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.
146 comments
Sign in to add your ownRareDesign says:
FUN!
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
BanglewoodSupplies says:
These are so beautiful and creative. Thanks for the instructions! I need to try and make one.
1 year ago
norajane says:
this is awesome!
1 year ago
PetiteRobeNoire says:
OH MY GOD, I love LOVE this!
1 year ago
psucaspurr says:
i remember taking embroidery hoops and making them with the kids at day camp... yarrrrn
1 year ago
oldsckool says:
Love doilies. Cute ones.
1 year ago
KettleConfections says:
These are beautiful! They reminds me of the lace embroideries my mother used to make to use as mats for flower vases.
1 year ago
aymujer says:
This is awesome! I wonder how a cut paper dreamcatcher would be? Great inspiration!
1 year ago
ikabags says:
Traditional doilies awesome as always !
1 year ago
lostboysandlovers says:
jill, you are so amazing!
1 year ago
adoreneko says:
Your instructions and tips are so easy to follow. The only difficulty is searching for the perfect doily!
1 year ago
ItchinStitchin says:
This is a really unique way to display doilies - which I ♥
1 year ago
MegansMenagerie says:
How neat! I'm going to attempt to make one of these! Sounds fun =)
1 year ago
myvintagecrush says:
Never thought of a lace dream catcher, amazing!
1 year ago
designlab443 says:
very pretty, thank you for sharing!
1 year ago
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
1 year ago
hypericumfragile says:
Great items! Thank you!
1 year ago
Ayca says:
So fun! I love doilies as well :)
1 year ago
PearlShellJewelry says:
Great ideas and beautiful doilies :-)
1 year ago
PthaloAzul says:
I really like it with the lace cut doily--lovely!
1 year ago
jammerjewelry says:
Loved the article
1 year ago
shannondzikas says:
These are a great way to showcase the delicate tedious crochet techniques grandmas everywhere somehow used for gorgeous utilitarian doilies.
1 year ago
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!
1 year ago
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! :>)
1 year ago
myAvonlea says:
Love Love Love this. I have recently fallen in Love with doilies. What a fantastic idea <3 Thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
ThePeachTree says:
Brilliant and so calming!
1 year ago
Tidepools says:
I am a doily hoarder and this is a brilliant idea!
1 year ago
Earleyimages says:
Beautiful creations
1 year ago
RhettDidntGiveADamn says:
Kind of like this - http://www.etsy.com/listing/79022273/dreamcatcher-antique-needlework-white :P
1 year ago
MonMonBoBon says:
LOVE IT!
1 year ago
johnyrocks says:
This looks very fun thinks for sharing!!!
1 year ago
nanasknotsntwirls says:
I have so many doilies from grandma - thought of framing them, but not in this way - very creative - beautiful. Love your idea.
1 year ago
nanasknotsntwirls says:
I have doilies from grandma - thought of framing them but not this way- beautiful, very creative. Love it.
1 year ago
econica says:
what a brilliant tutorial! can't wait to try this one with my kids!
1 year ago
bhangtiez says:
Great idea! Thanks for sharing!
1 year ago
paramountvintage says:
amazing!!!
1 year ago
AuthenticAVictoria says:
Lovely!
1 year ago
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…
1 year ago
ShoeClipsOnly says:
How beautiful they are! Reminds me of when I used to sit and watch me grandmother crochet beautiful doileys...
1 year ago
flowerystone says:
creative arts,I love this.
1 year ago
SweetiePieCollars says:
This is beautiful! A refreshing alternative to traditional dreamcatchers!
1 year ago
DUSKtillDAWNvintage says:
Love this idea, any ideas for vintage handkerchiefs?
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
Officeboy01 says:
Interesting blogs to read tonight. The Halloween blog has some scary, but fun food ideas
1 year ago
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!
1 year ago
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!
1 year ago
ACupOfSparkle says:
Fun project! Thanks for sharing.
1 year ago
AgelessThings says:
Great! Thank you!
1 year ago
BellaAmore0486 says:
check out my shop! now accepting paypal!!
1 year ago
katrinaalana says:
Great project! I always found dream catchers so interesting.
1 year ago
theblackfeather says:
Absolutely beautiful!!!
1 year ago
kerriannshop says:
Neat idea!
1 year ago
gilstrapdesigns says:
great article and I just looked at your blog and website I will be coming back to visit.
1 year ago
eastmeetswest says:
This is fantastic! Thanks!
1 year ago
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 :)
1 year ago
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!
1 year ago
kmcknight1 says:
This is adorable! Great decoration and great vibe for a room. Nice!
1 year ago
Iammie says:
So cute!
1 year ago
squibbles76 says:
I love this! I will have to try it!
1 year ago
sandboxcastle says:
I love this idea! It is a very pretty update to the classic dream catcher :3
1 year ago
SlopingBarnVintage says:
I absolutely love these! So so pretty!
1 year ago
loovee says:
l love this,l am going to try it soon, Thanks
1 year ago
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
1 year ago
CuteLittleOwl says:
Wonderful idea!
1 year ago
paperandglue says:
While this craft is visually appealing, I'm uncomfortable with taking sacred objects from oppressed cultures because they look pretty.
