Join me April 18-19 for a focused two-day workshop in a private studio in beautiful Moss Beach, CA. In this program we will explore the wide range of colorful dyes obtained from wild mushroom and lichen species found in both coastal and inland habitats of Northern California.
We'll start our study with an overview of foraging for fungi and cover natural dyeing basics including:
- safe practices
- ethical harvest
- history of mushroom and lichen dyeing
- tools for identification
- fiber selection
- mordants
- testing for dye potential
Using a curated selection of fungi and Lani's Lana climate beneficial wool, we'll work together to produce a palette of over 20 vibrant samples. We'll take extra care to explore each fungal dye group's special route to optimal color.
On day two, using silk scarves and your choice of protein fibers, we'll explore mushroom dyeing from a more freeform approach. We’ll work with common and abundant, easy-to-recognize species for an array of shades, including raspberry, foxy brown, golden sunshine yellow, smokey violet, deep forest green, seafoam, golden olive, and more!
You'll want to bring a minimum of six, 1/2 - 1 oz bundles of protein fiber like wool, silk, alpaca, mohair, etc, in the form of yarn, fleece, or fabric. Your fiber should be washed and labeled with tyvek. Pre-mordanting is not required. There will most likely be an abundance of dye so please bring extra fiber bundles just in case.
This aspect of the workshop allows us to explore techniques in a less restrictive way while observing the role fiber selection plays in the end result. You’ll not only enjoy seeing how the dyes take to your own fiber, but you’ll be amazed to see the variety of results on the different fiber selections of your friends and classmates.
By the end of this workshop you have experience working with all of the major fungal dye groups. You'll have an instructional booklet to guide your future explorations. a rainbow of samples to weave into small works or share as an educational tool with friends and your community, at least and 6 oz of fungi dyed fiber to create a larger body of work and elegant resist-dyed silk scarf.
This class is limited in size - early registration is key
We look forward to seeing you soon in Moss Beach!
