How to Make a Natural Dye Using Lichens

Lichens are an interesting source of natural dyes that have been used for color long before mushrooms. They are a combination of fungus and algae. I wanted to explore this branch of natural dyes with the help of my Mom, Dorothy Beebee, who began dyeing with lichens 50 years ago!

In this video we use Wolf lichen (Letharia vulpina) using a simple water boil dye process. Our sample is 100% wool, no mordant.

IMPORTANT NOTE: When you collect lichens - never collect from trees or rocks - only collect from what has fallen to the ground. Lichens are a living organism that can take years to grow - please be respectful of their important role in our ecosystem.

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[sondragingery]

As soon as I saw that you had a new video I was saying Goodie, goodie! It is so wonderful that you are doing these with your mother, and recording her wealth of knowledge.

[endlessturns]

what a lovely way of teaching you both have.

[datinyone]

the pure joy on your mom's face during this entire video, was wonderful to see :)

[DeeFay-flhs]

A joy to watch. I’d not thought of lichens for dyeing.

[jygood]

Love the videos with your mum. So much information🤗

[maggiesmith]

So well explained. A dyer who understands the chemistry. A pleasure to learn from you.

[elvirakammerscheid]

In Germany we call this lichen fox lichen because this poison kills foxes. But now I know more. Thank you very much!

[MariellaOlden]

Aww this video is so fascinating! I am a freshman biology student and am currently studying lichens as part of our exam, and I am glad to have watched this video for new learning. I loved how your mom explained everything to you! Thanks for sharing this!

[theverbind]

This was so wholesome and educational!

[craftyazshabbyshacjude]

WOW just discovered your channel and what a gem of information you and your Mum especially have. Love this video on Lichens, and always wondered if they would produce a colour.
Here In NZ we have 9 variety's i think it is and will defiantly try your method and note them down. Huge Hugs from down under xx

[vanishrees]

Well, I'm currently dealing with my project work in Master's in botany, the topic goes with dye analysis, which am doing with plant sources such as flowers and fruits..today after watching this video I found it really interesting to dye with lichens! loved your way dying and happy to know some facts about lichens, I really expect a video on how to check colour fastness like washing and light fastness.

[LastMinuteLaura]

I am so glad to have found your channel! I have not explored lichens yet, but I love natural dyeing with plants! Thanks for making this video * *subscribed* *

[corinnevanbalen]

Really love, love, love this video.... Love your mum!

[jdromanos]

So excited to find you have a video about lichen! It’s definitely harder to find info on dyeing with lichens than other natural dyes. I’m curious how long you can hang onto the dried lichen and still get color out of it. I pick up lichen whenever I find it on the ground but it’s usually just small bits and pieces. If I collect over a year or two to get enough to dye with, will the older pieces I’ve collected not do as well? Is there a point where they’re too dried out to use?

[ezgidikdere]

Gooood!!! It was amazing to see you, together! Thank you, both <3

[fibrebitsandbeyond]

Thank you so much for sharing your passion for natural colour. 💞

[WisehudGM]

With your mom the joy can't be explained you're awesome 💕💯🙏

[botanicaltreasures]

Really enjoyable tutorial. Here is South Carolina I gathered some beard lichen Usnea from fallen branches. I’m going to see if it makes a dye.

[TarotLadyLissa]

I want to sit and have coffee with your mom and pick her brain! Shes lovely! Inside and out!

[Dubs]

This lichen isn’t poisonous to touch correct?