Daily PONDspiration [for the well-designed week}… I’m adopting this admonition from Groundwork by Dana Ray as my motto this Monday morning! It’s a fitting goal in work and play. And the intriguing prints of Groundwork are fitting inspiration. Enjoy!
Daily PONDspiration [for the well-designed week}… I’m adopting this admonition from Groundwork by Dana Ray as my motto this Monday morning! It’s a fitting goal in work and play. And the intriguing prints of Groundwork are fitting inspiration. Enjoy!
Daily PONDspiration [for well-designed low tech}… I came across this set of postcards from Yellow Owl Workshop and couldn’t resist the great black and white illustrations and reminders of time-honored tools. Even their hand-screenprinted process gives a nod to now-rare techniques.
Daily PONDspiration [for well-designed mathematics}… I’m inspired by the details this morning and California-based Heath Ceramics offers some great ones for the modern-loving home. Their new ceramic house number tiles feature the iconic typefaces of Richard Neutra (top) and Charles & Ray Eames — both architects and designers on the who’s who of the Modern Movement. I love the way the colors and the raised digits really showcase these classics and highlight the simple shapes of the numerals we see every day. Neutra and the Eames union created the lettering as details and signage for some of their built work. They have been exquisitely embraced and expanded in full typeface sets by House Industries, and now interpreted in ceramics by Heath. Inspiring shapes!
I’ve been noticing lots of wise old owls swooping into my design sphere recently. From prints to home accessories, the whimsical variations are so inspiring. That fluffy cutie up top is circa 2010 dollar store Christmas ornament aisle and hangs on the valance above my desk shooting me wise thoughts throughout the day. The others are some of my favorites from around the cyber forest. Hoot Hoot!
1. The Roddy Owl cushion in teal from Roddy and Ginger. I think he’s looking at me!
2. “Great Horned Owl” limited edition glicee print by Josh Brill at Lumadessa. [LOVE his birds!]
3. You can’t go wrong with an owl named “Prudence”. The BlaBla kid’s collection is so full of whimsy & fun!
4. “Grey Owl” screen print by David Weidman. I’m a huge fan of Weidman’s work and this owl just makes me giggle.
5. White Porcelain Owl Lamp from Michele Varian.
6. Owl switchplate from Anthropologie. For turning on bright ideas!
I recently bought this set of journals/planners from graphic designer Natasha Mileshina’s Etsy shop. She specializes in calligraphy, hand-made planners and organizers, prints, photography and more. The moment I received my package in the mail, I knew it was a lesson in the power of details. From the twine used to wrap the kraft paper bag and the shop logo stamps and stickers right down to the bonus photo prints and personalized “thank you” card (yes, that’s my NAME on there), this package wasn’t just a product. It was a present. Sure, I bought it as a happie for myself because I liked it. But, Mrs. Mileshina’s attention to the details of the packaging made it more like a GIFT. And, it didn’t hurt that her books were exquisitely crafted with minimalist design and just the right splash of color. Plus, her product listing included a few extras like a wooden pencil and ruler and a set of her small prints. It’s the whole package, so to speak.
Here’s the thing. When I got this, I was immediately convinced that she is, well, awesome! I won’t forget her shop, and I’ll want more of her well-designed awesomeness again. It made me re-evaluate how much attention I give to the details of what I provide customers (and friends and children and whoever else crosses my path). Those small Things have the power to turn something ordinary into something unforgettable. Sounds like great marketing to me!
[Be sure to check out Mrs. Mileshina’s portfolio website!]
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.
© Haley Montgomery for Small Pond Graphics.
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