Here’s a selection of special ‘dream’ craft activities from around the world, suitable for a range of ages, from pre-schoolers to projects even grandparents might want to make themselves!
Paper Plate DreamcatchersNative Americans of the Great Plains believe the air is filled with both good and bad dreams. The legend tells of the good dreams passing through the centre hole to the sleeping person. The bad dreams are trapped in the web where they perish in the light of dawn.
The instructions will suit children 5-11 – younger children will need help to tie the knots. YOU'LL NEED:
HERE'S HOW: Step 1: Cut out the centre of the paper plate using scissors. Punch one hole at the top to hang the dreamcatcher, three to five holes at the bottom for feathers, and holes all along the inside for the webbing. Step 2: Thread the yarn or through the top hole. Step 3: Add a few beads, then tie a knot in the end. If using yarn, you might need to use tape to make a ‘needle’ with it to help pass through the beads without fraying. Step 4: Thread a long piece of yarn or string through on hole in the dreamcatcher, then tie a knot. This is where you’ll start the webbing. Step 5: Star weaving the web using the inner holes, adding beads as you go. Try to go diagonally across with each step.
Step 6: When the webbing has formed by threading through all the holes, tie a knot in the end. Step 7: Where possible, thread the stem of the feather into the bead as you are adding them. Step 8: Tie the other end of the string or yarn with the feathers onto the dreamcatcher, using the bottom holes. That’s it – a completed dreamcatcher. Sweet dreams to all!! |
|
|
Dream Jar
|
Roald Dahl’s book, The BFG, is about an orphan named Sophie who is snatched from her bedroom by The Big Friendly Giant. Together they visit Dream Country, and the giant shows Sophie his collection of dreams which he stores in jars.
This book is the inspiration for this project – with your help, your grandkids can make a Dream Jar to store special dreams, thoughts and feelings. However, unlike The BFG, there’s no need to limit the jar with just dreams – other special things to be placed inside could be: Wishes/dreams for the future Moments from each that that make you happy Things that we are grateful for Things that a child has done well each day Favourite quotes or sayings Personal goals The ideal age for this craft is 6-13. YOU'LL NEED:
|
|
HERE'S HOW:
Step 1: Fold small square of the book covering or contact paper in half. Draw half of a heart shape onto each piece so that the centre of the heart is along the fold. These could also be other shapes of choice, such as stars, circles and stripes.
Step 2: Cut out the shape.
Step 3: Stick the shapes to the jar, placing them randomly until the jar is well covered.
Step 4: Using the sponge, dab the chosen colour paint all over the jar until the shapes are covered.
Step 5: Allow the paint to dry, then carefully peel off all the shapes. Tie a colourful ribbon around the top of the jar, if desired.
Step 6: Have the child write dreams and wishes on small squares of decorative paper, the roll them into tiny scrolls and place in the jar.
Step 1: Fold small square of the book covering or contact paper in half. Draw half of a heart shape onto each piece so that the centre of the heart is along the fold. These could also be other shapes of choice, such as stars, circles and stripes.
Step 2: Cut out the shape.
Step 3: Stick the shapes to the jar, placing them randomly until the jar is well covered.
Step 4: Using the sponge, dab the chosen colour paint all over the jar until the shapes are covered.
Step 5: Allow the paint to dry, then carefully peel off all the shapes. Tie a colourful ribbon around the top of the jar, if desired.
Step 6: Have the child write dreams and wishes on small squares of decorative paper, the roll them into tiny scrolls and place in the jar.
Night Sky Dream MobileThis easy activity will bring the fascinating night sky to life and lets kids imagine their dreams soaring into space! Suits ages from 4+
YOU'LL NEED:
HERE'S HOW:
Step 1: Cut out shapes such as stars, moons and planets from the black paper. Step 2: Decorate them with glow-in-the-dark paint or stickers. Step 3: Punch a hole in each with the hole punch, then attach each shape to the yarn or string and tie them to the hanger, creating a mobile to hang above the bed. Notes:
|
|
