DREAMCATCHER ORNAMENTS

Dreamcatcher Ornaments

Learning Targets

I can...

• Create an original Dreamcatcher Ornament using sculpture techniques learned in class
• Use warm colors (red, orange, yellow), space (positive, negative), and texture (actual, implied, tactile) inspired by Dream Catchers: Legend, Lore, and Artifacts by Cath Oberholtzer
• Understand weaving techniques (braiding, felting, crocheting, knitting) and design principles (movement, repetition, emphasis) based on Native American Art
• Define Dreamcatcher (a charm designed to hang above the head of a sleeping person, usually a child, to protect against nightmares)

Lesson One
Day One, Art Start

1. Contemporary Dreamcatcher (2006) El Quisco, Chile
2. Read Dream Catchers: Legend, Lore, and Artifacts by Cath Oberholtzer
3. Discussion Questions "What do we know? Where did they live? Why do Native Americans create art? What does Native American artwork look like? What are two things you learned about Native American art? Which Native American art form interests you the most? Why does this art form interest you? What is a dreamcatcher? Can you think of any legends you have heard of? What could the legend of the dreamcatcher be teaching?"

Lesson Activities

1.  Use ribbon or lace to wrap around the frame of the wooden loop of the dreamcatcher ornament
2. Tie a double or triple knot at the end of the wooden frame before weaving a web on the dreamcatcher
3. Cut thread or string to be attached to the bottom of the wooden frame for weaving a dreamcatcher web

Reminder:

• Initials & Home Teacher on Back of Dreamcatcher

Day Two, Art Start

1. Retrieve Dreamcatcher Ornament for Assigned Table
2. Read Grandmother's Dreamcatcher by Becky Ray McClain
3. Reflective Discussion "According to Lobako Oral Tradition, the dreamcatcher originated in a Lokato spirit leader's vision. In this vision, the leader saw a spider named "Iktomi" who began to spin a web. As he spun, he spoke of the cycles of life- the good, the bad forces in life- which can help or interfere with the harmony of nature. Iktomi gave the web to the spirit leader and said the web will "catch" the bad dreams to filter them out. The good dreams and visions will pass through the center hole of the web. The web, or dreamcatcher, should be kept above the bed to protect the dreamer from bad or harmful dreams."

Lesson Activities

1. Stretch string clockwise over the loop and create a hitch around the warp of the dreamcatcher
2. Loop string or thread around the wooden frame before adding a knot at the end of the dreamcatcher ornaments
3. Use string or thread to weave a small circle in the middle of the wooden frame of the dreamcatcher

Day Three, Art Start

1.  Retrieve Dreamcatcher Ornament for Assigned Table
2. Set Up Studio Area (scissors, glue sticks, markers, feathers)

Lesson Activities

1. Use beads to add a pattern within the circular weave of the wooden frame of the dreamcatcher ornaments
2. Use different colored fabric patterns to add hangings to the bottom of the dreamcatcher ornaments
3. Hang four or five feathers to the bottom wooden frame of the dreamcatcher ornaments 

Artist Examples

Student Examples