Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about our dreamcatchers, kits, workshops, and cultural teachings.
This page is here to help answer common questions about our handmade dreamcatchers, DIY kits, workshops, and the cultural meaning behind them.
If you don’t see your question listed, feel free to reach out — I’m always happy to help.
General Questions
What is a dreamcatcher? A dreamcatcher is a traditional Indigenous object inspired by the web of a spider. It represents interconnection and is known as the web of life. Traditionally used to help guide positive thoughts, to follow your hopes and dreams on the good path and to mitigate the negative dreams and the negative influences. Teachings also vary between Nations. Are your dreamcatchers authentic? Yes. My products are handmade by myself or an Indigenous artist on my team and are inspired by traditional teachings while also incorporating modern materials and creative design. Each piece is made with respect for culture and storytelling. Where are your products made? All products are handmade in Canada. What is T & T Dreamcatchers? T & T Dreamcatchers is an Indigenous-owned business based in Calgary, Alberta, specializing in contemporary handcrafted dreamcatchers, gemstone jewelry, workshops, and cultural education. Every piece is individually handcrafted by Nakota artist Jona Sparvier and created with care, intention, and respect for Indigenous teachings. Are all of your products handmade? Yes. Every dreamcatcher, piece of jewelry, and handcrafted item is individually made by hand. No two pieces are exactly alike, making each creation truly one of a kind. Where are you located? T & T Dreamcatchers operates from Calgary, Alberta, Canada. Local pickup is available by appointment, and we ship worldwide. Can I visit your studio? At this time, visits are by appointment only. If you're interested in discussing a custom order or workshop, please contact us to arrange a visit. Do you participate in markets or events? Yes! Throughout the year, you'll find T & T Dreamcatchers at Indigenous markets, artisan fairs, festivals, corporate events, and community gatherings. Upcoming events are regularly posted on our website and social media.
Are all your dreamcatchers handmade? Yes. Every dreamcatcher is handmade. No two are exactly alike. Do you offer custom dreamcatchers? Yes. Custom orders may be available depending on materials and workload. Please contact me with your idea, preferred size, and budget. What materials do you use? Materials may include hoops, cord, ribbon, leather, beads, feathers, gemstones, and natural elements. Designs may vary slightly from photos due to the handmade nature of the products. Do your products come with information about dreamcatchers? Many products and kits include educational information about dreamcatchers and their cultural meaning. Why are handmade dreamcatchers more expensive than mass-produced ones? Each piece is created by hand with time, care, and intention. Pricing reflects the craftsmanship, originality, cultural respect, and the support of an Indigenous-owned small business. What materials do you use? Our work incorporates contemporary materials including metal rings, cotton cord, ribbon, leather (upon request), faux sinew, feathers, natural gemstones, glass beads, wood, and mixed media elements. Are the gemstones real? Yes. Unless otherwise stated, we use genuine natural gemstones. Because they are natural materials, variations in colour, pattern, and shape are expected and make each piece unique. Can I request leather instead of ribbon? Absolutely. Leather wrapping is available for most custom dreamcatchers upon request. Are your dreamcatchers traditional? No. Our work is contemporary Indigenous art inspired by the teachings and symbolism of the dreamcatcher. We honour the cultural significance of dreamcatchers while creating original works using contemporary materials and artistic expression. Can I request custom colours or gemstones? Yes! Most custom orders begin with a conversation. Together we'll discuss colours, gemstones, symbolism, size, and the story you'd like your piece to represent. Do you make custom memorial dreamcatchers? Yes. Many memorial pieces incorporate colours, gemstones, keepsakes, or symbolic elements that honour loved ones and celebrate their memory.
Product
DIY Kit Collections
What is included in a DIY Dreamcatcher Kit? Kits typically include all materials needed to create a dreamcatcher, along with instructions and educational information. What ages are kits suitable for? Most kits are suitable for ages 7 and up with adult supervision. School and group kits can be adapted for different age ranges. Do the kits include cultural teachings? Yes. Kits include basic information about dreamcatchers and their cultural significance, while recognizing that teachings differ among Indigenous Nations. Do you offer bulk or group kits? Yes. Group pricing is available for schools, workshops, and organizations. What's included in a DIY kit? Each kit contains everything needed to complete your project, including materials, instructions, and access to video tutorials (where applicable). Are DIY kits beginner friendly? Yes. Our kits are designed for beginners while still being enjoyable for experienced makers. Are video tutorials included? Some kits include QR codes linking to step-by-step instructional videos. Can I purchase kits for groups? Yes. Bulk pricing is available for schools, organizations, and workshops.
Workshops and Group
Do you offer workshops? Yes. I offer in-person and virtual workshops for schools, corporations, community groups, and private events. What is included in a workshop? Workshops include cultural background and teachings, step-by-step instruction, required materials or kits, and time for questions and discussion. How do I book a workshop? Please contact me through the website or by email with your group size, preferred date, and location. Do you travel for workshops? Yes, travel may be available depending on location and schedule. Additional fees apply. What types of workshops do you offer? We offer workshops for: Schools Indigenous organizations Businesses Conferences Community groups Cultural events Team building Private gatherings Do participants need experience? Not at all. Our workshops are designed for beginners and experienced creators alike. Are materials included? Yes. Unless otherwise arranged, all materials are included in your workshop fee. Can workshops be customized? Absolutely. Each workshop can be tailored to suit your audience, goals, age group, timeframe, and learning objectives. Do you travel? Yes. Travel throughout Alberta and beyond is available. Travel fees may apply depending on location.
