I love this dream catcher craft for kids of all ages that starts with a paper plate honoring the Native American culture and the meaning behind authentic dream catchers. It is the perfect dream catcher craft to start the exploration of Native American history. This easy paper plate craft works well at home or in the classroom.
YOU WILL LOVE THIS DREAM CATCHER CRAFT
Make this Dreamcatcher Craft from a paper plate and then talk to your kids about their dreams the next day. My daughter and I love doing quick paper plate crafts together.
Related: More paper plate crafts
This paper plate dream catcher craft was inspired by Happy Hooligans.
WHAT IS A DREAM CATCHER?
First noted in the Ojibwe Nation, dreamcatchers were hooped spiderwebs with protective charms created by Asibikaashi, Spider Woman, to protect children and the land.
I love this reminder that while dreamcatchers are lovely decorations and fun crafts, the meaning behind a dream catcher goes much deeper.
“…this keepsake of Native American culture is more than just a fashion statement. The dream catcher is a sacred symbol, a mother’s blessing to her children for peace and positive energy.”
–TheFemmeOasis
Dream Catcher Meaning
A dream catcher protects from bad dreams by catching them while allowing the good dreams to go through.
Make Your Own Paper Plate Dream Catcher
Since my daughter likes to have a little light while she falls asleep, we decided to make our paper plate dream catchers with a twist…glowing stars.
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HOMEMADE DREAM CATCHER SUPPLIES
- Paper Plate
- Small hole punch
- Paint
- Thread or string
- Glow in the dark stars
- Scissors or preschool safety scissors
HOW TO MAKE A DREAM CATCHER FOR KIDS WITH A PAPER PLATE
Step 1
First, cut out the center of the paper plate.
Step 2
Then, let kids paint with whatever colors they choose.
Step 3
When they dry, punch small holes all the way around the inside of the paper plate. They can be wide apart.
Step 4
Start threading – See the dream catcher threading step by step instructions below the picture. Now, this is where is gets a little tricky. It is simpler than I expected to thread a dreamcatcher and has a gorgeous result.
HOW TO THREAD A DREAM CATCHER
- Thread loosely through each hole that you hole punched.
- When you’ve made it all the way around, start threading through each “bump” that the thread created. Pull as you go.
- When you get all the way around again (it should look like sun rays like in the picture above), you’ll start threading under the thread (through each “sun ray”) until you get all the way around.
- Keep going until the opening is small.
- Wrap the thread around a glowing star or, if you don’t want the star, just make a knot.
Step 5
Add three holes to the base of your paper plate and thread with string and a glowing star.
WHAT TO DO WITH YOUR FINISHED DREAM CATCHER CRAFT
Hang. Your own glow in the dark dream catcher. Perfect for hanging over your little one’s bed.
Paper Plate Dream Catcher
Kids can make their own dream catcher craft with things you have around the house like paper plates, thread and some paint. Celebrate the history of the Native American dreamcatcher with this lovely keepsake.
Materials
- Paper Plate
- Paint
- Thread or string
- Glow in the dark stars
Tools
- Small hole punch
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cut out the center of the paper plate.
- Paint the paper plate outer ring whatever color is best for your dream catcher.
- Punch holes all the way around on the inside of the paper plate ring.
- Thread the string through the holds: thread loosely through each hole, after you make it all the way around, thread through the bump you have created pulling as you go and repeat again and again until the opening is small.
- Wrap the thread around a glowing star in the middle (or tie a knot).
- Add three holes to the bottom of the paper plate and attach more glowing stars with thread to hang below the dream catcher.
- Punch a hole at the top and use to hang your dreamcatcher.
HOMEMADE DREAM CATCHER FAQS
Your bedroom window is the best place to hang a dream catcher.
If the center of your dream catcher has a hole in the middle from a symmetrical pattern surrounding it, that hole is called “The Great Mystery”. You can learn more here (13 Incredible Things You Should Know About Dream Catchers – Full Bloom Club).
Dream catchers are thought to catch bad dreams like nightmares while allowing the good and happy dreams to go through.
More Dream Catcher Crafts & Fun from Kids Activities Blog
- DIY dream catcher craft for kids is a lovely way to make a dream catcher with sticks you find outside.
- Download & print our dream catcher coloring pages for adults and kids.
Learn More About Native American Culture & Dream Catchers
- Dream Catcher Lullabies is a beautiful book for younger kids that is perfect to read at nap time or bedtime.
- Grandmother’s Dreamcatcher is the story of a child staying with her Chippewa grandmother.
- Love the art behind this Native American Inspired Coloring Book: Dreamcatcher with 50 Tribal Mandalas, Patterns & Detailed Designs
- Explore Native American Cultures with 25 Great Projects including making a dreamcatcher.
- And this favorite Native American story is sure to be your child’s favorite book, Raven: A Trickster Tale from the Pacific Northwest
More Fun Crafts for Kids from Kids Activities Blog
- This glowing sensory bottle is perfect for bedtime. The glow in the dark aspect makes for a magical bedside companion for the kids!
- Our glow in the dark slime recipe will keep the kids busy for hours.
- Don’t forget to play this glow in the dark tic tac go while you’re at it!
- 25+ Glow-in-the Dark – Hacks and Must-Haves
How did your paper plate dream catcher craft turn out? Did your kids love making their own dream catchers and learning more about dreamcatcher history?
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