books

Pogranicze senjy braille flipbook Illustrations of tree, shrew, and wren in Poland

Nature’s Hidden Charms by Liz Dean is a book “featuring folklore, symbology and practical rituals alongside ancient crafts and modern techniques this beautifully illustrated book contains over 50 creative ways to use the gifts of the natural world to make charms, talismans, amulets, altars and much more. These natural offerings provide us with protection, good fortune and healing.” (Waterstone’s)

Watercolour and pen and ink illustrations throughout the book by Lizzie

This book is based on the successful BBC World Service podcast, this book explains how animals have inspired human ingenuity and invention.  Find out how mosquito mouthparts make less painful hypodermic syringes, how fuel injection systems are more efficient thanks to the example of the Bombadier beetle, how mussels have helped foetal surgery, kingfisher beaks made bullet trains more efficient, and the properties of shark skin that have led to more hygienic hospital surfaces.

The illustrations were of the animals, and of the inventions they inspired, and as such were technically challenging.  It’s a fascinating book, with hundreds of “Oh WoW!” moments, and I’m very pleased to be associated with the project