Just back from a stromp in our local woods, of course a four foot furry friend came with, as we went looking for a young small birch tree to be turned into little medal’s of wood for some craft projects I have planned.. No real luck today, everything was to big, to small, o well , it still a great time out in the woods, a nice walk and look what we found in a big old stand of deadwood..

There is scientific evidence developing that indicates that this mushroom has antibacterial properties, however its common use is by artist who use these mushroom’s when fresh to etch designs on and use dried specimens as canvases to paint landscapes or other design’s on.. Provided you cut the base properly, these wonderful rendering are self standing..

They can range in size from four to twenty four inches across and come in both fan shaped and more rounded shapes. Each one is different in its bumps, cracks and lines.. I was lucky enough to find a double growth one today that will allow me to create either a extra depth to the artwork or a two scene peice. I was able to my surprise in the walk in the woods to find a patch of this mushroom with a really dark palette.. and the time of year.. just a lovely color.. as most of the one’s I am able to find are whiter on the undersides.. but I remember finding this color up in NWT and northern Alberta.. I will post a few finished results at a later date..