Mushrooms pop up in the strangest places. It has been described as an entire cherry tree growing underground, and where there would normally be cherries hanging off the tree, there are mushrooms that pop up above the ground.
It follows then, if the mushroom is acting as the fruit, the main goal of the fruit is to create seeds so that more mushroom “trees” grow. Only mushrooms don’t make seeds. They make spores. Spores are very tiny, no bigger than a speck of dust, and come in many colors.
Although mushrooms come in many shapes and sizes, the most commonly thought of mushroom has a stem and a cap with gills under the cap. The gills, those fleshy flaps on the underside, are where the spores are. Nature put them in such a place where they are easily transferred, by wind, passing animal, or even gravity as is used in this project. For more information on mushroom basics, visit BackyardNature.net.
Things You’ll Need To Make Your Spore Prints
These items are all normally found around the house. To create these mushroom prints, you will need:
- Construction paper in various shades, both dark and light
- Fresh mushrooms that lay fairly flat when the stem is removed
- Scissors
- Bowls, large glasses or other objects to completely cover the mushroom cap
- Spray fixative, available in art supply stores, or you can also use aerosol hair spray in a pinch
How To Make Your Mushroom Prints
The best way to start this project is to head outside! Mushrooms are in their prime for spore prints a few hours after a rain, when the gills and caps are fairly moist and intact.
- Collect mushrooms. After you pick them, be careful not to jostle them around so that spores aren’t lost before you get to the paper.
- Using the scissors, cut the stem off of the mushroom right at the base.
- Go inside. A garage or other area sheltered from wind is best.
- Choose your paper color…but look closely at the gills first. Spores come in different colors, so choose a paper color that contrasts from the spore color. If the gills are white, choose a dark color, such as brown or black. For brown or black gills, use a lighter color such as yellow or white.
- Carefully put the mushroom on the paper, gill side down, and once it is down, try not to move it.
- Cover the mushroom completely with the bowl or glass. Let it sit a few hours or overnight.
- Carefully remove the bowl and lift up the cap. You’ve made your spore art!
- Let the paper dry in a safe place, and then seal it by spraying it with the hairspray or fixative. Spray it far above the print so that the force of the spray doesn’t blow the spores off the paper.
What To Do With Your Spore Prints
Spore prints make simple and attractive art. Experiment with different mushrooms and colored papers. These prints can be turned into unique cards or can even be framed.
You might be surprised at the beauty that comes out of a simple mushroom. You’ll never pass another one again and not wonder what kind of beautiful print it might make.
NOTE: NEVER eat any mushrooms in the wild. There are some edible varieties, but they should only be identified by professionals. Do not take any chances! Use your mushrooms for art, not lunch!
Karrie McAllister - Mother of three and outdoor/nature enthusiast, Karrie McAllister writes from Small Town, Ohio. Her local lifestyle column, Small Town ...
