Let's Get Outside! How to Make a DIY Natural Dreamcatcher With Your Kids
It's finally sunny out — and because of the ongoing pandemic that's kept many of us sheltering at home, pretty much all parents are looking for more ways to get their kids outside and back into nature. Not only is the vitamin D good for the whole family (the natural source!), but being outdoors has a plethora of benefits for children: According to the Child Mind Institute, playing in nature can help increase confidence, promote creativity, teach responsibility and, obviously, get them moving. After you do the Spartan Kids Virtual Race, of course.
Our own backyards often offer us the cheapest crafting materials to work with. "When I go into the forest, I look at everything as resources — stuff we can make things from!" says Spartan Up! Podcast co-host Sefra Alexandra, also known as the Seed Huntress, who calls the woods "nature's arts and crafts supply store." She shows us how to use collected natural materials to make a gorgeous DIY dreamcatcher for your kid's bedroom (or yours!). It's a simple, fun activity to do together that will hopefully inspire some "sweet unbreakable dreams."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN529fjs3qQ&feature=youtu.be
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How to Make a DIY Dreamcatcher With Natural Materials
Step 1: Gather Your Materials
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_rBHYeCkOo&feature=youtu.be
Sefra collected all sorts of natural treasures, including ferns, moss, bark, mushrooms, feathers, and tree boughs. You'll also need some string (around 11 feet of it), rope or leather strap, and some decorative things to embellish your dreamcatcher with, such as beads.
Step 2: Weave Your Wreath From a Tree Branch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a0AwGjm7VY&feature=youtu.be
As Sefra explains, it's prime time for tree pruning. Find a branch that's still bendable, make a circle, and weave it around to create a wreath. You can also wrap birch bark or yarn around the rim for decorative effect.
Step 3: Weave the String Through the Wreath
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JJ9jKBp6JoI&feature=youtu.be
To start weaving the string, simply tie a knot onto the branch circle, then tie another knot 2 to 3 inches away. Attach to the circle in six to eight places.
Step 4: Keep Weaving the String!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uSusIhw6hnA&feature=youtu.be
Continue this pattern, tying the long piece of string to the center of the knots you originally made.
Step 5: Decorate the Bottom
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Xw9ySHOUTg&feature=youtu.be
Tie pieces of leather strap or a decorative braided cord to the bottom of your dreamcatcher. Embellish with beads or stones, and if you have a hot glue gun, add some feathers or whatever fun objects you find outside!
Step 6: Hang It Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zn7WIH_xr8&feature=youtu.be
Put your dreamcatcher on display, and remember what Sefra says: "The best part about nature is that everything is very unique, just like us. So however yours turns out, it's going to be perfect." Share your versions with us by posting your photos on Instagram and tagging @spartankidsrace.