inspire :: Page 9 :: Small Pond Graphics

Archive for inspire – Page 9

one oversized thing

· August 22, 2012

Proportions are such a funny thing sometimes. They can really make or break a design. I’m always intrigued by items that tweak the conventions of proportions a little toward the unexpected — like this great clutch from Apple & Bee. The bag is about 5 x 7″ and I’m loving the oversized silver clasp. Doesn’t it remind you girls of playing dress-up? That feeling of sneaking a bit of glamour from your mama’s closet. (I hope that’s not just a Southern thing!)

You know, it kind of reminds me not to shoo my Baby Girl away from the bracelet drawer when she sees something that strikes her fancy. These are spectacular times. Go make today a special one!

Categories : inspire

Tags : fashion design, gray, metallic, proportion

inspired by . Flower Constructions

Posted by haley montgomery

· August 20, 2012

Today, I’m really enjoying these “flower constructions” from artist, Anne ten Donkelaar. She had some other more vibrant constructions, but I was so struck by these more minimalist compositions. With flowers, it is so easy to focus on their color, but these really highlight shapes and patterns. Ms. Donkelaar’s work is created from actual found objects from nature, photos, maps and other paper materials. I’m so stunned by their intricacy. Check out her website for her other types of constructions — all show such an admiration and understanding of nature, and the melding of nature with our lives. [The butterfly series is absolutely stunning, and maybe a little haunting.]

Categories : inspire

Tags : artists, black and white, inspired by nature, minimal design, neutrals, paper craft

inspired by . Eames Chairs

Posted by haley montgomery

· August 13, 2012

I came across this US Postal Service stamp set in my bookmarks featuring the creative work of Charles and Ray Eames. I’ve always been inspired by how they applied their design sensibilities to so many different disciplines. The commemorative stamp set was released in 2008 and is a very fun glimpse at some of their iconic designs and maybe their personalities. Of course, the Eames chair designs play a big role in any overview of their work and these tiny images spurred me to search down a few other well-designed products inspired by the chairs. If you’re an Eames junkie like me, I think you’ll love these…

1. Eames Chair Letterpress Coasters from Green Bird Press
2. Eames “Hankies” from The Honey Press
3. Eames Chair print from Weavers of Southsea

Categories : inspire

Tags : furniture design, modern design, vintage design

favorite things . Alphabets No.3

Posted by haley montgomery

· August 8, 2012

I’ve always loved alphabets — anything that depicts letters in a beautiful way, really. This weekend, I was sifting through the dark recesses of my bookmarks again and discovered these three examples.

Alphabets Collection No. 3
1. Elsie Dodds Alphabet cushions
2. Ben Pentreath LTD Alphabet wrapping paper
3. West Elm Alphabet paper weights featuring the chalk lettering work of Dana Tanamachi (which I love)

Categories : favorite things

Tags : black and white, paper craft, typography, yellow

four things for holding things

Posted by haley montgomery

· July 3, 2012

It’s a privilege to have the need to store. It means we have been blessed with ownership and possessions. I love the idea of elevating the mundane act of storage with beautiful and fun containers. I found four things for holding things that just make me smile.

1. Recycled canvas buckets from chewing the cud [also check out their awesome fabric wrapping]
2. Whitewashed wood bins from The Container Store
3. Birch storage boxes from CB2
4. Clear paint cans from The Container Store

Categories : inspire

Tags : 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.