-local-hipsters

    244 days ago

  • CuteLittleOwl

    CuteLittleOwl says:

    Wonderful idea!

    244 days ago

  • paperandglue

    paperandglue says:

    While this craft is visually appealing, I'm uncomfortable with taking sacred objects from oppressed cultures because they look pretty.

    244 days ago

  • Insulted

    Insulted says:

    Why not Sell Hunky Bill Perogie Makers converted to dreamcatchers, what the He|| is the matter with you people !

    244 days ago

  • dreamversion

    dreamversion says:

    Totally amazing, LOVE it!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

    244 days ago

  • destroymodernart

    destroymodernart says:

    I used to make dreamcatchers. I'm not even a litttle bit Native American and after a while I began to feel really really bad about what was basically stealing their culture to make money from, when so many Native peoples have only the arts and crafts movement as a form of employment. I flatly refuse to make them now- I will not exploit people who have been exploited so much already. Try researching the anti-Tar sands campaigns, the cancer and pollution. Is looking fashionable more important?

    244 days ago

  • Charlieandthefox

    Charlieandthefox says:

    Love it! Definitely want to try making this!

    244 days ago

  • ChayaGallery

    ChayaGallery says:

    This is gorgeous - more difficult than it first looks I think but the result is wonderful !!

    244 days ago

  • filofashion

    filofashion says:

    Amazing ! Congrats :)

    244 days ago

  • TheBerryPress

    TheBerryPress says:

    Great idea. My sister loves making doilies, I'm sending her this idea. Good way to display the art she takes so much time making.

    243 days ago

  • TheBlackOnion

    TheBlackOnion says:

    Must try!

    243 days ago

  • Evajune

    Evajune says:

    So pretty. Dream Catchers are so much fun to make. That how I got started in my craft.

    243 days ago

  • PipingHotPapers

    PipingHotPapers says:

    Very interesting!!

    243 days ago

  • danielfranklin

    danielfranklin says:

    Victorian meets Native American- very pretty

    243 days ago

  • MissHildebrandt

    MissHildebrandt says:

    What darling ideas for modern dream catchers! I'm taking notes...

    243 days ago

  • YarnUiPhoneApp

    YarnUiPhoneApp says:

    Ii think I dig the doily dream catcher without the feathers, which I see as a distraction of sorts. But it's brilliant way to display handiwork...even doillies you might knit or crochet yourself.

    243 days ago

  • ColorMeFabricbyNikki

    ColorMeFabricbyNikki says:

    i cannot WAIT to make one of these!

    243 days ago

  • TheIDconnection

    TheIDconnection says:

    These are beautiful! You are very talented :)

    243 days ago

  • AlphieBug

    AlphieBug says:

    Very inspiring!! Thank You for sharing!! :0)

    243 days ago

  • uncorked

    uncorked says:

    me likes- very clever!

    243 days ago

  • SugarPoppyDesigns

    SugarPoppyDesigns says:

    This is such a cool idea & kid friendly too! Thanks for sharing it :-)

    243 days ago

  • BADKITTYKNITS

    BADKITTYKNITS says:

    love love love it!!!

    243 days ago

  • MotuProprio

    MotuProprio says:

    I can't wait to try to make one by myself. Thank you for sharing!!

    243 days ago

  • collectiblesatoz

    collectiblesatoz says:

    Wonderful idea. I will make vintage Dream Catchers using vintage antique doilies. For lots of vintage please visit us.

    243 days ago

  • ThePhotoImpression

    ThePhotoImpression says:

    Am looking forward to trying this. Awesome idea!

    243 days ago

  • ILoveLune

    ILoveLune says:

    Hi everyone - I'm aware of cultural misappropriation and knew that this would be some peoples opinion in regards to this craft tutorial. In the past two years I've worked in a cultural center with grade 1-8 kids. We do so many cultural crafts together, and am definitely inspired by them. I made this tutorial to inspire people to see beauty in an item that is usually passed by at the thrift store, but originally to so much time and care to create. It's about making something beautiful to enjoy for yourself or gift to a friend. Being aware of this, at a street fair I did this summer, I didn't sell these dreamers because we live in a city with a very strong Native community, and there were several booth selling traditional dreamcatchers (so beautiful). The livelyhood of these traditional artists should be respected - it's all common sense.

    243 days ago

  • porcupineboutique

    porcupineboutique says:

    these are beautiful and very inspirational!

    243 days ago

  • expressyourself

    expressyourself says:

    great work!

    243 days ago

  • TheScarfTree

    TheScarfTree says:

    So pretty and so creative! Lovely! Thank you for sharing! Wishing you all the best!

