Try It And See: The story behind the discovery of mushrooms dyes

Mushrooms are now widely used as a source for natural dyes. Many dyers today may not know that it all began with an accidental discovery by Miriam Rice, an artist from Mendocino, California. Miriam would later write the first book on using mushrooms as a source of natural dyes in the 1970’s called “Let’s Try Mushrooms for Color.” This groundbreaking dye book was illustrated by my Mom, Dorothy Beebee.
Here, Dorothy gives us a behind the scenes look into one slice of the early history of mushroom dyes, the expansion of their work into two additional books, and her thoughts on the future of mushroom dyes.
To buy the book - please visit Fungi Perfecti
fungi.com/prod...
For more information about the history of mushroom dyes in Northern California, please visit Mushroomsforcolor.com

[@MyraMadeColor]

If you'd like to purchase a copy of the 3rd edition of the book "Mushrooms for Dyes, Paper, Pigments and Myco-Stix" written by Miriam Rice and illustrated by Dorothy Beebee, please visit: fungi.com/collections/other-mushroom-books-1/products/mushrooms-for-dyes-paper-pigments-myco-stix

[@sassysuzy4u]

Just ordered thanks for the link!

[@imkehalpern6422]

Thank you for sending me this incredibly touching video of 2 couragous+ ins pireing women who founded mushroom dyeing❤❤

[@annaj.6577]

Hello, do you ship the book to Europe? (Fascinating video)

[@kathrinevaradaraj4365]

Amazing documentary! As I am wearing my Cortinarius dyed cardigan and knitting up Polypore dyed scarf, I am eternally grateful for the work these ladies put down in experimentation and methodical trials. Most importantly I am thankful for the generous sharing of knowledge so that I too can discover the joy of color.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Cortinarius cardigan sounds wonderful! The sharing of knowledge is so important. Thanks for watching!

[@AgithaCreates]

This needs to be picked up by PBS or BBC! What an inspiring and wonderful, beautifully made documentary 🩷

[@lsemczuk1051]

Absolutely delightful! What an accomplished pair of friends, Miriam and Dorothy, who encouraged each other onward to new levels.

[@MyraMadeColor]

They had an amazing group of friends who collaborated and shared information. It is a fascinating story.

[@terriluff]

This is beautiful! Myra what a treasure you are as a daughter. Not surprising as you come from such an amazing woman. This documentary is so valuable. Love it

[@MyraMadeColor]

What a lovely comment - thank you!

[@aaronhadzess7312]

This story is a moving ode to the power of color, the rich and enduring friendships across the decades and continents, the love of a daughter for her mother. The cinematic beauty of the natural settings immerse you into the warmth and passion of these colors. It is a vibrant , historical and generational adventure. Well done!

[@MyraMadeColor]

Well said. Thank you for all your support!

[@Deivid_C]

What a lovely lady. We should very grateful to both for bringing such fun dies to knowledge of the public

[@hekseketeldye]

What a lovely family document about a lovely lady. I am experimenting a lot with natural dyes and starting to dye with mushrooms too. The first cortinarius we found were the deadly ones that Dorothy was talking about. I was so happy to have finely found some cortinarius in our woods. But my app said deadly!!! I was so disappointed and had a hard time to leave them alone. A search on the internet didn't mention them as dyers anyway. I found a lot of semi-sanguineus this fall and we are looking forward to dyeing with them in the spring ;-} I only wish we could buy the book in Europe too. Myra you did make a lovely document for your mother! Thanks with lots of love from the Netherlands.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Thank you for watching! It's hard to pass up on a mushroom that you think might be a dyer.

[@cyndidaves5313]

Hi Myra, thank you so much for all your beautiful artistry in telling your mothers story and Miriams story, and of course the mushroom stories. You are a beautiful generational story of your own. Thank you for continuing to keep the generations going. xoxox

[@MyraMadeColor]

Thank you so much!

