WHY TRY IT?
SUSTAINABLE
Mycelium materials is composed of organic substrates and fungi. The waste material, as well as the final products can be composted at home.
Our standard kit is made with hemp shiv, the chipped down stalk of hemp plants grown in the UK.
BEGINNER FRIENDLY
Suitable for people just starting, the kit offers an accessible way into biofabrication without the need for expensive lab equipment.
All you need to do is design and create your mould/ form to cast into. Great for artists and creatives, or as a family activity with your kids!
NATURAL / NON-TOXIC
Mycelium materials are completely natural and free from any chemicals.
The process and the final product produces barely any Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC's) and is from native UK species of fungi known to be safe for humans.
GROWN NOT MADE
You will be working with a living material, co-creating between yourself and the fungi, creating forms and textures that are unique.
Learn a totally different way of relating to the functional materials you can make
HOW TO USE
Equipment Needed
70% alcohol (or soap and water), gloves (optional), a non-porous mould (plastic, glass, or metal), water (distilled preferred), clingfilm, and micropore tape.
Stage 1: Prepare the Mould & Workspace
Clean the mould thoroughly. Disinfect your workspace as well; if working near a flame for cleaner air, keep alcohol well away from it.
Stage 2: Prepare the Substrate
Clean the outside of the substrate bag, then gently break up the contents without opening it. Once opened, check moisture by squeezing a handful—if too dry, add small amounts of water and mix until moist but not dripping.
Stage 3: Fill the Mould
Loosely press the substrate into the mould, avoiding over-compaction so the mycelium can breathe and grow evenly.
Stage 4: Seal & Protect
Wrap the mould in clingfilm, pierce small holes, and cover them with micropore tape (or an alcohol-soaked paper towel if unavailable).
Stage 5: Incubation
Place the mould in a warm, dark area (around 19–25 °C) for up to two weeks, checking occasionally as the mycelium colonises.
Stage 6: Remove & Optional Growth
Once fully white and colonised, remove it from the mould. Optionally, let it sit in a humid container to thicken the surface over the space of a week or more.
Stage 7: Drying & Finishing
Bake at 60 °C for 2 hours to stop growth, then air-dry in a warm, ventilated space until fully dry.
Safety Notes
Watch for unusual colours indicating contamination—treat lightly with hydrogen peroxide or discard if it spreads. Work in a ventilated area and be cautious with flammable alcohol, especially near flames.
Aftercare & Disposal
If your creation reaches the end of its life, break it up and mix it into topsoil or compost—it will decompose in about 3 months. If it gets wet, dry it in a warm, breezy spot. Be gentle when wet, as the mycelium skin can be impressionable.
Enjoy creating! If you share your creation online, tag @goldbirch.studio on Instagram — we love to see what you make!