How to Make a Silky Bohemian Dreamcatcher
Well hello there. I hope you had a great weekend. We didn’t do much except try to clean the craft cupboard (yeah right 😀 ) and make this silk fringed bohemian dreamcatcher for this month’s IBC challenge. We’ve made a few dreamcatchers before, like this one from t-shirt yarn and this half-moon beauty. But I must admit, this bohemian dream catcher is one of my favorites. I think it’s the way the wooden beads and sari silk ribbon work so well together to create something that’s rich, vibrant, and full of interesting textures.
Technically, I shouldn’t call this creation a dreamcatcher, since it doesn’t have a web on the inside. And most dreamcatchers have eight points joining the outside circle, while mine only has four. I hope you’ll forgive me for putting my own creative spin on something like this. Especially now when the world so desperately needs peace.
RightyO, before I show you how to make your own silky boho dreamcatcher peace sign, be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or Instagram. And don’t forget to subscribe so you’ll never miss a post!
What you need to make the boho dreamcatcher
Did I mention, this is a really easy project. From start, to finish it took less than an hour to make and all you need is:
- 14 Gauge jewelry wire
- Wire cutters
- Large and small wooden beads
- Sari silk ribbon yarn. Love this stuff. It’s made from recycled bits of saris and is hand-spun by women in Nepal and India. It’s so beautiful, and when you buy a skein of the yarn, you’re helping all those women support their families too. There are so many rich and vibrant jewel-like colors joined together that you’re spoilt for choice.
Optional
Decorative beads for added interest. I used bits from a broken necklace that attacked me just happened to fall out of the craft cupboard when I was contemplating tidying it up.
How to make the bohemian dreamcatcher
Our boho dreamcatcher is 29 cm (11.5″) wide and 75 cm (29.5″) long, but you can make it as big or small as you want. Just adjust the measurements given below.
Cut a piece of wire that’s about 89 cm (25″) long and bend it into a circular shape. Thread the larger beads onto the wire “ring” until it’s nice and full. Not too full though, there should be a little bit of space between each bead.
Make a small bend on either end of the wire and join the ends together to close off the ring or outer circle of the boho dreamcatcher.
To make the upside-down “Y shape” ( ᛣ ), also known as the runic letter “Calc”, measure across the outer circle and cut two pieces of wire that are at least 3″ longer than the diameter. Bend one of the wires to form a V. Place the V on the middle point of the other wire before twisting it around the V.
Here's an interesting bit of trivia for you. South Africa tried to ban the use of the peace sign back in 1973.
Use the smaller wooden beads and thread them onto each leg of the upside-down “Y” shape.
Attach the “Y” shape to the outer ring by bending the wire bits over as shown below.
Once the peace sign is done, we can start adding all those glorious silky bits. If you don’t have any sari silk yarn, you can cut long strips of fabric instead 😉
Tie the silk strips all along the bottom edge of the peace sign.
For an eclectic boho look, choose warm earthy colors and mix in some metallics and jewel tones. I used royal blue, emerald green, burnt orange, and a few strips of vibrant pinks and reds to spice things up a little. Add as many layers as you like and don’t forget to tie on some decorative beads.
Trim the edges and your bohemian dreamcatcher is ready to hang.
I just love the different textures and those rich glorious colors.
And I’m so glad I could incorporate pieces of that broken necklace too.
Don’t those wooden beads nestled in between the silky sari strips look stunning? It’s like they were meant for each other. Maybe I should try to tidy the craft cupboard more often 😉
But I would love to know what you think of the bohemian dreamcatcher. Is it something you would make for your home?
If you like the idea don’t forget to pin it for later.
Oh and if you’re looking for some of the things we used, we’ve got you covered Disclosure: Clicking on the links below, means we may receive a commission from Amazon. But don’t worry it won’t come out of your pocket, and it helps us make more amazing crafts to share with you 😉
And if you prefer to buy rather than DIY, then maybe these beauties will appeal.
And as always, wishing you a wonderful, crafty week filled with lots of love. Thank you for popping in for a visit.
