Phaeolus schweinitzii: Green Dye

An iron mordant is used to “sadden” a natural dye- make it darker or muted. But it’s also used to … More

Phaeolus schweinitzii, Gold Mushroom Dye

When I think of mushrooms I think rain, dripping forest, moist forest floor. Sadly, that’s the opposite of what happening … More

Pisolithus arhizus season usually starts sometime in August here in Northern California. Now that September is upon us, my largest … More

My dyer’s garden grew this summer from one coreopsis plant into seven. The more the merrier. My original idea was … More

This is why a dyer should always – ALWAYS – take notes. While sorting through the 10,000 pictures I’ve uploaded … More

Last month, a good friend sent a late-night email asking me if I’d tried using avocado pits for a natural … More

Washing soda is a type of additive. Additives (also called assistants or fixatives) can change the color of the dye … More

I enjoy creating dyes from natural sources because it forces me to slow down and appreciate what’s growing in my … More

I loved climbing trees as a kid. Lucky for me our backyard was a mini forest of fir, redwood, and … More

A few weeks ago, my Mother (Dorothy Beebee) and I experienced a mushroom dye trifecta: time, mushrooms, and lots of … More