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This months book list! Some books that I have loved about the optimistic power of the natural world to mend itself and us, how to connect with it more, and why we need the wild to not only survive, but to thrive.
Wilding: The Return of Nature to a British Farm by Isabella Tree
Inspirational, accessible, but above all optimistic. I think it will be one of those books that I read again and again. Losing Eden: Why Our Minds Need the Wild by Lucy Jones Both meticulously researched and deeply personal, this book explores our long lived, but often lost connection to our natural environment. The fruit of that research are methods, data and real solutions for improving mental health, physical wellbeing and happier societies. A powerful book. Philip's Stargazing 2023 Month-by-Month Guide to the Night Sky by Nigel Henbest I buy a copy of this every year - this is 2023's ready and waiting. What's that extra bright star? Oh it's Jupiter. If we go outside on Wednesday night we should see the Perseid meteor shower. A true demonstration of the more you know about something, the more wonderful it can be. As Professor Brian Cox says, “A sky filled with tiny, twinkling lights is one thing, but a sky filled with other worlds is quite another. Deeper understanding confers that most precious thing - wonder.” The Long Spring: Tracking the Arrival of Spring Through Europe by Laurence Rose I read this at the beginning of the pandemic, and choosing to be aware of Spring emerging and the hopefulness of new life was definitely a calming influence. A beautifully poetic, bird focused pilgrimage. Rewild Yourself: 23 Spellbinding Ways to Make Nature More Visible - Simon Barnes A playful look at easy ways to reconnect to our wild side in our original surroundings - the natural world. Now I always carry a plastic bag in my backpack so I can sit and dwell in nature no matter the conditions. Fingers in the Sparkle Jar: A Memoir by Chris Packham This book is beautiful, challenging, at times disturbing, but always vibrantly alive. Chris Packham allows us inside his mind and experience of growing up with Asperger's and you won't leave unmoved. Clicking on each book cover or title above will take you to an ethical online bookshop supporting independent UK bookshops, where you can read more details about each book and buy if you feel inspired - for full disclosure I may receive a commission if you do buy them, but all reviews are my own honest opinions. 
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I love books.
I've been prioritising time for reading more - as much to escape the screens as anything and have enjoyed putting some lists together of recent favs that I thought might help spark ideas and starting points on a theme. This list celebrates the joys, hardships and revelations that can come from tenaciously putting one foot in front of another.
The Salt Path by Raynor Winn
A beautiful and profound book, written about her experience of walking the South West Coast Path, with homelessness, personal reflection and overcoming hardship woven through. I loved every moment. Wild by Cheryl Strayed Cheryl takes you on both her reflective inward and challenging outward journey, set along the Pacific Crest Trail in America. Tender, amusing and moving. I've not seen the film adaptation, let me know if it's worth a look! Epic Expeditions by Ed Stafford Expeditions from history are mingled with modern explorers with an emphasis on their kit lists and experiences. Great for gear geeks and armchair explorers alike. Two Steps Forward by Graeme Simsion & Anne Buist A fictional account of walking the Camino de Santiago. An easy read that I enjoyed, but I wasn't captivated, so would love to hear your recommendations for similar themes. A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson You know what you're getting with Bill Bryson - funny anecdotes and social history all mingled together. This one was about hiking the Appalachian Trail in America. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer A moving account of one man's ultimately tragic journey to question everything that modern society accepts as "normal life". Clicking on each book cover or title above will take you to an ethical online bookshop supporting independent UK bookshops, where you can read more details about each book and buy if you feel inspired - for full disclosure I may receive a commission if you do buy them, but all reviews are my own honest opinions. 
I don't know about you, but one of my favourite things about designing is seeing it transform form an idea or a sketch in to real life. It's not always a possibility to see the end result however, so I've trawled the web for impressive free templates to mock up design ideas into reality. It can also be a really useful tool to help Clients visualise what you are designing. Enjoy! Click on the image for the download page. PS Please note I haven't used them all myself yet so you're not allowed to be sad with me if some don't work well. (But please do let me know.)
I've submitted work to be considered for a series of travel books for children. As much as possible, I like to work for people who produce things that I would buy. Tick! The characters are already established, so I had to demonstrate that I understand their style. The colour images are existing books, and the line drawings are my interpretations. I love that they champion hand drawing! Wish me luck. 
I've been doing some work for Create Publishing - ebook layout and cover design, and some advertising key frames... It sounds strange, but it was really weird working in an office rather than my own little studio - great risk of watercolours and computers not being a match in heaven! Which is why I've dabbled with more digitally produced imagery than usual. Now I know how to publish books for e-readers, I'm hoping to finally get round to writing a travel book. Please nag me about it! 
It would appear people do look at my website! Out of the blue, after seeing images of my bags for the market fairs on this blog, I received this email:
I would like to invite you to submit your tote bag prints for a new book title called, Tote bags. The book is to be published worldwide by Laurence King Publishing in 2010. If you are interested in submitting your work for the book, please do contact me and I can send you more information regarding the project. You may also find further information on my blog, linked. It would be great to be able to feature and promote your work in the book. Best wishes They wanted some blurb from me, so to make my designs sound all very interesting in print, I submitted this statement: My work is multifaceted, which I think is reflective in my tastes, influences and design style. I’m currently getting into surface pattern design and decorative illustration. I am inspired by the natural world that surrounds us, and the beauty of minimalism and subtlety. I’ve always felt like a jack-of-all-trades, but I believe that is now referred to as a portfolio career! Generally though, I am drawn to simplicity, striking visuals and creating calming atmospheres. I think artwork becomes something else when it can be carried round in a functional role. Why shouldn’t we surround ourselves with beautiful, but usable things? I couldn’t come up with a reason, which is why I created my tote bags. Tote bags have become popular over recent years because green is the new black, and everyone wants to look like they are contributing, but not sacrifice design in the meantime. You can see the web version here, the book is still under construction. It's a shame I've sold out of them now, when I've printed more, I'll add them to my shop! |
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disclosure
If my blog links take you to external websites, I may be receiving a commission for sharing these products. However, please know that all my reviews are my own thoughts and a true representation, and I would never share anything that I wouldn't or haven't personally used or enjoyed.
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