How to Make Spore Prints?-Beginner Level

Spore printing is something that I’ve only been doing for a little bit of time but comes out with amazing results every time I do it. By following these steps, the mushrooms will release the spores from the bottom of their caps onto the paper creating the pattern of their gills. It is something that people of all ages, young or old, can enjoy doing and whether you’re using it as a fun little activity for the kids or getting into sport printing this is a fun and easy way to start on your journey.

Before we start however, I would like to point out that because many species of mushrooms contain toxins the gloves are a very important part of this procedure and even with the gloves it is still wise to wash your hands or anything else that might have contacted the mushroom after this experiment.

• Round top mushrooms of any kind
• Gloves
• Colored paper,
• Spray bottle with water in it
• Outdoor area
• Plastic or paper cups of whatever size of mushroom you have
• Somewhere to wash your hands off afterwards.
• hair spray
• scissors
• rocks (optionalZ)

Before we begin you will need to Grab out your piece of Paper and set it up in an outdoor location where you are willing for it to stay for the next 24 to 48 hours. Keep in mind your location’s weather conditions as windy weather or stormy weather may cause issues for this project. This is also when you need to put your gloves on.

To get started you need to find a patch of woods or any sort of outdoors area. Oftentimes you can find mushrooms after heavy amounts of rain and cool temps. You can collect anywhere between 1 to 20 mushrooms for this project if they all fit on your paper and your cups and bowls cover them.

Once you have your mushrooms together gently grab the top of the mushroom with one hand while holding the stem with another and twist the top gently pulling the stem as you do so. Remember being gentle is key here you should be able to get the top of the mushroom to come off of your mushroom without breaking the top it is much preferred to have mushroom tops without tears.

Another method you could use to remove the Stems from the caps is to take a pair of scissors and simply cut it off.

·      After you have your mushrooms off of their stems please them in any assortment you wish on the paper With singular ones I would place them in the center of the page so if you have multiple place them in any assortment you like as long as you could still fit the cup and or bowl over top of them.

·      Once placed in a position you like make sure that all your mushroom tops are top up gills down on the paper. Grab out your spray bottle of water and lightly spray your mushroom tops with water. This is to encourage the mushroom to release the spores

Place your bowl or cups over the mushrooms. I usually put rocks on top of mine so there slightly more resistant to wind.

·      Wait Two to 24 hours depending on humidity and how wet the mushroom was before. Be sure not to mess with the mushroom tops or paper until the time is up I give it at least 12 hours to be safe though the time is up to viewer discretion.

While waiting there is no need to check on the mushrooms as long as it's not too windy out you can keep them out. So go take a break you've earned it!

After the time is done, come back out and gently remove the mushroom tops from the paper be careful as the spore prints are very fragile.

If you wish to preserve your sport print there are a few options you could take. Personal favorite is lightly spraying the spore print with hairspray or artist fixative from 12 to 15 inches away.

Well congratulations you made your very first or even hundredth spore print! Great job! Be sure to share your results with those around you and help others delve into this art as well.

If you want to learn more I highly recommend researching your local mushrooms and plant life.