    243 days ago

  • accentonvintage

    accentonvintage says:

    Beautiful project!

    243 days ago

  • Lindylulu

    Lindylulu says:

    Love doilies! + Love dream catcher! = Super Great Project!!!!! Thanks for sharing your talents.

    243 days ago

  • uglyyellow

    uglyyellow says:

    Oh wow!!! I think I feel a craft party coming on. Thanks Julie. ♥

    243 days ago

  • OnlyOriginalsByAJ

    OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:

    What a fun idea! I love it :-)

    243 days ago

  • ChellyLove

    ChellyLove says:

    The best use for a doily I have ever seen! Absolutely love! Im off to the thrift store right now :}

    243 days ago

  • VidaDoce

    VidaDoce says:

    Prettyyyyyyy :) I absolutely love it!

    243 days ago

  • rosi3

    rosi3 says:

    Make me a dress!

    243 days ago

  • VintageLinensNmore

    VintageLinensNmore says:

    Great idea! Have had a lot of traffic from people looking at my doilies after reading this article.

    243 days ago

  • HoppittyAngora

    HoppittyAngora says:

    This Dream catcher is very pretty. Well if any one is interested in seeing my yarns up close and is in the area of Greenwich, NY. I will be a vendor at the Southern Adirondack Sheep and Wool Festival this weekend in Building #26 Please come to see my newly handspun and handpainted 100%, 75%, & 50% angora yarns, at my booth "angoraonline" see you there. M.C.

    243 days ago

  • misskatc

    misskatc says:

    Really beautiful! Thanks!

    243 days ago

  • darlingdot

    darlingdot says:

    While I appreciate the decision on the part of the blog writer to not try to compete with aboriginal craftspeople at a street fair, I do not think that this makes up for the fact that calling this project a dream catcher is a mockery of my peoples' beliefs and traditions. Dream catchers are made with sacred materials with the specific intention to catch bad dreams harmful energies. Using whatever you find at a consignment store to make something that is worked on with no intention except to make an object that is simply aesthetically pleasing - this is not a dream catcher. This article did not encourage the collection of willow and sinew - it didn't even mention them. This is appropriation under the guise of artistry. And saying that you work at a cultural centre is not your 'in' - it does not change appropriation into inspiration.

    243 days ago

  • lovelygifts

    lovelygifts says:

    Lovely!

    242 days ago

  • LorraineYoungPottery

    LorraineYoungPottery says:

    So original - I adore the colors and the size. Each person can take this as seriously as they wish or not! decoratively it's beautiful and heart went into it. Thank you for sharing. Lorraine xxx

    242 days ago

  • YellowMelle

    YellowMelle says:

    True, while I hate having to tip toe around things in the name of PC, I tend to hold my breath when finding articles about dreamcatchers and how they are just decor items. I am also guilty of occasionally making dreamcatchers with seed beads and untraditional materials because I can't just go down to the store and find sinew and eagle feathers. But that's a private thing, not a commercial venture. I have to wonder about this sudden dreamcatcher trend... I just saw an article about them last week and a lot of comments were "dreamcatchers are tacky!" and I just had to cringe reading about it. There are probably just as many articles about "making your own crucifix" or decorative rosary beads. I've seen tons of cheap pentacle jewellery in shopping malls and probably "diy menorahs" here and there. Maybe it's all really insensitive, maybe it's all okay. But I guess I can't accept one while raging against the other.

    241 days ago

  • Grammasgifts

    Grammasgifts says:

    What a nice way to use some of my Grams doilies and nice them as gifts to family members

    241 days ago

  • EvenDeathLies

    EvenDeathLies says:

    That is so adorable. I made a mini necklace dreamcatcher out of wire and glass beads :) I wear it all the time.

    241 days ago

  • UpcycleFiberArts

    UpcycleFiberArts says:

    How fantastic! Doilies as art work., home decorating pieces (wall pieces). I love the idea....I'll be trying this soon. Thanks for the info

    241 days ago

  • ILoveLune

    ILoveLune says:

    I understand how someone might take offense to the fact that we call this tutorial a dream catcher when it isn't one in the traditional sense. Dream catchers were popularized in the 1970's, and because of their charm have attracted people of many different races. This particular project is esthetic, and created as a decor item. If you'd like to read more about the spiritual significance of the traditional dream catcher and it's origin, this is a helpful link: http://www.dream-catchers.org/

    241 days ago

  • yunmee

    yunmee says:

    wow! so pretty!! ^____________^*

    241 days ago

  • junes

    junes says:

    Just bought doilies today...I have them in boxes under the beds, in chests of drawers, in boxes, in baskets...well, you get the idea. And this has been going on with me for over 50 years. I have to do something with all these lovelies, and this is a good idea.

