What takes place
The dream catchers I create can be made for many reasons, but the main purpose is to create a memento that celebrates the lives of beloved horses currently in people's lives or those that have passed on. Often, the dream catchers I am asked to make are to be given as gifts and represent the love people have for their equine companions, past and present.
If you would like one of my unique creations for yourself or to give as a gift, please contact me at trainwithnova@xplornet.ca
The information and materials I require from you are as follows:
1. If the horse is/was shod, the shoe should be cleaned and the nails removed. If shoes are no longer available or if the horse was barefoot, I will use one of my horses' shoes.
2. I require as large a quantity of full-length tail hair, pre-washed if possible, as you can send. Ideally, it should be cut off as close to the tail dock as possible, and the circumference should be double your thumb width in order to ensure I have a sufficient quantity to make a more interesting piece.
3. Send me as much additional information as you can on the horse, describing its breed, colour, age, any particular behaviours, special traits, and anything else you think may add character to the piece. Also, if you have riding colours or a colour scheme particular to the horse, please let me know.
I use beads and feathers to represent the information supplied to me. Each owner gets a written description of the meaning of the beads I have used, as well as what the feathers represent. Each dream catcher is created from dreams and with the help of my spirit guides. I honour our ancestors and ask for their guidance when creating the dream catcher, and I incorporate a bit of myself into each one I make. I also include a tobacco pouch in the parcel if it is mailed or delivered by hand.
Aho, all our relations.
I ask that you pay the postage and, if you wish, a donation for the materials used and for the time to make it would be appreciated. The dream catcher takes about 10-20 hours to make, and if you look at the pictures below you will notice they are not alike at all. The reason is that the dream catcher makes itself. The vision of it comes to me as I make it.
(For your convenience, a donation button is at the bottom of the page.)
Baamaapii (Until later)
Nibiwa Nektoshayuk (Many Horses)
Dream catcher gallery
Samples of past Dream Catchers
May 2016, Katniss, young filly who died this year. Loved by Ashley
Katniss, May 2016
Katniss full length, sent to the US
Ashley's dream catcher for her horse Tulley, made Jan 16
Full view of Tulley's message
Tulley's message to Sharon, Jan 16
Closeup of Sharon's dream catcher from Tulley Jan 16
I made this for Marg and her horse Des. He was a white arabian who loved his red mare companion. Nov 15
Full view of Marg's dream catcher. Nov 15
Close up of Clay and Ray's momento. Feb 2015
This was made of two horse tails, Clay (35 yrs) and Roy (21 yrs). They died one month apart and were constant companions.Clay is on the left, Ray on the right. Feb 2015
Made as a Christmas gift from two living horses tails from a daughter-in-law to her mother-in-law. Dec 2014
Dec 2014
full length photo of Xmas gift
One of two dream catchers made for my friend Susie in California. She lost her filly Rouge (a red Friesian filly) and the dream catcher has Rouge's hair, plus the sire and dam's hair. Made in January 2014
Full picture of first dream catcher for Susie
The other dream catcher I made for Susie. Susie provided Zen's shoes and his tail hair, plus the dam's tail hair, jewellery and other accessories. I provided the feathers and made the dream catcher for her. Jan 2014
Full picture of second dream catcher for Susie
Made for the business manager of the Spoons for all his hard work. Dec 2013
Full picture Dec 2013
Made for a lovely little girl who had bad dreams. She provided the shells and the butterfly and the dreams Nov 2013
Full picture of the little girls dream catcher Nov 2013
Made from willow branches and from parrot feathers, this dream catcher was made for a good friend using his feathers. There are colours of each nation, and memories of his past life on this dreamcatcher.
I made this in July 2012 for a lady who's 11 year old horse died of an injury.
I made this in May 2012 for Ceci and her horse Missy. Missy lived a long time, she was a black and white paint. I put feathers on the dreamcatcher
Close-up of July 2012 dream catcher. I used green beads and grean/yellow feathers in this one as the owner was partial to green for her horse. I was given a lot of hair so I could make three strands, one which was braided and green feathers were added.
