LICHENS FOR VEGETABLE DYEING

[Frances]

Came across this on Facebook and thought I would share.
www.umilta.net/LichenDyeingEMB.html

[koffipot]

An interesting article Frances and some beautiful dye colours from the lichens.

However, these days, in the interest of ecology, the collection of lichens is strictly regulated in most countries. Fines or even jail sentences can be imposed.

Sometimes a little can be scraped from the winter logpile and I suppose this is more than OK, since it will only go up in smoke.

[luvswool and dyestuff]

That’s fascinating information, Frances, which I will thoroughly enjoy reading.

However, Judith is correct in that the collection of lichens is strictly regulated. When I was in Arkansas last Spring, I saw some tiny lichens clinging to a rock, but reluctantly passed it by.

[Frances]

Very interesting - I had no idea - just checked Georgia and Florida (US) endangered plants and lichens were not listed - I usually find it on broken limbs that have fallen and use it often in floral designs. I believe I have even seen it sold in Hobby Lobby type stores mixed in with mosses.

[chookie2]

There is a particular Lichen that grows in NZ only and is sold online.It gives great reds and purples I am told.

I have yellow and beard lichen on my firewood and collect it during the year until I have enough to play with. So far I have had no successful color with it so it may be the wrong type.

[elizabeth]

In my dye class at MSW, someone said that you could tell if a lichen would give a dye by rubbing it with a cotton swab soaked in alcohol. It may have been something other than alcohol, though.

[koffipot]

Tip:- Always carry cotton swabs and alcohol - or just the alcohol, but don't forget the corkscrew!!

[Shepherdess]

If you are picking lichen in the wild be sure it is not an endangered or protected type.

[chookie2]

I never pick in the wild, just from my firewood...it is needed in the wild to keep the ecosystem in balance.