    241 days ago

  • umisma

    umisma says:

    in the middle of making a doily right now...I love this creative version of displaying the doily...yes..I 'm going to hang my doily now!

    241 days ago

  • honeystreasures

    honeystreasures says:

    How cool.

    241 days ago

  • slumbersoft

    slumbersoft says:

    Lovely and so creative.

    240 days ago

  • TheWalkingriot

    TheWalkingriot says:

    Oh, no. There's a little something extra to the aesthetics of this. A little extra 'kick' with the /Victorian lace/ motif. I believe it's that extra kick you'd get from making a Star of David, then, in the centre, cross-stitching in a swastika. Maybe we could also do it in solid yellow. It's like inadvertent horror-comedy to actual native eyes.

    239 days ago

  • GoodLookinTreasures

    GoodLookinTreasures says:

    What a charming way to reuse those little treasures from the past. Thank you for sharing.

    239 days ago

  • HulaGirl1922

    HulaGirl1922 says:

    ¸.•*¨*•☆Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ☆•*¨*•. sweet .. xo

    239 days ago

  • HappyBonesArt

    HappyBonesArt says:

    Although it is interesting and creative, I'd rather stick with the traditional Native American dream catchers. It holds a deeper spiritual meaning for me.

    239 days ago

  • EyePopArt

    EyePopArt says:

    Neat.

    239 days ago

  • elsbetsart

    elsbetsart says:

    Good idea to use my vintage doilies :)

    239 days ago

  • beadworkby2sisters

    beadworkby2sisters says:

    I have some old dollies of my grandmothers. She had bunches of them...gonna think about using them for family gifts?

    238 days ago

  • vianegativa420

    vianegativa420 says:

    I don't see why you had to call it a "dreamcatcher". That's not what it is. So be creative and think of something else. And it's not even remotely the same as tutorials on making your own crucifix or rosary. Christianity cannot be compared to native cultures in danger of extinction. Not even remotely. By calling it a "dreamcatcher", you are appropriating something from another culture. If you call it something else, then you aren't. And as far as cheap pentagrams go, it isn't even a religious symbol. Lots of groups besides Wiccans use them who aren't religious in nature. People, just learn to be more careful about throwing around words from other cultures that you do not understand the meaning of. When people do this it's called a faux pas. It's considered a mark of ignorance and making excuses only shows you are not learning from your mistake, but intend to keep perpetuating it, evidently. Guess you don't intend to stop selling "dreamcatchers" at fairs where there AREN'T lots of Native Americans visibly around, then? As long as it's only non-native people attending the craft fair, that makes it OK, Sure. Uh huh. Guess there must be some kind of logic there but darned if I can find it! Why not sell them where ever you like, as long as you call them something else? A dreamcatcher is not a dreamcatcher simply because it's some string stretched across a hoop. I do believe you missed the point here. A dreamcatcher is a specific item from another culture. And if non-Natives make and sell items similar in appearance only, while calling them "dreamcatcher," then yes, it is misappropriation, simply no other word for it. Nothing will get you off the hook here except to call them something else, which evidently you have no intention of doing since you cannot even seem to grasp what the nature of the problem is.

    237 days ago

  • dolcedreams

    dolcedreams says:

    Absolutely LOVE this!

    236 days ago

  • lcanon

    lcanon says:

    I love the battenburg, where did you find such a large piece?

    236 days ago

  • gracedesign

    gracedesign says:

    Ah-maze-ing! LOVE IT. I'm not sure I have it in me to make it as pretty as the picture at the top but I am gonna try, thanks for the fantastic idea!

    236 days ago

  • ruthlessrocks

    ruthlessrocks says:

    Since I'm not First Nations I don't think I will ever buy a dream catcher from someone who is-how could I possibly understand?

    236 days ago

  • coylin1221

    coylin1221 says:

    seriously... what's wrong with you people. Why don't we just go ahead and create "rosaries" so catholic-school-girl-wannabes can wear them in their cleavage this Halloween- THAT'S not offensive either. I would think all the gas station dreamcatchers would be enough crapping on the Native American culture for a lifetime, but apparently I would be wrong.

    236 days ago

  • TracersLeathercraft

    TracersLeathercraft says:

    "danielfranklin says: Victorian meets Native American- very pretty" Victorian met Native American a long time ago and it wasn't "very pretty" for the Native Americans.

    236 days ago

  • kirstennelson22

    kirstennelson22 says:

    Could you get anymore disrespectful? Seriously? I'm disgusted by this. Sure its pretty, but you're taking something SACRED and making it worthless. I hope you feel good about yourselves.

