Happy Flag Day! The American flag is sort of a landmark of branding design, isn’t it? Bold, simple, representative of way more than the shapes comprising it, often evoking strong passion wherever it is depicted. Even when the shapes and forms are changed from the original, the simple message still remains.
I’ve always like this American flag print from House Industries (an American icon, in itself) featuring the Goliath font from Photo Lettering, Inc. American-drawn.
Birds seem to inspire artists and craftsmen everywhere. I have a growing collection of bookmarked specimens that lift my heart, so I’m sure this collection will include subsequent additions. For now, I’ve been mesmerized by these three paper sculptures of birds.
1. Anna-Wili Highfield ~ simply amazing layers of torn paper and wire.
2. Diana Beltran Herrera ~ cut-paper sculptures from this Columbian artist, exquisitely detailed
3. Annie Paso ~ a DIY birch bird card that is fully mail-able
We hold so many mundane things. Pencils, coins, books, soap, sandwiches, tea. I love finding small, but beautiful things to add delight to the simple and mundane habits of daily life. This pressed milk glass tea cup from Tinker Supply Co. is just that. Small. Beautiful. And well beyond ordinary.
Repeating textures and patterns found in diverse places can be serendipity — like the “rosettes” in these three images. The absence of color makes the lines even more prominent.
1. Fabric pin from Brydfirth
2. Cinnamon bun illustration ~ Small Pond Graphics
3. Throw pillow ~ Anthropologie
I’m so impressed with this product. I just wanted to get that out of the way right off the bat. The Sahabo shop creates handmade books (a personal favorite craft) in a variety of flavors that are all spectacular, but this particular variety is so fun. The 100-page journals are made from repurposed vinyl records and their sleeves. The binding looks top-notch too. I love this creative way of recycling a bit of vintage goodness into something beautiful used to record thoughts and ideas. The great part is that an extensive list of album titles are included in the Etsy shop so you can pick your own album to reflect your own inspiration. Honestly, I can’t wait to get one.
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.
NEED A FROG KISSER?
Phone: 662.312.4001
Contact Haley to dive in
