Create a Natural Style Tree Branch Dream Catcher
Melanie Marten
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The Native American style craft of a dream catcher has become very popular for bedrooms and living rooms all 
over the country. Many dream catchers that you see are whimsical interpretations on the theme. If you are more interested with the Native American style, however, you can craft a dream catcher out of more natural materials.
Materials Needed for the Dream Catcher
1. A flexible tree branch, such as from a willow
2. Leather lace in a natural color
3. Sinew or faux sinew (waxed cotton cord)
4. Stone or bone beads with large holes
5. A stone animal totem bead
6. Natural tone feathers
7. Tacky craft glue
Choosing and Shaping the Tree Branch
The branch you choose for the dream catcher should be slender and free of large branches coming off of it. If necessary, you can cut branches off the main one. However, if you choose a willow branch, this will not be necessary. All leaves should be stripped from the tree branch.
After the branch is prepared for the dream catcher, you need to bend it into a hoop or circle shape. Do this carefully so the wood does not crack or break. You can choose to have the ends join up exactly, or for one end to overhang the other. Tie the ends of the tree branch together with several loops of leather lacing.
Creating the Dream Catcher Web
The dream catcher webbing is traditionally made with sinew, but there is faux sinew on the market made of waxed cotton thread or cord. You can find this in most craft stores. To make the dream catcher web, you simply wrap the cord around the twig every one to two inches around the circle. For the second and subsequent rounds, you wrap the cord through the previous rounds cords. The whole thing should be tight within the tree branch circle.
Decorating with Feathers and Beads
Most dream catchers are decorated with feathers and beads. You can also use small stone animal totem statues or other more traditional Native American style decorations. These beads or animal totem characters can be incorporated right into the web of the dream catcher.
Materials Needed for the Dream Catcher
1. A flexible tree branch, such as from a willow
2. Leather lace in a natural color
3. Sinew or faux sinew (waxed cotton cord)
4. Stone or bone beads with large holes
5. A stone animal totem bead
6. Natural tone feathers
7. Tacky craft glue
Choosing and Shaping the Tree Branch
The branch you choose for the dream catcher should be slender and free of large branches coming off of it. If necessary, you can cut branches off the main one. However, if you choose a willow branch, this will not be necessary. All leaves should be stripped from the tree branch.
After the branch is prepared for the dream catcher, you need to bend it into a hoop or circle shape. Do this carefully so the wood does not crack or break. You can choose to have the ends join up exactly, or for one end to overhang the other. Tie the ends of the tree branch together with several loops of leather lacing.
Creating the Dream Catcher Web
The dream catcher webbing is traditionally made with sinew, but there is faux sinew on the market made of waxed cotton thread or cord. You can find this in most craft stores. To make the dream catcher web, you simply wrap the cord around the twig every one to two inches around the circle. For the second and subsequent rounds, you wrap the cord through the previous rounds cords. The whole thing should be tight within the tree branch circle.
Decorating with Feathers and Beads
Most dream catchers are decorated with feathers and beads. You can also use small stone animal totem statues or other more traditional Native American style decorations. These beads or animal totem characters can be incorporated right into the web of the dream catcher.
- Many dream catchers that you see are whimsical interpretations on the theme.
- The branch you choose for the dream catcher should be slender and free of large branches.
- The dream catcher webbing is traditionally made with sinew.