Here’s How The Euro Would Look If It Was Designed By This Hungarian Student

The euro is a controversial currency, but one thing that we can agree upon is that this currency might look a lot better if Hungarian graphic design student Barbara Bernat had anything to say about it. She created a series of fictional Hungarian euros with beautiful and elegant illustrations of European plants and animals that I would just love to have a wad of in my lonely and empty wallet.

Bernat is currently a MA student at the University of West Hungary (this work was her master’s project), so be sure to follow her

More info: Behance  

Forget Coffins – Organic Burial Pods Will Turn Your Loved Ones Into Trees

The idea of coming full circle and returning whence we came from is one that appeals to many of us, regardless of our faith (or lack thereof), and this is an idea captured perfectly by this beautiful new burial method developed in Italy. The Capsula Mundi project by designers Anna Citelli and Raoul Bretzel has developed an organic, biodegradable burial capsule that will turn the deceased’s body into nutrients for a tree that will grow out of their remains.

After being encapsulated in the fetal position, the deceased is buried and either a tree or tree seed is planted above their capsule. The project’s site already has a number of trees to choose from.

The project is currently only a concept because Italian law forbids such burials. If it were allowed to proceed, however, the project’s aim would be to create entire memorial parks full of trees instead of tombstones. And instead of destroying and burying wood for wooden coffins, we would, at the end of our lives, provide sustenance for new trees instead. And indeed, the idea that our loved ones and descendants could visit our tree, care for it and rest in its shade is truly a comforting one.

An Italian company came up with an eco-friendly alternative to coffins

27 Reasons Why You Should ALWAYS Ask for the Window Seat

There are plenty of reasons to ask for a window seat. For starters you can lean on the window if you want to sleep, and you never have to get up for someone else! But it’s what’s outside of that window that is most compelling. The world is a wonderful place, one that looks entirely different from above. From sunrises and sunsets to landscapes, cityscapes and all kinds of cloud formations in between; there’s beauty out there as far as the eye can see.
Here are 27 reasons you should always ask for a window seat.

1. You might see Chicago’s skyline reflected in Lake Michigan

25 Mind-Twisting Optical Illusion Paintings By Rob Gonsalves

The beautiful and mind-bending illusions in Canadian artist Robert Gonsalves’ paintings have a fun way of twisting your perception and causing you to question what in his paintings, if anything, is real.

Most of his stunning paintings have an unclear boundary between the multiple stories they tell, which forces the viewer to jump back and forth between them – like an optical illusion that changes every time you look at it.

Gonsalves’ interest in art began at an early age, which is why he became comfortable with painting such complex misdirections. He had experience with technique and perspective and architectural art by the age of 12. When he encountered Salvador Dali and Rene Magritte, they clearly left a lasting impact on his amazing paintings as well. Take a look!

Magical Macro World Of Snails And Bugs By Vadim Trunov

Vadim Trunov, a self-taught nature photographer based in Voronezh, Russia, takes beautiful macro photos of snails, insects and mushrooms that seem to personify them and weave beautiful little stories around these oft-overlooked creatures’ lives.

Trunov often creates these warm and beautiful moments by manipulating and placing his unwitting subjects, but they don’t seem to mind much. He doesn’t have to go far to find them, either – many of his photos were taken near his home.

Be sure to check out this award-winning photographer’s other photos as well – it looks like the squirrels of Voronezh are especially fond of his camera gear!