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How to make a dream catcher in 4 easy steps

by Cat Woods
written by Cat Woods

Before getting started, I looked up the history of the dream catcher so that I could share it with you. Did you know that they started in the Native American culture?

“Native Americans believe that the night air is filled with dreams both good and bad. The dream catcher, when hung over or near your bed swinging freely in the air, catches the dreams as they flow by. The good dreams know how to pass through the dream catcher, slipping through the outer holes and slide down the soft feathers so gently that many times the sleeper does not know that he/she is dreaming. The bad dreams, not knowing the way, get tangled in the dream catcher and perish with the first light of the new day.”

So, how can we make our very own dream catcher?

Step One: Gather Materials

You will need:

  • Some feathers – even better if they’re foraged!
  • Some beads
  • Thread for web
  • A hoop
  • A thicker thread/wool to wrap hoop
  • Glue gun

Step 2: Wrap

Take your hoop and, starting at the top, wrap the hoop with either the thick thread or flat leather cord. Begin by using the glue gun to apply a small amount of glue to one end of the ribbon or thick thread, and stick it to the hoop – this means you can avoid tying a knot. Working all the way around the hoop, wrap the ribbon so none of the hoop is showing.

Make sure to double secure it at the end so that nothing unravels!

Step 3: Weave

Wrapping the hoop isn’t just for decoration – it also provides a bit of grip for the web. Winding the thread around the hoop at regular intervals, begin to create the web of the dream catcher, working inwards towards the centre.

If you want to see how it’s done, check out this handy video, where Arvind Gupta walks through the entire process!

Step 4: Decorate

Before you begin the weaving process, consider where you would like beads to go, if you want some on the web! You will need to add these as you go along.

When you’ve finished weaving, and secured the web, tie feathers and beads onto the dream catcher hoop evenly along the bottom and get as creative as you like. No dream catcher is the same!

Customise Your DIY Dream Catcher

The customisation possibilities for this DIY dreamcatcher are endless. A few of the ways you can customise your dreamcatcher:

  • Use a bigger (or smaller) hoop.
  • Choose embroidery floss to match the colors in your room (or your baby’s nursery).
  • Use a different colour natural suede lace.
  • Choose natural gemstone beads with properties that resonate with you.
  • Add ribbons, yarn, or string to the bottom of the dreamcatcher, instead of or in addition to the feathers.

And There You Have It!

Your dream catcher is now ready to hang up in your home.

If you’re interested in attending one of our workshops, please see our events on Facebook!

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EnvironmentHomeWinter

5 tips for a Greener Christmas.

by Cat Woods
written by Cat Woods

So, whilst we wait out the next few weeks, until Santa climbs down our chimneys, let’s explore what we can we do to give our planet a gift this year and make it a greener Christmas. 
Why not follow these five easy tips for Christmas this year, after all, it’s the little things that can make a big difference…

1. Don't Fake It

It actually takes around 15 years for a plastic tree to be as environmentally friendly as a real tree. The reason behind this is, fake trees are made from non-renewable materials, which use up a lot of valuable resources during the manufacturing and shipping stages.

Another thing to think about is that many people choose to change their tree every few years too, meaning that most fake trees end up on landfill. Sad huh? 

Here is what you can do instead..

  • Rent a tree! Yes, it’s a real thing!! As soon as Christmas is over, you can send the little dude back to the forest, ready to welcome him back with open arms in a years time! 

  • Buy from a business that plants more trees for every one sold! That way it is sustainable.

  • Buy a potted tree and once Christmas is over, give it some space to grow and flourish in your garden until 2022!

Don’t even worry about the disposal of a real tree. There are lots of charities that will collect your tree for a small fee, we have used Willowbrook tree recycling scheme in St.Helens. Alternatively, contact your local council to ask about pick-ups for your old trees, some areas will even have a drop-off point.

2. Don't Wrap With Crap!

Glittery, shiny wrapping paper can not be recycled and neither can sticky tape, so why not choose your wrapping materials carefully this year?

A great alternative to sticky tape is Kraft Tape, made from paper. It is a sturdy way to wrap those awkwardly shaped gifts.

I use brown packaging paper with string. Some other quirky alternatives to wrapping-paper include;

  • “Wrapping your gifts in scarves, two presents in one!” I just LOVE this idea from Elebubble.

  • Use the colourful pages of a newspaper or magazine.

  • Another alternative is to use gift bags or boxes which can be recycled again for treats in the future.

  • If you’re buying a gift box, check that it’s FSC regulated!

3. Limit the Plastic

The UK’s toy industry is massive! Last year, consumers spent £370m on them, but environmentalists say this is contributing to the amount of plastic ending up in landfill and oceans.
A poll by the British Heart Foundation found that more than a quarter of parents admit to throwing away toys that are in perfect working order. A good idea is to check out your local women’s refuge or charities in your local community, and donate old toys to them before stocking up on new ones. 
Choosing quality over quantity can make a huge difference this Christmas, why not opt for wooden toys or books over plastic items. Sound like a good idea?

4. Chuck the Chicken - Enjoy a Plant-Based Christmas Dinner!

OK so, I understand that Tofurkey isn’t for everyone but by switching your meat intake this Christmas for a plant-based option, you’ll not only introduce a new tasty treat into your dinner, you’ll also help give Mother Nature a nice Christmas too! A recent report found that a plant-based Christmas dinner has half the emissions compared to a turkey Christmas dinner!
Veganism might sound a bit extreme to some, and I totally get that, but if you’re just able to have one vegan plate on your table a week, you’ll be making a huge step towards a healthier and happier planet.

5. Shop Local

One of the most important ways buying locally helps the environment is by reducing your food miles. By shopping locally, you are purchasing goods produced in your local community. Conversely, when you shop at the grocery store, many of the food items you buy travel over 1500 miles to reach your plate. By cutting down on these miles, you are reducing the environmental impact of your food. 

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ActivitiesAutumnHome

How to make a natural autumn bowl

by Cat Woods
written by Cat Woods

If you’ve collected some lovely colourful autumn leaves this season, this a great activity! It will require a bit of patience though, as it takes a while to complete. 

What you will need:

A selection of colourful autumn leaves

Some heavy books for pressing the leaves in

A bowl

30 ml PVA glue or mod podge 

An old paint brush or sponge 

Cling film 

What you need to do:

1.    Go for a walk and collect a range of autumn leaves, maple or sycamore leaves work well for this.

2.    Remove the lumpy stalk from the leaves, then flatten them between sheets of paper and under some heavy books for a day or so.

  1. Turn your bowl upside down and cover with a layer of clingfilm
  2. Glue your leaves all around the bowl being careful not to overlap too much. 
  3. Cover with another layer of clingfilm
  4. Leave overnight
  5. Peel off the layers of cling film revealing your beautiful autumn bowl
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