check-in : what's on my bench this month?
I had the opportunity to tour a local mushroom farm a while back. I wasn't particularly fond of mushrooms then, I went because of my job. However, after the visit, I became completely fascinated with mushrooms. Unfortunately, this was before camera phones were commonplace, so my memories are all I have. I remember the warehouse being dark and humid, with shelves of large trays of mycelium at various stages of maturity. As we were shown each tray, we witnessed the growth process from germination to the final mushroom fruit. I had no idea how mushrooms grew before this experience.
Recently, after watching The Last of Us and playing the video game again, I recalled the mushroom farm and what an inspirational visit that had been. Now I can't stop thinking about mycelium.
As a result, I am experimenting with making a mycelium ring using beads I purchased on a whim from Austin Creative Reuse and a milk carton pull tab with a ring-like shape.
On the left, you can see the beads I obtained from Austin Creative Reuse. (It's a great place to find exciting new materials without breaking the bank.) On the right, you can see the first ring I created. As someone new to beading, I had to learn the proper tools and techniques to achieve the look I desired. It was a bit of a learning curve, but I eventually took it apart to make the one I am currently working on.
On the left, there's a picture of the ring in its current state. It hangs down to my elbow when I hold it up. On the right, you can see my workspace, where I'm currently adding more tendrils to the ring. I haven't decided on the exact number yet, but I want it to be fuller than it now is.
Honestly, I'm obsessed. So obsessed we may be looking at the beginning of a series. I loved that the milk pull tab was already a ring shape. Now I am brainstorming different single-use plastics with this ready-made ring or bracelet element. I am even thinking about how cool it would be to incorporate color! If you have any material ideas, let me know.