[@lauranicoletti6366]

Myra, I am shedding tears because this film moved me. While I knew a little about Miriam Rice I didn't know anything about the whole story and nothing about Miriam's sidekick! Your mom is a gem and I will look to see if she is still teaching so maybe one day I can meet her. We are what we are because of pioneers like your mom and we owe so much to them. Thank you for sharing her with the world!

[@MyraMadeColor]

Thank you for sharing! She has finally retired from teaching classes.

[@ailienrhijnsburger5178]

Thank you so much for this documentary on your mother and her friends' amazing work. How I wish your mothers book was available in the UK. There is a shop in Alaska willing to ship internationally, but postage is more expensive than the book itself. I just got quoted GBP 85 including postage!

[@MyraMadeColor]

I hope so too!

[@carolbeebee8151]

I am so impressed by the talent in this family!!!! Martin's incredible movie-making skills, Myra's beautiful narration and wonderful natural dyeing prowess in her own right (not to mention knitter extraordinaire!), and Dorothy's amazing journey of discovery, fearless research and experimentation, detailed documentation, generous teaching (and sharing and encouragement), and of course jaw-dropping artistry. To name just a few. I'm so proud to know you all. ❤

[@feltlikeitbydebs]

What a wonderful video. Thank you Myra and Dorothy for creating such an educational and entertaining record of a passion shared. I live in Western Australia and will now be looking quite differently at the ground from now on. Would so love to see this made into a feature short film for the cinemas. All my respect and appreciation. Debs from Down Under.

[@melanie_meanders]

thank you so much for sharing your moms story with us! what fibre art inspirations, dorothy and miriam! this brought me such immense joy. your mom reminds me of my late grandma, who raised me and taught me everything i know about art and the world ♥️

[@susannaharnhart4910]

What an incredible portrait! I loved every minute. Your mama seems amazing!

[@slastenushkaslast3402]

this is an amazing story. thank you so much for telling it and thank you for your moms and Miriams work

[@sannefridolin]

What a wonderful story, told very well. I love the adaventurous spirit of these ladies, and the scientific and artistic exploration of mushroom dyes. They are really pioneers, and wonderful teachers. I would love to buy the books!

[@MyraMadeColor]

We agree! I'll add a link to the description on where to buy the book.

[@CM-xn6xc]

What a beautiful video. In have known so many fiber artists over my 70 years who started trying various plants for natural dyes but never to this level. Well done! Thank you.

[@macybyars1605]

What a wonderful story! I'm a crocheter and knitter- and a broadcasting student- so I can appreciate good fiber arts history and a well-made documentary! Thank you for making this for us and for your family.

[@chaotichungry]

This is such an enjoyable video! I sent it around to friends and family to get them to watch it as well. I have several natural dye books, but nothing using mushrooms, so I am going to try and get a hold of one of the books mentioned. Thank you for making this!

[@MyraMadeColor]

Thank you for sharing, we appreciate it. I will add a link to the description on where to find the book. Don't go to Amazon - it's way overpriced!

[@v-mac2263]

Truly inspiring, thank you!

[@jamiethrogmorton2540]

I kept getting goosebumps while watching this video-how excited these women must have been. Thanks for giving us this window into creative discovery in this unusual niche! 🍄

[@LRW307]

Thank you so much for this! Not only a wonderful story of friendship and discovery but so important to preserve this information for future generations! Will be sharing this widely!

[@MyraMadeColor]

Exactly! Our goal was to preserve the story. Thank you for watching!

[@Wallie-ragnwall]

This documentary is so interesting and beautiful. I love Dorothys drawings❤, and what an impressive body of work Miriam and Dorothy have done. Wait, i have to watch it again.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Glad you enjoyed it! I've always believed her drawings should be widely shared. They are special.

[@luna-xu7fr]

This story is so beautiful and inspiring! I really appreciate you sharing it, it was amazing to watch as someone who just recently learned about mushroom dyeing and started experimenting with it 🍄💚 Dorothy and Miriam are so cool for doing what they did!

[@MyraMadeColor]

Our goal was for the new generation of mushroom dyers to learn the interesting backstory of how it all began - I'm happy that the message reached you!

