Small Pond Graphics

new stationary . A Gentleman’s Set

· February 10, 2014

I’m not exactly sure why I decided to call these the “Gentleman’s Set” except that they have a decidedly non-girlie slant, and I love the simple black imagery. These block printed designs are new in the print shop, featuring black ink on oatmeal recycled French Speckletone paper — one of my favorites. I’ll be adding several new designs printed on these 4 x 6″ cards.

Bicycle | Chair | Thumbtack | Spectacles

By the way, you may have noticed a change in the print shop. When I started the shop, I named it “The Frogkisser” because I sometimes call myself a frog kisser for hire. However, over the holiday break as I was thinking through the business, I decided the extra name and graphics were a little too much to manage. I wanted to simplify and bring everything into sharper focus. [Yes, even marketing professionals need to re-evaluate, re-tool and refresh!] So, this January, I’ve re-imagined the print shop as “Small Pond Graphics Hand-Drawn” which allowed me to simplify my vocabulary and graphics a bit and bring more consistency to my different creative endeavors. I hope you’ll check back often as I add new designs and prints!

Categories : print shop

Tags : black and white, block printing, print shop, stationery

He Love Me. He Loves Me Not. [printable Valentines]

Posted by haley montgomery

· February 6, 2014

Ok, you definitely can’t enjoy the month of February –the Love month– without a few Valentines! I sent out the February issue of AQUA, my monthly creative ezine, earlier this week, and it included some free printable valentines I thought I would share here also.

I know Valentines Day may make some of you roll your eyes, so I had a little fun with watercolors creating these printable sentiments to appeal to both the loved and the love-lorn. The woodland-inspired set above are for those in the “he loves me” category. AAAND, for those in the “he loves me NOT” group, you’ll find the alternate set below.

DOWNLOAD THE VALENTINES

I hope you’ll take these with all the tongue-in-cheeky-ness intended and enjoy sharing the love loud and proud on Valentines Day and every day. Life is short! Don’t miss the opportunity.

Categories : free art + printables

Tags : printables, Valentines Day, watercolor

client work . Spring 2014 unWINE Downtown

Posted by haley montgomery

· February 3, 2014

It was a busy January with some projects for events in Starkville, and I thought I would share one of them this morning. I was able to do some illustration work for this Spring’s unWINE Downtown wine tasting event hosted three times a year by the Starkville Main Street Association. The Spring edition is often held close to Valentine’s Day, so I wanted to do something that would share the love! Here’s a glimpse at the sketches and the finished poster design. Enjoy!

Categories : client work

Tags : client projects, drawing, graphic design, hand-drawn, hand-drawn letters, red

design read . Uppercase

Posted by haley montgomery

· January 31, 2014

I’m excited! In December, I treated myself with a subscription to UPPERCASE Magazine — “a magazine for the creative and curious. My first issue arrived in the mail this week and I can’t wait to immerse myself in it this weekend. At first glance, it promises not to disappoint with beautiful photography and spreads, a great design and intriguing stories and profiles from lots of creative disciplines, all on nice-to-hold uncoated paper. It’s published, edited and designed by Canadian designer, Janine Vangool. It definitely lives up to the teasers I found online it its companion blog. Enjoy a few of my favorite at-first-glance spreads and I let me know what you’re reading this weekend!

Categories : design reads

Tags : design resources, magazines, photo styling, reading recommendations

favorite thing . Happy Spring to Me

Posted by haley montgomery

· January 28, 2014

It’s cold here in Mississippi this week! We are enjoying temps down in the teens, and my children are disappointed that it hasn’t brought snow flurries. I have to admit I’ve fallen prey to a little Spring weather teasing. Last week we had a little bit of warmer, sunny weather — the way winter seems to waffle in the deep South. The days of Spring-like temperatures sprinkled in between these frigid days are just enough to make me wish for new blossoms.

I have another confession. Sometimes if I’m looking for special inspiration or, like lately, wanting a little touch of Spring to brighten a winter day, I browse Etsy for to find a little happy just for myself. I thought I would share the latest sweet inspiration. This lovely hand-crafted linen flower brooch was created by Wild Peace Organics. The crafter is located in Portland, Oregon, and describes this pin as “eco rustic,” a style I’m loving these days. The packaging was wonderfully simply. The delicate petals, not-quite frayed edges and soft blue-green color let me close my eyes and think of Spring. I can’t wait to wear it when the weather is warmer! But for now, I’ll content myself with simply looking at it 🙂

I hope you’re staying warm wherever you are, and finding your own reminders of the Spring to come.

SaveSave

Categories : favorite things

Tags : blue, etsy shops, hand-crafted, inspired by spring, well-designed products

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.