Our Story
When I was a little kid I used to get completely lost in my own world, making up stories as I pored over picture books. Even when I was old enough to read, I often preferred to just look at the illustrations and dream up my own adventures. I did this even when there were no clear characters or narrative situations depicted, but would find a way to project my little self into any imaginary place and wander around it. I did this with maps, murals, thangka paintings, encyclopedia diagrams, board-game surfaces, even upholstery and wallpaper (the 70's had some crazy interior design going on!) It was a very rewarding way to play that nurtured, I think, some of my best qualities as a developing person.
Back then I made the most of what was around, but as a grown-up I always wished that my younger self had access to something designed specifically for that purpose; an expansive, open-ended visual surface to explore, with strange characters and stories to be discovered, in order to indulge his creative impulse.
Some (many) years ago I first conceived of the "storytelling blanket" to be just what I’d longed for all along: an illustrated world large enough to be immersive, and more durable than a picture book. More comforting and tactile than a mural or map.
After countless attempts and refinements, I completed the first blanket as a gift to that little kid (who is still very much a part of me). In the process, I’ve nurtured those qualities that for me embody the most joy: curiosity, intuition, and exploration.
Dreamhatcher has grown out of a desire to produce and share these blankets with young imaginations. I know there are other little ones in the world like I was, who want to spend time dreaming and sharing stories.