Creative Woodworks & Crafts-059-1998-Fall, страница 72

The Best of Creative Woodworks & Crafts 1998

Wood: red oak—1/2" x 11" x 11" (for the dream

catcher), and 3/4" x 7-1/2" x 8" (for the thunderbird) Tools: scroll saw with No. 7 blades; drill with bits Temporary-bond spray adhesive Sandpaper, assorted grits Craft knife

3-1/2 yards of 1/8" leather lacing* Assorted beads (approx. 55)* Assorted feathers (approx. 30)* Seven conchos*

Artificial sinew (approx. 3-1/2 yards)* Sawtooth hanger Sandpaper, assorted grits Wood glue

Red and Blue acrylic paints Paintbrushes

*Leather lacing, beads, feathers, conchos, and artificial sinew are available as a kit from The Art Factory, 950 Hoilman St., P.O. Box 701. Platteville, Wl 53818. (800) 566-6394 [(608) 348-8332 outside of the US] for $12.95 including S&H.

images produces a striking wall decoration that will be admired by family and friends for generations.

Select the stock

While we used red oak for our dream catcher, many other species of hardwoods are also viable options. The thunderbird was designed to be cut from 3/4" stock. However, hardwoods that are sold as 3/4" thick may actually vary from that dimension (usually under-size). Therefore, we suggest that you check the thickness of your 3/4" stock and adjust the pattern for the thunderbird's body accordingly—that is, trace around the thickness of the wood to make any necessary alterations to the notch at the top of the body, thus ensuring that the head will fit into it snugly.

Cut, paint, and assemble

Attach the patterns, found in Full Size Pattern Section No. 3, to the wood with temporary-bond spray adhesive. Saw out the pattern, making sure to drill the holes in the dream catcher for attaching the web and leather lacing.

Once the parts have been cut, do not immediately remove the patterns from the wood, as they will be useful as painting templates. Use a craft knife to cut out the areas of the pattern that are to be painted. By doing this, the portions of the pattern that remain on the wood serve to mask off the areas that do not require painting.

Paint the dream catcher and thunderbird as shown on the pattern, and allow to dry. Next, lightly sand the painted areas to produce a "distressed" or weathered look.

Secure the thunderbird head to the body with glue

By combining two Native American symbols of 'good luck," Dirk Boelman created this popular project for the August 1995 issue.

INSTRUCTIONS

Sleep tight

This magnificent dream catcher was inspired by a Native American legend that has been passed down for generations. It is said that long ago, Spiderwoman appeared before the people and told them how to have only good dreams—a dream catcher should be hung near where you sleep. Thus, all bad dreams are caught in the spider-like web where they are held until morning, at which time the first rays of the sun will burn them away. Good dreams pass through the hole in the center of the web and then slide down the soft feathers, resulting in your having only desirable dreams.

We have combined our dream catcher with another Native American symbol, the thunderbird, sacred bearer of happiness. The union of these two powerful