Dreamcatchers are beautiful and magical. I mean just the name alone is interesting. Dreams can be elusive, very real while you’re in them, and then once you wake up they quickly fade from memory. I have often felt like I wanted to catch one of my dreams.
According to Wikipedia, dreamcatchers originated with the Ojibwa culture and are “handmade objects based on a willow hoop, on which is woven a loose net or web, then decorated with personal and sacred items such as feathers and beads.” While different meanings are attributed to them, they are generally seen as providing protection from bad dreams. I have had a gorgeous dreamcatcher hanging in my family room for the past fifteen years. And while it is a lovely decoration, it also gives me great comfort.You can find out much more about dreamcatchers in this article, “What is a Dreamcatcher and How Do You Make One?” by Kathy McGraw. Kathy does not believe that there are “fake” dreamcatchers, as anyone can make one. However, someone should not pass off a dreamcatcher as being authentically Native American if it is not. Kathy once made unique and customized medicine wheels and dreamcatchers for others. She would lovingly spend days or weeks incorporating a person’s uniqueness into the design. On her page, she shares the history of the dreamcatcher, as well as step-by-step instructions on how to make one, including what supplies you will need and where to get them. There are videos of someone making a simple, contemporary dreamcatcher as well as one of a Native American making a traditional dreamcatcher. There are even links to Native American music that can provide inspiration while making your dreamcatcher.I think that making a dreamcatcher would be a great project to do with kids, to introduce them to Native American lore and to give them a vehicle for expressing who they are.Visit: Dreamcatchers
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by MiMi and Drifter0658, Kim Manley Ort. Kim Manley Ort said: New post: Magical Dreamcatche (http://blog.growwear.com/magical-dreamcatchers/) #dreamcatchers #kathymcgraw #kimmanleyort #Reviews #squidoo [...]
ReplyDeleteWell, now you know I love this review! Kathy did a really marvelous job describing Dreamcatchers and how to make one. Great review, Kim!
ReplyDeleteKim- I love how you wrote this...and thank you for reviewing my lens.
ReplyDeleteThat part you put about not passing off a work as Native if it isn't is really important...it doesn't mean they still aren't spiritual, just that they are not authentic Native :) I had a lot of fun making this...and finding my favorite music that I use when making Dreamcatchers or anything else like this.
I love the idea of a completely unique and personal dreamcatcher like those that Kathy made. She has created a fascinating and informative article. I was tickled to see that "Spider Woman" came long, long before Spider-Man! Thanks for this lovely review, Kim.
ReplyDeleteI know what you mean about wanting to catch one of your dreams sometimes. I have not been to this lens in a while..heading back in to take another look. Don't you wish we could give another high five when we revisit our fave lenses?
ReplyDeleteWhat a great review of a fascinating lens! Kathy always writes totally awesome lenses.
ReplyDeleteKim, like Correen, think it would be nice to high-five a lens again, but it would also add to the spammers arsenal. :/ Wonderfully wrought lens, Kathy.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Kim. I love Kathy's lens as well and agree that it's an excellent resource.
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