Introduction to Mushroom Dye and Mushroom Paper Making

Submitted by the Event Organizer

East Bay Natural Grocers

Discover the surprising, beautiful world of fungi-based art in this hands-on, two-hour, and two-part workshop led by local mycophiles Liz & Enrique.

You’ll explore two modern takes on these ancient crafts. Liz will lead you through dyeing fabric with wild mushroom pigments while Enrique explains the art making paper from fungal fibers. And best yet, all will be done using mushrooms foraged right here in California.

Mushroom Dyeing with Liz
A forager and herbalist from Vallejo, Liz will walk you through the full natural dye process: which California mushrooms she uses, where to find them, how to prepare dye baths, and how mordants work to fix color onto fiber. She’ll be showcasing two different colors, and you’ll get hands-on time at the dye pots and take home a hand-dyed silk scarf as your souvenir.

Want to bring something special? You’re welcome to bring your own silk, felt, or wool piece to dye instead.

Mushroom Paper Making with Enrique
Using wild-foraged artist conks and red-belted conks, Enrique will demonstrate how paper is crafted from fungal slurry. You’ll learn about the fungal characteristics along with using traditional screens and deckles, all explained with examples from various stages of drying.

This element is also hands-on as you’ll have a chance at making your own sheet and take home a piece of real mushroom paper.

All supplies for both are included. Book recommendations are provided. A Vitamix appearance may or may not happen.

The workshop will be held at The Meeting Place, an inspiring and airy creative space in the Castro Valley Marketplace.

Disclaimer: Please double check event information with the event organizer as events can be canceled, details can change after they are added to our calendar, and errors do occur.