    236 days ago

  • dscokween

    dscokween says:

    ILoveLune said: "Being aware of this, at a street fair I did this summer, I didn't sell these dreamers because we live in a city with a very strong Native community, and there were several booth selling traditional dreamcatchers (so beautiful). The livelyhood of these traditional artists should be respected - it's all common sense." kudos to you for common sense. In the United States, it's actually illegal to sell items marketed as native-made by someone not enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. I suppose this is a 'cute' tutorial for today's hipster, but personally, as a person of Ojibway descent (the peoples who originally used the dreamcatcher) I find this to be more of the trending on native cultures like you see at this season's Urban Outfitters. Certainly it's not nearly as offensive as a plains headdress on a caucasian chick. I wish Etsy complied more with this law and encouraged people tagging items as native could follow up with their credentials. Congrats on your volunteer work. I'd be more interested in hearing a tutorial about how to get involved with that type of program and more of those crafts you are doing with those students.

    236 days ago

  • mydogandi

    mydogandi says:

    I actually think this is cool.. why would people get upset over this? It's not that I don't respect the Native American culture... but why would this be offensive at all?

    236 days ago

  • dscokween

    dscokween says:

    mydogandi - it would be like trending on blackface or auschwitz chic. Taking graphical cues from a culture and turning it into kitsch is demeaning for a community that struggles with issues of race, poverty and marginalization on a daily basis. Their arts are connected to their spirituality, so it would be like marketing crosses or crucifixes as 'cute.' Jesus died for your doily, etc.

    235 days ago

  • davkadeergirl

    davkadeergirl says:

    THANK YOU DSCOKWEEN! I don't know why people don't understand that it is not cool to just go stealing from Native American culture. I think it's horrible and if people are going to be inspired by cultural and sacred art, they should donate a portion of the sale to a Native charity. Good luck getting this point across to anyone. This is very sad.

    235 days ago

  • kranzelic

    kranzelic says:

    ILoveLune is right, it's OK to appropriate other peoples' cultures as long as those peoples aren't anywhere nearby when you're doing so.

    235 days ago

  • Adosia

    Adosia says:

    Personally those stupid "moccasins," feather hair extensions + braid combos tick me off more than this crapfest does. If you all want to play indian so badly, go live on the rez for a week and leave your tacky knockoff turquoise behind. This lazy 'decoration' hardly resembles a real dream catcher enough for me to even be offended...

    233 days ago

  • JewelsbyJasmin

    JewelsbyJasmin says:

    Umm... Wow. How incredibly rude.

    231 days ago

  • PinkKnittingFairy

    PinkKnittingFairy says:

    If you are not Native/First Nations or familiar with Native/First Nations people you will NEVER understand why this concept is so offensive. But apparently that's the only way to get noticed on Etsy is to be culturally insensitive.

    231 days ago

  • tdqcbymlj

    tdqcbymlj says:

    I have Native friends, and I used to teach at a Tribal school. This is incredibly insensitive to the Native/First Nations artisans who have honorably perfected the traditions passed down across generations. I couldn't even look at the tutorial. PinkKnittingFairy is right; if you are not familiar with Native/First Nations people, you will have a difficult time understanding why this is wrong on so many levels. Ways of life were already Anglicized hundreds of years ago; the traditions should never be.

    225 days ago

  • FayDangled

    FayDangled says:

    Just wow. I'm completely blown away by the blatant ignorance and disrespect. Wow.

    225 days ago

  • GreatWhiteVintage

    GreatWhiteVintage says:

    Oh my word, so I notice these convos happened over 20 days ago... but I am just now seeing them. I have long been obsessed with Native American culture (ask any of my friends and family); and when reading books and such, I often sympathize with them. This dreamcatcher may not be authentic, but look at ANY culture, and you will find similar circumstances. Customs and traditions get changed and altered constantly. It is sometimes disappointing, but often it is the only way these customs are even carried on or remembered. If it weren't for modern day interpretations of Native Americans, it is sad, but many things having to do with them would be forgotten. Not everyone has the ability, materials, or knowledge, to create an exactly authentic piece.... And they also don't have to, and people should let them use their creativity without making them feel guilty or bad for trying to make something beautiful.

    202 days ago

  • HideStyle

    HideStyle says:

    Great White, you speak as if Native Americans are something of the past. They're still here, and they don't need us to carry in their traditions, they're perfectly capable of doing it themselves. Don't sympathize. if you really care about the culture, reach out and be an ally. Put down the dream catcher and pick up a book. Find out what the indigenous people in your area are doing and get involved. I guarantee it will be so much more rewarding than crafting this shallow crap.

    191 days ago