DAY ONE.

Guess what? Halloween may be neigh, but it's only a few paltry months shy of being the holidays again. Which means, it's also time to get back into the crafting saddle. So I've dusted myself off and started this project: Dreamcatcher Hoops. I love dreamcatchers. My first was a neon green and purple number covered in plastic pony beads that I scored from my local annual pow-wow. I hung it in my window until the ribbon bleached out and the beads were dull.  This version is a much more versatile accessory, and a surprisingly easy craft.

To make my pair, I used a pair of gold hoop earrings, some embroidery thread, and some glass beads. Begin by cutting a piece of the embroidery floss and string it evenly along the hoop by drawing one end of the string over the hoop then looping it through the loop you've created. Use this stitch to build the foundation around the perimeter of the hoop. Once you've got your first row, begin the second by stringing the floss through the gaps between the knots of the first stitches. You'll begin getting diamond shaped stitches like the ones below. Once you get to your 3rd or 4th row, begin stringing your beads onto your dreamcatcher. Traditionally the beads represent the spider spinning the web of the dreamcatcher. I used multiple beads to decorate the interior of my web. Once the stitches begin getting smaller and smaller, you can finish the stitches by doubling the knot in the final space.

 LE FINISHED PRODUCT!