Using Fresh Goldenrod Leaves to Make a Paintable Dye Pigment

Q: How can I make a paintable dye pigment from goldenrod leaves?

A: You will want to fill a pot with your fresh goldenrod leaves and top it up with water. Boil the water and leaves for about an hour. Then remove the leaves and boil off the excess liquid until the remaining concentrate is a syrupy consistency. From there, add in a pinch of cream of tartar and equal parts by volume of an alum mordant (100g vinegar, 20g alum sulfate, 10g soda ash, 1g guar). This mixture can be applied by brush or stencil. Rinse and fix after drying.