haley montgomery

Author Archive for haley montgomery – Page 2

maker’s dozen . Valentine

· February 10, 2021

Hello, friends! I’ve been on hiatus from the Field Guide through Covid recuperation, end of year holidays and adjusting to new school and work routines to start 2021. Valentines week seems like a fitting time to share some blog love! Maker’s Dozen highlights my love of vintage, oddities, and general silliness found around the studio. I’ve gathered a few artifacts of love for today’s post to get you in the mood. Love stamps, Pez, my vintage Hallmark heart pin, heart hole-punch (because why use only circles), and an elementary school book of poems from the Scholastic “Weekly Reader”.

Categories : maker's dozen

Tags : ephemera, postage stamps, Valentines Day, vintage design, vintage toys

Shedding Familiar Skin

Posted by haley montgomery

· October 29, 2020

It started with an insomnia-induced binge of Hallmark Channel programming. Then a discussion of orthodontics at dinner. Chapter two in a book on moon symbolism I’m vetting for Maggie. Decorating with scarecrows. Somebody’s instagram post on gardening. A 13th century mystic. Psalm 34. And Fleetwood Mac.

It’s an odd collection of voices, but I’m finding when God wants to say something, He doesn’t play. Or rather, He’ll play anything and everything. On repeat. No herald is disqualified.

Categories : on faith, widow's tale

keep . Salem School Chalkboard

Posted by haley montgomery

· October 15, 2020

If you’ve spent much time browsing the Field Guide, you know that I’m usually inspired by a love of old things, especially if those things add a depth of meaning to my own memories and experiences. Through a little foraging and pandemic-motivated restoration, a new “old thing” is gracing the walls of our entryway as we come and go. It’s giving a fun, old school vibe to our virtual learning efforts, and surrounded by vintage jack-o-lanterns, it’s bringing a finished touch to this much-used space. Today, I wanted to share a little more about this pandemic project!

Categories : keep

Tags : decorating projects, DIY goodness, home keeping, nostalgia, vintage design

On Grief, Four Scarecrows, and Letting Go

Posted by haley montgomery

· October 5, 2020

Grief is so weird. Of that I am sure. The trick seems to be figuring out what to hold on to and what to let go. And, for me, learning how to honor a person’s place in your life — as challenging as that place was — and giving yourself permission to move on.

I put out “the scarecrows” on our porch this weekend. They’ve been part of our fall celebrations as long as my kids have been alive, sitting right there by the window with their same disproportionate smiles. And this year, there are only four.

Categories : widow's tale

A World where there are Octobers [printable calendar]

Posted by haley montgomery

· September 30, 2020

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” My favorite month is here! I have an October birthday, so this month always feels a lot like the start of a new year. That feeling of being on the cusp of something fresh gets an extra boost as we see the change of seasons from summer into fall. And, we are really ready this year! Cooler temperatures arriving right on time has been just the lift my crew has needed.

I hope you’ll download this month’s printable calendar and the cut-away mini 5 x 7″ print to enjoy or share. And, I hope it helps you mark a few special days with those you love. As we head into the autumn season in earnest, there’s no better time to stay close to home and celebrate time with family. My crew has already come up with a few plans for family birthdays, Halloween, and decorating parties that are on our calendar. We have started a list of new recipes to try, and are looking forward to completing a fire pit project in our backyard for s’mores making. Let the season of pumpkin spice and crunching leaves begin!

Categories : free art + printables

Tags : calendars, inspired by autumn, printables, quotes, watercolor

Hello & welcome! I’m Haley Montgomery, and I’m the designer and owner of Small Pond Graphics. I sometimes fancy myself a frog kisser— a documentarian coaxing poignant moments from unexpected places. This blog has evolved from those moments.

The small Pond FIELD GUIDE is part diary, part sketchbook, and part wish list – an archive of ordinary wonders. For years, this space has housed my stories – creative ideas, vintage inspiration, our forays into curious places, and the simple artifacts of quiet of conscious living. Through watercolor, photography, and illustrated tales, these pages uncover the blessing of ordinary days and the wonder found in authentic places and pursuits.

I invite you to open the boxes.
Peek into the drawers.
Rustle through the pages.
I’m honored to have you here.