Eucalyptus, Oak Galls, and Lichen

I brought some of the eucalyptus bark to Jenny's the other day that I had collected from the ground around one of my parents' eucalyptus trees (the one my Mom thinks is a Lemon Eucalyptus). We soaked the bark for a bit (I would do this longer next time) and brought it to a boil twice and let it cool in between (well, it really should have boiled for awhile, but it was hot and we were trying to conserve energy as well). Then put the concoction in a canning jar with some crochet thread and it's been sitting on my window sill solar dyeing (I have no idea if this will work with bark, but what the heck).

I think I will be dyeing more when the weather turns cold and I have the wood stove going. That way I can feed two birds with one seed.

I also found two more oak galls the other evening. I love that they are all different colors.

I see that the ones on the bottom of oak leaves still on the trees are growing and turning brown, I should start seeing more on the ground soon.

Over the weekend, we were in a very forested area with chartreuse lichen growing all over the trees. Fortunately, there was a lot that had fallen on the ground. So, I grabbed a bag and started filling it up. Yes, it dyes chartreuse.

Here's a better look at the color.

Right now, the zip-top bag is the best way for me to store the lichen. There may be some wee critters in there that I don't want in my house and it also looks like an attractive home to other critters that I'd rather not house (maybe because I just got rid of that mouse nest that came with the plastic owl from the last post and I'm still thinking about it). However, I'm starting to realize that these bits of nature that I'm collecting to use as a dye are quite beautiful and would look lovely in a collection of jars. Hmmmm...we'll see....If nothing else, they would be great in jars during Halloween. Those oak galls could be labelled "mummy eyes" or somesuch!

 

Comments

[Lindsey]

those oak galls do look like mummy eyes. great idea for halloween!

[Becka]

I've never seen oak galls before, they're great looking! Also, you had me at wood stove. When can I come visit?