Making Mushroom Prints

Mushrooms are arguably one of nature's most curious and fascinating life forms. Even my one-year-old takes notice, pointing them out as we walk through the woods. Existing in many different forms, some are bright and colorful, others are strange and stinky. Add to that the fact they can appear almost overnight, one can begin to appreciate these unworldly organisms.

Belonging to the Kingdom Fungi, they contain no chlorophyl and most are saprophytes, obtaining nutrition from non-living organic matter. Basically, they "eat" dead plants by breaking them down much like a compost pile. A mushroom is actually the reproductive structure of a much larger organism (technically called a basidiocarp) that grows in the soil, in wood, or another food source . It's purpose is to produce and release spores.

The spores are released from the gill or tube surface and float down from the cap. The number of spores produced by a single mushroom is incredible (we're talking trillions)! The slightest breeze can carry them far and away where a small fraction will find a suitable location for growth and germination. In this activity, we relied on gravity to help transfer spores from mushrooms to construction paper resulting in a one-of-a-kind art project. This simple craft is a great way to incorporate art and nature and is sure to evoke wonder and amazement!

Mushroom Spore Prints

Materials:

• Construction paper (dark colors work the best)
• Scissors
• Bowls
• Hairspray or spray fixative (optional)

Making Mushroom Prints

• Head outside (ideally a few hours after a rain shower).
• Collect mushrooms - try and find a "traditional" cap mushroom with gills underneath.
• Cut the mushroom stem at the base.
• Carefully place the mushroom, gill side down on a piece of construction paper.
• Cover the mushroom with a bowl and let it sit overnight.
• Remove the bowl and lift up the cap.
• Marvel at the beauty of your spore art!
• Let the paper dry, then seal it with hairspray or spray fixative. Spray far above the print so spores are not blown off the paper.

Max collecting the perfect specimens

Show me your gills

Simple enough for a five-year-old!

Common Sense Note: Wash hands after handling mushrooms and never eat any mushrooms in the wild unless they are identified by a professional.