2022 Mycopigments Workshop: Exploring Mushroom Dyes of the Redwood Coast with Alissa Allen

On day one we will take a leisurely walk through the woodlands adjacent to our dye lab, looking for fungal specimens. We'll talk about the role fungi play in forest ecology, how to spot ideal mushroom and lichen habitats and how to test for dye potential. After a picnic lunch, we will put our lessons to practice and test a couple of species to determine their dyeability and the best route to color. On day two we will work in-depth with a dozen or so local species, using developed recipes to achieve brilliant, colorfast results. At the end of this weekend-long workshop, you will have the experience and resources you need to carry on your own experiments at home.

All supplies provided: You needn’t bring any supplies to class; wool samples and silk scarves will be provided. You will receive a complimentary silk scarf to practice a demonstrated dye resist technique.

Take home: In this class you will learn about mushroom safety, identification basics, and habitats. You will also learn about the importance of ethical harvest, especially pertaining to lichen dyes. At the end of the day you will take home a detailed recipe card, showcasing a rainbow of samples dyed in class; a beautiful hand dyed scarf; a procedural handout to guide your future exploration, and a customized guide to the best local dye fungi.

We will be indoors and out, so dress in comfortable layers. All supplies will be provided, but there will be a larger community dye pot of yellow and or green dye for a small personal item. Feel free to bring a light weight (1-2oz) un-dyed wool or silk item for the big pot. Un-dyed silk scarves will be available for $5 in class. There may be leftover dye available for sharing between those who are interested. Bring some canning jars with lids, empty jugs or small buckets, if you’d like to take some home.

Cost is $275 per person for the entire weekend

Registration: on Mycopigments website 

Instructor Bio

Alissa Allen has been experimenting with mushroom-derived pigments for 15 years. Raised by a forager in the Pacific Northwest, she has been a student of the natural world her entire life. For the past two years she has been travelling around the US; studying regional habitats and sharing local mushroom dye palettes with fungophiles and fiber artists alike. Mushroom identification is her primary passion, but Mycopigments are her obsession. In addition using mushrooms to dye wool, she is currently exploring lichen dyes and mushroom pigments for paint. You can read more about mushroom dyes on her website http://mycopigments.com/

Photo: Cortinarius smithii. Photo by Noah Siegel