[@DD47N1]

Oh my goodness! I think Dorothy is my spirit animal in the absolute best possible ways! I would adore walking through the woods and hearing her stories and laughing at that obviously wicked sense of humor! Nature illustration is one of my most appreciated forms of art, one that I have attempted so many times and can never seem to have the patience or eye to master. What an inspiration she is in her curiosity, dedication and spirit! It is also so refreshing to see how much you truly appreciate the person your mother is and the gifts she possesses and shares so selflessly. I've never seen your channel before now but thank you youtube algorithm for an actually appreciated suggestion! Subscribing now and look forward to all that I can learn from the two of you! Can't wait to check out your other videos!

[@lenoreball8798]

Thankyou for this lovely story of Dorothy and Miriam's adventures in dyeing with mushrooms. I love watching you work with your Mom in your vlogs. I have an abundance of fungi in the woods I live in, and am going to try identifying some and perhaps making a dye pot to just 'try it and see'.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Many thanks!

[@lix_fibney1668]

What an incredible catalog of the magical world of fungi. I keep finding more reasons to love mushrooms. Thank you for your diligence and dedication to natural dyes and other resources. ❤

[@myownlittlehouse471]

This is a delight to watch. Your mom is so wonderful! I just started doing natural dyeing about 2 weeks ago. I had some success, but some serious disappointments. Right now, I have a big dye bath of pecan shells on the stove with lots of clean wool in it. I hope it does something! I plan to dye with mushrooms from our property when the weather warms. We are quite rainy here. Thanks so much for all the inspiration and help! You and your mom are just a delight to see working together.

[@MyraMadeColor]

I've been dyeing since forever, and I've also had several recent disappointments. It happens to all of us! Good luck.

[@lagringa7518]

Coming from an edible mushroom hunting family.... this has been quite fascinating, especially when I'd see so many amazing looking mushrooms that my Dad would say "They're not good for anything" because they weren't edible and here we see that they were indeed good for something very interesting and we're finding that some also have health/medicinal benefits! 😀 Have you ever thought to photograph where the mushrooms were picked, because we've noticed that location, what trees and terrain where the mushrooms grow seem to have an effect on taste and their visible color... which might affect their dye colors as well and solve the Cortinarius mysteriosa variations.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Yes, the where they grow also plays an important part. It's all so fascinating!

[@MegWalters-y4m]

Thank you for producing this wonderful video full of information, yes, but also vivacity and wonder.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Our pleasure!

[@karinstocker5344]

Thanks so mutch for all this informations and for your work. greatings from sweden ;-)

[@MyraMadeColor]

Greetings! My Mom has a special place in her heart for Sweden.

[@ulexite-tv]

How wonderful to see a documentary on Dorothy and Miriam. Thank you.

[@DorothyBeebee]

Thank you, Cat! Miriam was such a wonderful and inspirational woman and mentor to me!

[@ulexite-tv]

@@DorothyBeebee She was to me too. Growing up with the Rices as my mother's friends was an amazing gift of beauty and wisdom. I remember when Miriam first showed me your art -- i was awestruck by your combination of precise scientific illustration with decorative layouts and lettering. I had never seen anything like it before, and, yes, i still have my copy of "Let's Try Mushrooms for Color"! Much love to you for all you have given the world.

[@lisascenic]

I took a wonderful class with your mom a number of years back. I honestly don’t know which I enjoyed more - the amazing things she taught us, or her joyful spirit.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Yes, her spirit is so joyful. She loved teaching. Thank you for sharing!

[@ColorMeHappy.Fiberarts]

So glad to find you and to see this lovely tribute! We have not ventured into mushroom dyeing yet, but are really looking forward to learning more. Thanks for sharing your mom's inspiring story!

[@lindamcdonald9199]

Amazing, beautiful dyes and such creative women.

[@MamiesSchoolhouse]

What a beautiful tribute to your Mom and to Miriam, and their various collaborators. It's so important to record the history of craft, and to give credit where credit is due. I have shared your film in the FB group I run, Natural Dye Education.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Thank you for sharing! It was a grand collaboration.