Also for Missy, but given to her friend Sarah. Feathers and hair on both sides.
Another one for Missy, I made three for the same horse, for three family members who miss her a lot. May 2012
I made this in early Jan 2012 for my friend Heather's horse Henry Fjord. Henry died at age 4, one year ago. He was a valent soul.
Henry's tail hair hangs from the centre of this catcher. Along with a hawks feather.
Two dream catchers made Oct 2011 for two sisters, who's horse Lady died in late summer 2011.
Close-up of Joelle's dream catcher. Lady was a lovely white and cream horse who lived a long and lovely life. Oct 2011
Lady's other rider, Joelle. Made Oct 2011. Lady passed in the summer this year.
First dream catcher made for Russ's pony Ink Spot who died in his 30's. Aug 2007
Close-up of Brynn's dream catcher for Lady, Oct 2011
I made two dream catchers, one for each sister when their horse Lady passed this summer. Made in Oct 2011. This is for Brynn.
Close-up of Ron and Dan's two horseshoe dreamcatcher. Oct 2011
This was made for Ron and his partner Dan. Ron trained my mare Metina and did an excellent job with her. I joined two dreamcatchers for this one.
For the DeBoer family for the Friesian stallion Ouke 313 who died Jan 2011.
A closer look at Ouke's dream catcher. Made April 2011
Close up of Ouke 313's dream catcher. Hair on left is Ouke's, and hair on right was his son who died in 2010 as a foal. I braided the hair to give it a long tail.
This was made for my friend Heather's granddaughter, Eve. I tried something different and put two rings together as this was a Birth Gift. Oct 2010
Shelly's horse Meg died of old age in Oct 2010. She was 23 when she died.
Close up of Meg's dream catcher, Oct 2010.
For Deb, her horse Gem is now 20 and still going strong. Made in Oct 2010
Close-up of Gem's dream catcher. She is a white horse with a white tail.
Tammy's young mare's dream catcher from a distance, Oct 2010
Tammy's horse, a mare, died in an accident at a barrel race in Oct 2010. She was still young.
Tammy's old horse died earlier that year. Aug 2010
For a friend of my farrier, horse died suddenly, May 2009
Reining slider shoe for the Thomson family in Alberta for their deceased stallion. July 2008
I made this for a friend who has no horses, but found the shoe on his property. He lives in Nova Scotia. Made in Jan 2007
Made for the mare Chrystal in Jan 2007 who died that month.
For my friend Linda B for her horse Spot, who is retired this year to have a foal. Made in March 2007
For Kevin who rode my mare Mekeezun, this was for him when she died. Made in July 2007
For Russ my farrier who had a very old pony named Ink Spot. Ink Spot was in his 30's when he died. Made Sept 2007
For a non horse friend who follows the first nations teachings. Nov 2007
For Karen's horse named Sweat Grass Tatti. She is still alive and expecting her first foal in 2011. Made in 2007
This was a gift for Al for his horse, who still lives. Made Aug 2007
This was made for Russ my farrier, for his horse Bugs. Bugs still does the barrel circuit and is in his late teens. Made Nov 2007
Made for a friend who has always wanted a horse and who is of the First Nations. 2007
For Susan and her old boy Aztec.He is now in his late teens, and still as feisty as always. This was made in Dec 2006
This was made for Kerry who rides my old boy Boomer. Boomer is now 22. This was made in Nov 2006.
Made for Linda and her horse Seren. Seren used to live here and my gelding Cloud is her best friend. Made Dec 2006
For my friend Alison and her horse Piper, made in December 2006. Piper lives in Nova Scotia.
For Sherrill, her horse Equinox died Sept 2010 at age 30. This was made in 2006
For Linda, for her horse Dillon who died at age 12, June 2009
A gift to an elderly man who had given me a very old bear rug. 2007
If you wish to donate
Donate to Polecat Paints and Friesians