1 year ago
Insulted says:
Why not Sell Hunky Bill Perogie Makers converted to dreamcatchers, what the He|| is the matter with you people !
1 year ago
dreamversion says:
Totally amazing, LOVE it!!! Thanks for sharing!!!
1 year ago
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?
1 year ago
Charlieandthefox says:
Love it! Definitely want to try making this!
1 year ago
ChayaGallery says:
This is gorgeous - more difficult than it first looks I think but the result is wonderful !!
1 year ago
filofashion says:
Amazing ! Congrats :)
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
TheBlackOnion says:
Must try!
1 year ago
Evajune says:
So pretty. Dream Catchers are so much fun to make. That how I got started in my craft.
1 year ago
PipingHotPapers says:
Very interesting!!
1 year ago
danielfranklin says:
Victorian meets Native American- very pretty
1 year ago
MissHildebrandt says:
What darling ideas for modern dream catchers! I'm taking notes...
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
ColorMeFabricbyNikki says:
i cannot WAIT to make one of these!
1 year ago
TheIDconnection says:
These are beautiful! You are very talented :)
1 year ago
AlphieBug says:
Very inspiring!! Thank You for sharing!! :0)
1 year ago
uncorked says:
me likes- very clever!
1 year ago
SugarPoppyDesigns says:
This is such a cool idea & kid friendly too! Thanks for sharing it :-)
1 year ago
BADKITTYKNITS says:
love love love it!!!
1 year ago
MotuProprio says:
I can't wait to try to make one by myself. Thank you for sharing!!
1 year ago
collectiblesatoz says:
Wonderful idea. I will make vintage Dream Catchers using vintage antique doilies. For lots of vintage please visit us.
1 year ago
ThePhotoImpression says:
Am looking forward to trying this. Awesome idea!
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
porcupineboutique says:
these are beautiful and very inspirational!
1 year ago
expressyourself says:
great work!
1 year ago
TheScarfTree says:
So pretty and so creative! Lovely! Thank you for sharing! Wishing you all the best!
1 year ago
accentonvintage says:
Beautiful project!
1 year ago
Lindylulu says:
Love doilies! + Love dream catcher! = Super Great Project!!!!! Thanks for sharing your talents.
1 year ago
uglyyellow says:
Oh wow!!! I think I feel a craft party coming on. Thanks Julie. ♥
1 year ago
OnlyOriginalsByAJ says:
What a fun idea! I love it :-)
1 year ago
ChellyLove says:
The best use for a doily I have ever seen! Absolutely love! Im off to the thrift store right now :}
1 year ago
VidaDoce says:
Prettyyyyyyy :) I absolutely love it!
1 year ago
rosi3 says:
Make me a dress!
1 year ago
VintageLinensNmore says:
Great idea! Have had a lot of traffic from people looking at my doilies after reading this article.
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
misskatc says:
Really beautiful! Thanks!
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
lovelygifts says:
Lovely!
1 year ago
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
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
Grammasgifts says:
What a nice way to use some of my Grams doilies and nice them as gifts to family members
1 year ago
EvenDeathLies says:
That is so adorable. I made a mini necklace dreamcatcher out of wire and glass beads :) I wear it all the time.
1 year ago
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
1 year ago
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/
1 year ago
yunmee says:
wow! so pretty!! ^____________^*
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
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!
1 year ago
honeystreasures says:
How cool.
1 year ago
slumbersoft says:
Lovely and so creative.
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
GoodLookinTreasures says:
What a charming way to reuse those little treasures from the past. Thank you for sharing.
1 year ago
HulaGirl1922 says:
¸.•*¨*•☆Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ☆•*¨*•. sweet .. xo
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
EyePopArt says:
Neat.
1 year ago
elsbetsart says:
Good idea to use my vintage doilies :)
1 year ago
beadworkby2sisters says:
I have some old dollies of my grandmothers. She had bunches of them...gonna think about using them for family gifts?
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
dolcedreams says:
Absolutely LOVE this!
1 year ago
lcanon says:
I love the battenburg, where did you find such a large piece?
1 year ago
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!
1 year ago
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?
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
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?
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
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...
1 year ago
JewelsbyJasmin says:
Umm... Wow. How incredibly rude.
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
FayDangled says:
Just wow. I'm completely blown away by the blatant ignorance and disrespect. Wow.
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
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.
1 year ago
MongooseTree from MongooseTree says:
Oh look. Cultural appropriation. How cute.
285 days ago
Sami from teliches says:
Besides this being cultural appropriation does anyone also happen to think it's ugly as hell? A doily "dream catcher".... That doesn't need to exist. I'm looking at it and it looks really ugly and tacky. I think it should be called something else not just because calling it a dream catcher is offensive but because it's nowhere near as beautiful as real dream catchers are. I look at this and think "Oh it's a doily stretched tight in a loop. That's interesting... Good for them..."
284 days ago
ylimemily from ylimemily says:
Thank you, HideStyle. There is a difference between respecting a culture and picking and choosing from what you think is cute about it.
284 days ago
Ashley Marysa from HappilyEverFuzzy says:
Cultural appropriation at its finest. Good job, etsy.
281 days ago