[@Pippi-Longstocking]

I’ve just started watching this and I’m so excited about it. I want to share that I was friends with some folks in the United Kingdom, who do 12th century re-creation often times for the heritage, societies and work for the museums. One of them showed me all of the colors she could make from the natural dyes from items, she picked herself from nature. Basically every color under the sun from bright, bright, pink to vibrant yellow to even color is very close to that royal purple. The only color is she could not make were true black as we know it and fluorescent colors. Her color swatches clearly marked with her recipes went on for pages and pages.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Fascinating! I've seen very old tapestries that were naturally dyed, and it was cool to see which colors faded and which are still vibrant. Dyeing has always been an artform.

[@virginiaoflaherty2983]

What a lovely documentary. In addition to the books available , it would be wonderful to sell a CD of this documentary for teachers of fiber arts. What a inspiring woman your mother is. Thank you for presenting,

[@virginiajaquez7238]

Beautiful video filled with so much information, history, and love for the shroom and each other!! Loved watching it. Thank you!

[@MyraMadeColor]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Tinas_Workshop]

I just stumbled upon this video and was so excited. I have been randomly dying with things in my yard and have been keeping a journal, I have even made a couple videos for KZbin along the way. I have been wanting to try mushrooms but not sure what ones to use in the area and what ones were poisonous but now seeing your video that doesn't actually matter but still best yet and most exciting is that I live just off Airport and 101. I would love to talk to you both more. I would also love to find the book. ❤

[@lindas5964]

Wow what a delightful wonderful mushroom friendship they have! Thank you for sharing this!

[@nancysueleske7819]

I love this as well. I have had some small experience with very intuitive explorations using a few natural dyes. Beautiful journey. Good to remember the fact some materials and mordants not so safe! Thank you!

[@alessamiridis5476]

I had no idea dyeing with mushrooms was possible!! Thank you for this documentary!

[@prettypanda]

This is the video (and book) I didn't know I needed.....

[@mgauthier820]

Fascinating! Such incredible and extensive research to produce a gorgeous color wheel.❤

[@spinningmoments_momentosafiar]

Thank you for this wonderful documentary. So inspiring! Please reach my congratulations to your mother. ❤ I'll try and see!❤❤❤

[@KerryZell]

What a beautiful video!! Such a rich history your mom has. Thank you SO much for sharing this with us!! Truly a treasure.

[@slvrcross]

Not me tearing up. This was an amazing video Myra!

[@MyraMadeColor]

I tear up everytime!

[@jillpeeters4201]

Thank you for making this incredible film. Such a fun and interesting watch! I learned So much! It really shows that even though every mushroom might not be edible, every mushroom is still a good mushroom. Even the little brown ones. :)

[@MyraMadeColor]

Yes! The little brown ones are just as special. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@williambailey8905]

I met Dorothy at a natural dye conference some years ago. What a wonderful lady.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Thank you for all your enthusiastic support!

[@Kayenne54]

6:17 Wow. This is simply the best book I have ever found on warping a loom by yourself!! And the illustrations were the very best help. How amazing. And of course, finding out mushrooms liberate colour for yarns and cloth...Gorgeous and so interesting. Saved to my "how to creative" play list.

[@MyraMadeColor]

That's amazing! Thank you for sharing. My Mom is so pleased.

[@DorothyBeebee]

I'm delighted to hear that someone remembers and has used the Warping book still! That was a wonderful experience for me, and how I actually met Miriam through the publishers, Christine and Robert Thresh!

[@Kayenne54]

@@DorothyBeebee I recommended it to anyone who was interested, and probably a few who weren't lol. but seriously, it IS a great book, best of its kind. You have done well.

[@Minnigirl1]

This was awesome, thanks for sharing ❤❤

[@gardens4harmony]

Thank you for this delightful film! I’ll never forget meeting Dorothy a number of years ago at a mushroom fair in Oakland. I was astonished to see her rainbow of mushroom dyed yarns and thrilled to be able to take classes from her at SOMA camp. Much love and gratitude to Dorothy for her generosity of spirit and heart ❤

[@JeaWis]

Lovely documentary . Wish I could give it a thousand thumbs up 👍. Informative, entertaining, and inspiring.

