Lichen Dyes: The New Source Book (Dover Crafts: Weaving & Dyeing)
Original price was: $10.95.$6.68Current price is: $6.68.
Lichens are curious plants, composed of fungi and algae that often resemble splotches of paint peeling from rocks or wood. They have been used to create brilliant, versatile dyes for over 4,000 years. In this comprehensive guide based on 25 years of meticulous research, noted textile designer and lichen expert Karen Casselman explains how to create and use dyes derived from these unusual plants.
The text begins with a fascinating history of such Asian and European lichen pigments as Phoenician purple, Roman murex, Florentine orchil, and Norwegian korkje. Consideration of Scottish, Irish, and Scandinavian domestic lichen dyes follows, as well as those used in colonial America. Also discussed at length are safe dyeing methods, with special attention to equipment and preparation of the fiber; ecologically sound dyeing techniques and the use of mordants (substances used to fix dyes); lichen identification; and more. A final section includes charts of lichen dye names and ingredients, additives and alternative mordants, international field guides, useful bibliographies, indices, and other information.
Well written, informative, and filled with expert advice, this excellent guide will be indispensable to novices and experienced dyers who wish to learn the age-old art and craft of dyeing with lichens.
From the brand


Dover Creative Studio
Whether picking up a crochet hook for the first time, carving a piece of wood, or exploring the intricate world of stained glass, Dover Creative Studio books guide every step from start to finish.
Best Sellers
New Releases
Art Instruction
Crochet & Amigurumi
Embroidery & Needlepoint
Knitting
Quilting
General Crafts
Stained Glass
Woodworking
Publisher : Dover Publications
Publication date : November 2, 2011
Edition : 2nd Rev ed.
Language : English
Print length : 96 pages
ISBN-10 : 0486412318
ISBN-13 : 978-0486412313
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.75 x 0.24 x 8.74 inches
Part of series : Dover Crafts: Weaving & Dying
Best Sellers Rank: #538,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #62 in Fabric Dying #218 in Nature Crafts #778 in Fiber Arts & Textiles
Customer Reviews: 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (177) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });
Description
Description
Price: $10.95 - $6.68
(as of Apr 22, 2026 10:56:10 UTC – Details)
Lichens are curious plants, composed of fungi and algae that often resemble splotches of paint peeling from rocks or wood. They have been used to create brilliant, versatile dyes for over 4,000 years. In this comprehensive guide based on 25 years of meticulous research, noted textile designer and lichen expert Karen Casselman explains how to create and use dyes derived from these unusual plants.
The text begins with a fascinating history of such Asian and European lichen pigments as Phoenician purple, Roman murex, Florentine orchil, and Norwegian korkje. Consideration of Scottish, Irish, and Scandinavian domestic lichen dyes follows, as well as those used in colonial America. Also discussed at length are safe dyeing methods, with special attention to equipment and preparation of the fiber; ecologically sound dyeing techniques and the use of mordants (substances used to fix dyes); lichen identification; and more. A final section includes charts of lichen dye names and ingredients, additives and alternative mordants, international field guides, useful bibliographies, indices, and other information.
Well written, informative, and filled with expert advice, this excellent guide will be indispensable to novices and experienced dyers who wish to learn the age-old art and craft of dyeing with lichens.
From the brand


Dover Creative Studio
Whether picking up a crochet hook for the first time, carving a piece of wood, or exploring the intricate world of stained glass, Dover Creative Studio books guide every step from start to finish.
Best Sellers
New Releases
Art Instruction
Crochet & Amigurumi
Embroidery & Needlepoint
Knitting
Quilting
General Crafts
Stained Glass
Woodworking
Publisher : Dover Publications
Publication date : November 2, 2011
Edition : 2nd Rev ed.
Language : English
Print length : 96 pages
ISBN-10 : 0486412318
ISBN-13 : 978-0486412313
Item Weight : 2.31 pounds
Dimensions : 5.75 x 0.24 x 8.74 inches
Part of series : Dover Crafts: Weaving & Dying
Best Sellers Rank: #538,699 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #62 in Fabric Dying #218 in Nature Crafts #778 in Fiber Arts & Textiles
Customer Reviews: 4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars (177) var dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction; P.when(‘A’, ‘ready’).execute(function(A) { if (dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction !== true) { dpAcrHasRegisteredArcLinkClickAction = true; A.declarative( ‘acrLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault”: true }, function (event) { if (window.ue) { ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrLinkClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } } ); } }); P.when(‘A’, ‘cf’).execute(function(A) { A.declarative(‘acrStarsLink-click-metrics’, ‘click’, { “allowLinkDefault” : true }, function(event){ if(window.ue) { ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”, (ue.count(“acrStarsLinkWithPopoverClickCount”) || 0) + 1); } }); });




