September has me thinking “Back to School” and I found these great alphabet products in my “love it” bookmarks. Inspiration emerges! Nothing makes a statement better than bold, black letters. (and who can resist the color of chip board? I can’t)
1. Alphabet Notebooks ~ nineteenseventythree.com
2. Alphabet coin purses ~ alphabetbags.com
3. Letterpress Alphabet cards ~ B.Impressed
I saw this very creative pillow idea from Savannah, GA-based Love Lane Designs in the April issue of Southern Living, and it really struck a chord (with a smile). It’s such a small thing–a simple set of numbers and symbols, really. But, I guess it’s a pretty big small thing to know your coordinates, that spot on the planet where your heart resides. Sometimes the coordinates are right where you lay your head and sometimes they’re traveling off somewhere with those who carry your heart around. Regardless, I love this tangible reminder of one small and simple fact… where you are. {and it’s hand-screenprinted, folks!}
Visit lovelanedesigns.com for more of the beautiful work of Lane Huerta. The “latitude” pillow can be customized with your chosen coordinates.
I was recently at my Mom’s home and spotted a collection of old Antiques magazines she picked up from somewhere. Flipping through the December 1945 issue, I noticed the amazing graphic quality of these Shaker illustrations. The article, “Shaker Inspirational Drawings,” by Edward D. Andrews showcased the Shaker tradition of recording visions and spiritual experiences through drawings. These inspired drawings were deemed “gifts” from their spiritual parents who had gone before, and the collection included in the article offered a recurring theme of tree forms. Although the original illustrations were in color, they were, of course, printed in black and white. The contrast of these color-flattened images made them even more striking. Enjoy!
Daily PONDspiration [for making your mark}… JACKIE ROBINSON, No. 42. On April 15, 1947, he made his debut at first base for the Brooklyn Dodgers as the first and only black player in the Major Leagues. Great art, design and architecture aside, THAT’s inspiring. Check out the special page MLB has posted in preparation for Jackie Robinson Day with videos of players and others sharing the personal inspriration Mr. Robinson provided.
Daily PONDspiration [for well-designed birds of a feather}… Photographer Sharon Montrose has such an incredible eye and skill with capturing the inspiration in animals. Here style has such a sparse, but whimsical quality! I love these two from her birds collection because of the exquisite textures and patterns that take center stage. Don’t miss her full catalog of prints at The Animal Print Shop.
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.
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Phone: 662.312.4001
Contact Haley to dive in