[@amydebuitleir]

Thank you for sharing a fascinating story in such a beautiful way!

[@wh8096]

Thank you for making this. Truly an astounding and inspiring collaboration! There is something so pure and exciting about these discoveries ^_^ I recently came across Miriam's work in my natural dye explorations and hearing this backstory and teamwork is amazing.

[@MyraMadeColor]

It is so pure and exciting - a great way to explain the feeling. Thank you for watching!

[@donovanwood5371]

It was a real pleasure to hear Dorothy tell her story. As always, I learned a lot. Thank you for this.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Thank you very much!

[@kathleenstokes5865]

What a beautiful documentary. i am particularly fascinated by the Australian dyes and it answers a question I have had for years...Where is all the information on Australian dyes? One thought is resonating with me "try it and see", I can see an adventure with Australian mushrooms comming my way. I really love watching you and your mother together, it is lovely.

[@MyraMadeColor]

The more information that is learned worldwide, the better. I hope you do!

[@freestyleknits]

Amazing story! Thank you for making this video, utterly inspiring.

[@1Mayflwr]

Beautifully done! I’ve been mushroom dyeing and looking for more info for years, it was wonderful to find out more about Miriam and your charming mother, Myra!

[@jaimiebrunet]

What a great Documentary! So interesting.

[@judywood4530]

As a hand spinner who has only used onion skins, this was a fascinating story.

[@kelliecorum5427]

❤ TFS This is fascinating information! I appreciate everyone involved in this story.

[@eileennahan7830]

This is a wonderful documentary. Thank goodness you were to record this wonderful story.

[@quorincollins9965]

This was beautiful and thank you both from my ❤

[@MyraMadeColor]

Our pleasure!

[@HelmyNilsson]

A beautifully made documentary about fascinating women on an exciting topic.

[@-itti-]

Thank you for this beautiful document. Very interesting to watch

[@jackiehamilton793]

Thank you did sharing this. Dorthy was consistent and steady in the work and that was success. I myself am a weaver and became interested in dying about five years ago. I forage the farm and “just try it”. Thank you for this great inspiration in redirecting my thoughts to something I love so much. The discovery of nature and making!

[@MyraMadeColor]

Thank you for sharing!

[@lisaoxley156]

What a beautiful woman led story, thank you for sharing it.

[@alicedeeznuts]

This is just another example of people experimenting for something and accidentally making a really big scientific discovery. Especially seeing how the uses for mushrooms in science are rapidly expanding, these ladies have become part of something much bigger through their love for dyes and willingness to go through trial and error. Thank you for sharing

[@MyraMadeColor]

Thank you for this. You touched on why we wanted to record this slice of fiber arts history.

[@VanK782]

Incredible documentary

[@hannahanna6857]

A very beautiful story❤ Thank you!

[@nz-nz]

What a beautiful story!

[@claymonsterpottery]

How does one acquire a copy of the book? Will there be a reprint? I can only find original printings and older copies for hundreds of dollars. I have mushroom collecting friends who are excited to find good mushrooms for me to try.

[@MyraMadeColor]

I added a link to Fungi Perfecti in the description. Please avoid Amazon if possible. The price is much higher!

[@CM-xn6xc]

Let me add... I went to Amazon to purchase any book by any of these dedicated artists, and the cost is out of my range. But here you have given us a detailed history of this work. Again, thank you.

[@MyraMadeColor]

If you’d like to purchase the newest edition of the book, please visit fungiperfecti.com. I have a link in the description of the video. The price on Amazon is very inflated.

