Making my extracts 

I simmered my collected leaves in  pan for at least an hour (some took longer) this allowed the dye to be extracted. I then used alum to separate the dye from the excess water and once settle the water sitting on top was poured away. The remaining coloured dye liquid was left to dry out on a cloth for 2-3 days.

Creating the watercolours 

I then grinded the dried extract into finer pieces using a pestle and mortar. Adding little drops at a time of my gum arabic binder, I used a glass muller to smooth out the pigment which took around 20 minutes. I then set the smooth watercolour in a shell and used once dry.