I am wanting to do these as a craft for teens at our camp ground. What size beads did you use for the peace sign? Thanks
I used two sizes, the outer ring is made from the larger 20mm (7/8″) beads and the peace sign beads in the middle are 12mm (3/8″). You can make the dreamcatcher using any size of beads though. It depends on your budget and what you can find in the shops. I’ve made small key rings using the same technique and used those little glass beads you can buy in bulk and they turned out just as pretty. I should probably put that in the post in case someone doesn’t scroll down to the comments section 😀
I hope you have loads of fun at the camp, and please share some pics and tag us. I would love to see how they turn out.
Hey love!! First this is amazingly beautiful!!! I just wondered what did you use to tie in the beads? Can you use fishing line to string them and tie them in? This would be the first time I’ve ever attempted this lol
😀 Fishing line will work perfectly, Haley or you can use brightly colored embroidery thread too. As long as you have fun your dreamcatcher will turn out beautifully.
Love this!!! Where did you get your flower shaped beads from
Thank you, Tracy. The flower beads are from a necklace that broke, but you can find similar flowers on Amazon.
Reminds me of 70’s! Peace… and you rock, Michelle!
? and peace to you too my friend
I love all the colours!
Me too Claire. They’re so bright and happy
The most beautiful dreamcatcher I’ve ever seen! Love all the bright happy colors! Brings back those hippie memories. LOL
Awww Linda, thanks so much ? and carefree hippy memories are the best
YES!!!! Finally something that’s colourful and perfectly imperfect. I’m getting do tired of the farmhouse thing. Most of the people wouldn’t even cope on a real farm ?
LOL, I’m not sure I’d cope too well on a farm either Sarah, but wild, crazy, barefoot boho I can most definitely do
WOW, just WOW Michelle!! I love this to bits! All of the beautiful colours that you used, make my heart sing! I’m sure it will bring lots of smiles and happy to all!
Those colours make my heart happy too. They’re so vibrant and lushiously gorgeous
This is fantastic Michelle! I love watching the wonders you do!
Thanks so much Maya and right back at you. If there’s one boho styled blogger that rocks it’s you my friend ?
This is so pretty!! Thanks so much for stopping by and for your thoughts and prayers for my upcoming surgery and for my nephew. It is truly appreciated!!
Hugs
Debbie
You’re most welcome Debbie, and I just know your knee op is going to be a success and that you’ll be up and about in no time ?
Absolutely beautiful. Fantastic use of bright, happy colours and it really give’s me the feeling of my favourite song “punk rock girl”! I wouldn’t mind having a a few hours in your craft cupboard….lol.
? If you don’t mind things jumping out and attacking you, you’re welcome to scratch in our craft cupboard anytime ?
Oh my, Michelle. When I lived in BC where it was warm with tall trees, rocks and all kinds of rivers and lakes, I spent the long summers in t-shirts and sarongs. This dream catcher would make an incredible necklace to go with it. Wow. I love the style and bright colours of this, as always a work of art.
? Thank you, Leanna and I can picture you with long hair and bare feet enjoying the all the beautifulness that Mother Nature has to offer
Absolutely amazing idea, Michelle!!!!!!!! Kisses, my friend.
Thank you Mia ?
It’s gorgeous! All the beautiful colours come together so nicely with the bead ring, it’s a piece of art! now I know what to do next with my beads!! 😉
? So happy you liked it Katrin and I just know you’ll add that unique Northern Feeling touch to yours
Michelle this is a dreamcatcher after my hippie heart. Love all the vibrant colors that you have added. I had never heard of a sari ribbon before but it is definitely worth looking into! You really should think of cleaning your craft cupboard more often if it will get you these results.
That Sari ribbon is so cool Mary, and I still have quite a few yards left too. I was pleasantly surprised at how much there actually was in the skein and I’m dying to use it somewhere else, so it’s not going back in the craft cupboard ?
This is definitely the prettiest and coolest dream catcher I’ve seen EVER! Love the boho vibe, the colors, and the textures. But I especially love the peace symbol because the word could use this dreamcatcher right about now! xo
Isn’t it crazy, it’s like the world has gone mad with the bomb blasts all over the place. I’m so sad for all those people so here’s hoping the boho dreamcatcher does bring a little more peace ?