Mycopigments

Exploring regional mushroom and lichen dye palettes

Welcome to the colorful world of Mycopigments

Mycopigments are the colorful dyes found within the flesh of certain fungi and lichens. I have been looking at mushrooms most of my life, have studied mycology for almost 20 years, and have been sharing my passion for mushroom dyes for over 15 years! My focus is studying regional mycoflora and utilizing the colorful dyes to entice people to pay closer attention to the role fungi play in our lives; from being a necessary yet understudied part of our ecosystem, to a colorful addition to our wardrobes, to the bonding that foraging brings to families, friends and communities. Nothing brings me more joy than to share this with others.

Forage

Learn to recognize your local dye sources

Experiment

Test for optimal results

Develop

Learn the best ways to extract and preserve your dyes

Optimize

Get the most out of your dye resources

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Mycopigments

Mushroom and lichen dye workshops from east to west

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Mushroom & Lichen Dyers United

A forum for discussing mushroom & lichen dyes

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Mushroom Dyers Trading Post

A place for foragers and dyers to meet and share

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Testimonials

Alissa introduced me to Mushroom and Lichen dyes few years ago. She started me on a path of no return.... I join the local fungus federation, became a mushroom hunter ... a dyer... basically ran down the rabbit hole of 2 international conferences .... endless dyeing , many friends all over the world and engagement with nature in my area that I never knew existed.... Highly recommended with a warning : no turning back!
Yonat Michaelov Santa Cruz, CA

Alissa taught two full workshops for our folk school (The Homestead Atlanta) and I couldn't imagine working with a better instructor. Her wealth of knowledge, engagement with the materials and the participants, her professionalism and top-notch level of preparation (even when traveling!) were unparalleled. As for the dyeing experience itself, it was nothing short of magical! We couldn't believe the gorgeous colors we were able to create. We were all so excited to discover this natural rainbow originating under our feet together. Don't miss the opportunity to experience Alissa's workshops.
Kimmy Coburn - Founder of Homestead Atlanta

Alissa’s class was an amazing experience for our Northern BC town. She opened our eyes to the amazing rainbow of mycopigment dyes growing in our area, and facilitated a fun and educational dye class. Her foraging wisdom was also such a valuable part of the workshop and we learned so much about our forests that we never knew before! Everyone loved the experience!
Kristen Cooper Nutbrown Fort Saint James, BC

Alissa Allen is the founder of Mycopigments. She specializes in teaching about regional mushroom and lichen dye palettes to fiber artists and mushroom enthusiasts all over the world. Alissa got her start in the Pacific Northwest and has been sharing her passion for mushrooms for over 20 years. She has written articles for Fungi Magazine and Fibershed, is published in Nature's Colorways: Conjuring the Chemistry and Culture of Natural Dyes, Long Thread Media, and her work with mushroom dyes is highlighted in True Colors: World Masters of Natural Dyes and Pigments by Keith Recker, Thrums Publications. In 2015, Alissa created Mushroom and Lichen Dyers United and the Mushroom Dyers Trading Post Facebook groups as a platform to mentor, connect, and facilitate discussion between her students and folks with less access to her classes. These groups along with her prolific workshop offerings and informational dye booths have brought together a vibrant community of over 30,000 members. Though her teachings are centered around regional fungal dye palettes, her overall mission is to inspire people to engage more deeply with nature. It is her hope that with engagement, commitment to care for our planet will grow exponentially.