[@Queer_Gabe]

What a joyful, wonderful documentary! Thank you for sharing it all of us ❤

[@MyraMadeColor]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@melissalampman7214]

I ❤ Miriam Rice and Dorthy Bee Bee! Miriam reminded me of my mentor Muriel ,and Bernice. They taught a lot of women to spin, weave, and dye with lichen! 😊

[@Smallwoodlandthings]

I love this! How wonderful to learn about the origins of Mushroom dyeing in the United States! Your mom seems like a wonderful person and so do you!

[@nadinestapler3881]

This is so helpful, thank you.

[@osmia]

Thanks for this - it's inspiring!

[@hawthorngrove3629]

What a fantastic video. I'm a big believer in 'try it and see', if it doesn't work, overdye it. I'd love to know if there is any published literature about Dye Mushrooms or Plants of Australia.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Thanks you! I’m a big fan of overdyeing. It also helps create very interesting shades.

[@DorothyBeebee]

We had an International Mushroom Dye Symposium in Denmark, W. Australia n 2003 which was organized by the very fine mushroom illustrator Katrina Syme. She may know if anything has been published about Australian mushroom dyes!

[@nadineshesapples2647]

About Dye with plants in Australia: Eco Colour by India Flint

[@Rhiow_]

it is sad how I did not search anything about this in brazil, and also the mushrooms here are diferent. maybe now it is my turn to study and share about mushrooms but in brazil version.

[@MyraMadeColor]

Absolutely!

[@tess7510]

Absolutely wonderful documentary. Thank you so much for sharing. Captivating and beautiful and full of exciting homestyle science!!

[@hArtyTruffle]

Wonderful documentary! I’m devastated that this book is unavailable in the UK ☹️

[@mariathomastextiles4397]

Absolutely wonderful thanks for sharing this with us I am so inspired 🍄‍🟫🌈

[@liffelover57]

Thank you so much. What a delightful docu. Inspirational like few.❤

[@lajsa8160]

Hello from Sweden. Thank you for this incredible and beautiful documentary. I'm a knitter and spinner, and I'm fascinated by natural dyeing but I dont have much experience. I have tried some in the summer with plants. When you mentioned Sweden and Carla and Eric my jaw dropped, because I have a book written by them. I have to check the illustrations.... Seeing the joy in Dorothys eyes as she talks about this subject has now inspired me to look for mushrooms too to dye with. And most of all, to try it and see.

[@AB-fr5lg]

A heartfelt thank you for this incredible documentary. Artist, Scientist, Teacher, cofounder of a global multigenerational movement and amazing mother, what a life well-lived and well-used! I did not expect to cry watching a documentary about dyes.

[@melissalampman7214]

I have been dying with mushrooms since I discovered these two gems through David Aurora’s book, and found their out of print book, and in print books😊. My first experiment was with cortinarius on my wood stove, and I exhausted it and got orange,pink and buttery yellow, and was hooked!

[@dianegordon2702]

What a fascinating and well done documentary. You should submit it at film festivals. Thanks!

[@ncmagyar]

Fascinating!

[@christianeschupke3154]

Fascinating!

[@bernicelycklama7619]

Just what I needed to puruse today. I'll be back. I will look for the books. I'll be doing some natural dyes this year. Thank you for sharing.

[@jeanmuller4577]

This is a very beautiful and interesting story and it is good that you are telling it. These ladies really worked hard, did it all with love and accomplished a lot together. Your mum deserves to be celebrated! Thank you for the present of this movie. Love and good thoughts from Georgia/Caucasus.

[@aebyssfashion]

A lovely summary, quite nice life story as well as information, thanks!

[@sannevanbeers]

I’m sorry to inform you but natural dying has been around since like forever and dying with mushrooms has been used in ancient times it wasn’t discovered in the 1970s.

Very nice video hello brother like 💯👍🙋🏻‍♀️✅⭐❤💐

[@MegaRotors]

i dyed with black eyed susan before i tried lobster mushrooms, now im hooked on learning about mushrooms and their colors

[@1daySomeday]

Back then which truly is not all that long ago and is almost the age i am now - i would find self in my teens saying in the 90's "look at how far we have come since her time and looking forward to what the future holds" to now longing for her days back when we today are facing such tragic loss of so many treasurable things.