What We Love Right Now May 2, 2012: Dream Catcher Frame Craft

Dream catchers are one of the oldest traditions of Native Americans. The traditional dream catcher was intended to protect the sleeping person from negative dreams by only allowing positive, happy dreams through. The positive dreams would slip through the hole in the center of the dream catcher and glide down the feathers to the sleeping person nearby. The negative dreams would get caught up in the web and vanish once the first rays of sunlight hit the web in the morning.

Why not create a dream catcher with your child? It’s the perfect way to do something fun together and help your child get a good night’s rest full of peaceful, happy dreams. Hang it on your child’s bed post or nightstand.

image via

You can create this dream catcher using this kit from Oriental Trading. If they happen to be sold out simply use popsicle sticks, leather cord, beads, feathers, brown yarn, and light colored fabric to create your dream catcher. All the supplies needed can be found at your local craft store.

Beach Craft Activities

If you’re lucky enough to hit the sand this summer, collecting shells and other beach treasures will more than likely be one of your child’s favorite activities. All those shells will probably make it home with you and then you may be left wondering what to do with those them. Here are some super cute and easy seashell craft ideas.

1. Seashell Mobile

This would make a great addition to your child’s bedroom or playroom for the summer!

What You’ll Need:

Shells

Two dowel rods equal in length

String

Craft Glue

Make it Fast:

1. Use the string to make the dowels into an X shape.

2. Glue the shells onto different lengths of string.

3. Allow to dry several hours to ensure the shells will hold on string.

2. Beach Memory Jar

Fill a large jar with all your treasures and keep them (safely!) forever! Best of all your child can rearrange and move things around whenever they like, creating almost a whole new look.

image via Martha Stewart

3. Shell Frame

If you are going to the beach chances are you’ll snap more than one Kodak moment! Your child can put their favorite picture in a great seashell frame.

What You’ll Need:

5×7 Frame or larger, with wood trim

Small shells

Hot glue gun

Make it Fast:

Arrange shells on frame and glue. Let stand several hours so glue can set.

*for added use foam pieces or letter stickers to personalize with your child’s name

Rainy or Snowy Day Crafting

When rainy or snowy weather has you indoors and the kids start going stir crazy, you may begin to wonder what to do. Filling a box with craft supplies is a great way to liven up these boring days. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this craft starter kit by Land of Nod. It’s great for ages 3 and up and is sure to get your child’s imagination going!