How to make a dream filter: step by step and 50 inspiring models

The dream filter is a typical amulet of the Native American culture. Also called dream catcher, a literal translation of the original word dreamcatcher, It has the power to purify the energies, separating the good dreams from the bad dreams. Furthermore, according to legend, it can also bring wisdom and luck to those who possess it.

Nowadays, its meaning has spread all over the world and the dream filter is widely used in environments, both for protection and decoration. And the coolest of all is that you can make your own. Do you want to learn? Then, check out our step by step and also a list with 50 inspirations, showing several models of this amulet!

How to make a dream filter

There are many ways to make a dream filter, and nowadays it is common to find many stylized versions of this object.

The youtuber Ana Loureiro teaches how to make a more traditional model, with all the original elements of the piece (circle, web, and feather). You will need willow or vine branches, or a metal, wooden, or plastic hoop; string, scissors, feathers, and glue.

Step by step

1. Make a circle with the willow branches or other material you have chosen to work with;
2. Take a large piece of string, wrap it around the entire hoop, and at the end, tie two knots to hold it tight;
3. If you have any left over, continue working with the same string; if you need to, cut another piece and join it to the hoop with a knot;
4. Now it's time to start the web. Pull the thread to the side so that it meets the hoop and forms a straight line;
5. Then, pass the thread around the hoop and then inside the straight line you created in the first pull. This will form the first knot;
6. Repeat the same procedure all along the side of the hoop, trying to keep the same distance between the knots;
7. After going around the hoop, start weaving the knots in the center of the previous rows of string, repeating the process until the web is closed;
8. When you are done, tie a knot and cut off the remaining end with scissors.
9. With the web ready, take pieces of string and tie them to the underside of the hoop, letting them hang. The quantity will depend on the number of feathers you wish to hang;
10. Also make a small handle on the top of the frame, so that you can hang the filter on the wall;
11. Glue the feathers to the ends of the strings and you're done!

You can also use the stones and beads along with the feathers to decorate, or include the stones in the middle of the web during the process. Another idea is to vary the colors of the threads, the feathers, and the frame, giving your dream filter a unique touch.

If you would like to see an even more detailed step by step procedure, watch the full video:

It's not that hard, is it? By following the steps correctly, making your own dream filter can be easier than you think. And besides all the symbolism, it will have an even more special meaning, because it was made by you.

What does each element of the dream filter mean?

Now you will discover what each element present in the dream filter means. They are related to movement and stages of life.

Rim/Circle: The circle represents the totality, the circle of life. It is the gear, the movement, where we work our physical and mental body. It is also the symbol of the sun, the sky, and eternity.

Web: This element represents the soul, free will, our choices, our interpersonal relationships, the path. It is where we perceive our emotional body. There are different ways of weaving the web, which vary according to each intention and tradition.

Center: represents the force of the universe, the mystery, the creator, and the divine that exists in us.

Pity: corresponds to air and breath, essential elements for life. It can also symbolize courage, wisdom, among other things, depending on the type of feather chosen. It is connected to the way we see nature and its representations.

Colors: Each color used in the making of the filter also has a meaning. Check it out:

• Yellow/Gold: wisdom, intelligence, awakens creativity, inner enlightenment, and discernment.
• White: spiritual supremacy, enlightenment, and cosmic awakening.
• Brown: representing the color Earth and is linked to stability.
• Pink: unconditional love, purity and beauty.
• Red: Warm and stimulating, it is the color of passion and conquest. It transmits willpower and sexual drive, energy, virility. It symbolizes passion and combat.
• Violet: the color of cosmic energy and spiritual inspiration, intuition, self-improvement, neutralizes emotions. It symbolizes spirituality, dignity, purification, and transformation.
• Green: healing, truth, justice, satisfaction, and harmony.
• Blue: Calms and brings mental clarity, tranquility, patience, and understanding. It favors intellectual activities, meditation, and domestic harmony.
• Black: The nature of black is to absorb light. In shamanism, darkness leads us to meet our spirituality.

In addition to these symbols, other objects with personal meanings can also be added, giving the amulet a more individual characteristic.

Tradition also suggests that the dream filter be placed in a place that receives sunlight, for all the negative dreams that are trapped in the threads of the web will disappear when they receive the sun's rays. And the good dreams, those that have important messages, are able to pass through the circle formed in the center of the web, purifying the dreams and protecting us.

For shamanism, the dream filter also serves as a mandala to inspire creativity, imagination, and help turn all dreams and goals into reality.

50 dream filter ideas for you to get inspired

It never hurts to have extra protection in our daily lives, doesn't it? Take a look at some beautiful dream filter models and get inspired to choose yours:

1. the dream filter looks beautiful on windows and balconies overlooking nature

2. but indoors it is also charming

3. here, elements from nature were used, such as vines and shells

4. step by step: spiral dream filter with Greek eye

5. this one was made in a rhombus shape with small pendant rings

6. step by step: rustic tree dream filter

7. in this example, the dream filter was made with pom-poms and colored ribbons and was used as a message holder

8. step by step: mandala dream filter made with CD

9. this one was inspired by the zodiac and made with the colors of the sign of fish

10. step by step: unicorn and moon dream filter

11. dream filter and net: a great combination!

12. step by step: dream filter with lace and colored ribbons

13. how about a bahian style with the Senhor do Bonfim ribbons?

14. step by step: prism and rainbow dream filter

15. this one was made with natural branches and crystal pendant

16. step by step: triangular dream filter

17. colored threads, waxes and natural seeds made this dream filter more than special

18. step by step: 3 Tumblr-style dream filter templates

19. you can make your dream filter any size you want

20. step by step: Boho style dream filter

21. a P&B version with skulls

22. step by step: triluna dream filter

23. the dream filter can also be used to protect and decorate the car

24. step by step: dream filter with beads

25. use your creativity and hang as many rings as you like

26. step by step: owl dream filter

27. larger feathers add even more charm to the piece

28. step by step: dream filter made with hanger and crochet

Creating drawings with the lines makes the dream filter even more authentic

30. step by step: 3D dream filter

31 In addition to being a great protection amulet, it is also a beautiful decorative item

32. step by step: dream filter with feathers and satin ribbon

33 The crochet pattern looks especially beautiful decorating special events, such as weddings

34. step by step: daisy dream filter

35. this super authentic and rustic model was made with pine

36. step by step: dream filter with knitted yarn

37 The small colored rings inside the larger ring made the piece creative and joyful.

38. step by step: crocheted and patchwork mandala dream filter

39. create your dream filter with the most varied shapes and designs

40. step by step: star dream filter

41 This one was made with the macramé technique

42. step by step: triangular stitch dream filter

43. Have you ever thought of a dream filter with succulents?

44. step by step: reggae dream filter

45. the mobile style is also beautiful and stylish

46. step by step: dream filter with stones and artificial flowers

47 With this beautiful piece, your dreams will be more than protected

48. step by step: spider web dream filter with wicker hoop

49 These were made with decorated plates, aren't they amazing?

50. step by step: Yin-Yang dream filter

Did you like knowing more about the history and meaning of the dream filter? Now that you also learned how to make it, use this beautiful piece in your home. Besides decorating your home and making it more charming, the filter works with your energy frequency, bringing harmony and positivity. After all, a little superstition and positive beliefs don't hurt anyone!