Orders and Shipping
How long does it take to process an order? Ready-made items usually ship quickly. Custom or bulk orders may take several days to weeks depending on size and quantity. Do you ship across Canada? Yes, shipping is available across Canada. Local pickup may be available depending on location. Do you accept wholesale orders? Yes. Wholesale pricing is available for approved retailers and organizations. What is your return policy? Due to the handmade and custom nature of the products, all sales are final unless the item arrives damaged. How long do orders take? Ready-made items typically ship within 3–5 business days. Custom orders vary depending on size and complexity. Estimated timelines will be provided before work begins. Do you ship internationally? Yes. We proudly ship worldwide. Do you offer local pickup? Yes. Local pickup in Calgary is available by appointment. Will I receive tracking? Yes. Tracking information is provided once your order ships whenever available. Can I rush my order? Possibly. Please contact us before ordering to discuss your deadline. What if my package is delayed? Once shipped, delivery times are the responsibility of the shipping carrier. We'll gladly help track your package and assist where possible.
Is it okay for non-Indigenous people to own or make a dreamcatcher? Yes, when done respectfully and with an understanding of its cultural origins. Learning about the history and meaning is part of honoring the tradition. Do your products follow one specific Nation’s teachings? No. Teachings about dreamcatchers vary among Indigenous Nations. My work reflects my own background and the knowledge shared with me, while acknowledging that other teachings exist. How does your business support Indigenous culture? Through handmade work, education, storytelling, and by supporting Indigenous-owned business and cultural awareness. Are dreamcatchers Indigenous? Yes. Dreamcatchers originated with Indigenous Peoples of North America. The earliest known dreamcatchers come from the Great Lakes region, and many Indigenous Nations have their own teachings and stories, while others do not use dreamcatchers in their traditions. Why do different Indigenous Nations tell different stories? Indigenous Peoples are incredibly diverse, with hundreds of distinct Nations, languages, cultures, and teachings. There is no single Indigenous belief about dreamcatchers. The teachings shared through T & T Dreamcatchers reflect my Nakota (Sioux-Assiniboine) perspective. What is cultural appreciation? Cultural appreciation begins with respect, learning, acknowledgment, and supporting Indigenous artists and communities. We encourage people to learn about the cultural significance behind dreamcatchers rather than viewing them simply as decorative objects. Can non-Indigenous people own dreamcatchers? Yes. Dreamcatchers can be appreciated by anyone when approached respectfully and with an understanding of their cultural significance. Where can I learn more? Visit our Learning Centre for information about: Dreamcatcher history The Nakota teaching Dreamcatcher anatomy Colour symbolism Gemstone meanings Cultural appreciation
Payments
What payment methods do you accept? Payments are accepted through the website and in person at markets and events. Do you charge tax? Taxes are applied according to current regulations.
Contact
How do I contact you? You can reach me through the website contact form or by email for custom orders, workshops, or wholesale inquiries.
Custom Orders
How does the custom order process work? Every custom piece begins with a conversation. Rather than simply choosing colours and materials, I take the time to learn about your story, the purpose of the piece, and the meaning you hope it will carry. Together we'll discuss size, colours, gemstones, symbols, and other design elements before I begin creating your one-of-a-kind artwork. What information should I provide? The more you share, the more personal your piece can become. Helpful information includes: The purpose of the piece Favourite colours Meaningful gemstones Important dates or milestones Hobbies or interests Family or cultural connections Spiritual or symbolic elements Photos or inspiration (if applicable) Don't worry if you don't know exactly what you want—we'll work through the ideas together. Can I request specific colours or gemstones? Absolutely. Colours and gemstones are often selected because they hold personal meaning. If you're unsure what to choose, I'm happy to recommend options based on the story or intention behind your piece. Can I request leather instead of ribbon? Yes. Leather wrapping is available on most custom dreamcatchers upon request. If no preference is provided, contemporary materials such as ribbon or cord may be used based on the overall design. Can I include personal keepsakes? In many cases, yes. Meaningful items such as small charms, buttons, jewellery, fabric, or other lightweight keepsakes may be incorporated into your custom piece where appropriate. If you're unsure whether an item can be included, please contact me before placing your order. Do you create memorial dreamcatchers? Yes. Memorial pieces are among the most meaningful creations I make. Together we can incorporate colours, gemstones, symbols, or keepsakes that honour the memory of a loved one while creating a lasting tribute that reflects their story. Will my custom dreamcatcher look exactly like the example photo? No—and that's what makes it special. Every dreamcatcher is handcrafted individually. While inspiration photos help guide the design, no two pieces are ever identical. Your dreamcatcher will be uniquely created to reflect your story while maintaining the style and quality of my work. Can you recreate another artist's work? No. I do not copy or reproduce another artist's designs. However, I'm happy to discuss the style, colours, or overall feeling you're drawn to and create an original piece inspired by those ideas. How long do custom orders take? Production time varies depending on the size and complexity of the piece, as well as my current workload. If your order is needed by a specific date, please let me know before placing your order so I can advise whether your timeline can be accommodated. How much do custom dreamcatchers cost? Pricing varies depending on: Size Materials Design complexity Gemstones Leather or specialty materials Additional custom features Once we've discussed your ideas, I'll provide a detailed quote before any work begins. Is a deposit required? Yes. A deposit or full payment is required before work begins. Once I start creating your custom piece, deposits become non-refundable as materials are purchased and time has been dedicated specifically to your order. Can I make changes after you've started? Minor adjustments may be possible early in the process. However, once weaving and construction have begun, significant design changes may not be possible. Please let me know as soon as possible if you'd like to discuss any modifications. Will I receive updates while my piece is being created? If requested, I'm happy to share progress photos during the creation process for larger or highly customized pieces. This allows you to follow the journey of your artwork while it's being made.