A local tree gave up dead limbs from a recent storm. I noticed they were covered with lichen so It was time for an experiment before they were carted off. I am always amazed at how nature continues to give to us.
The tiniest bit of lichen in boiling water immediately began giving color. The cup in the foreground is 
the color within seconds of adding boiling water. You can see the color in the back cups after resting overnight. The left cup had a dash of bakng soda added, the right cup had a spash of ammonia added. The hanks are 1 yard of white homespun wool left overnight.
I can see that lichens are deserving of a dyer’s respect and further experimenting along with eco printing. However, a warning I keep reading about is to never remove these from a standing tree or rock. Only take windfall that might otherwise be headed for the burn pile. I don’t fully understand their part in our ecosystem but it is wise to be kind to nature.
Janice Paine Dawes, Artist 
very cool!
Our spinning guild has formed a study group for mushroom/fungus dyes, it’s amazing the colors they are getting.
I had dismal results a few years ago since I didn’t know the basics of these dye materials. It has been reading some of the groups on FB that has enlightened me.