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Archive for hand-crafted – Page 2

inspired by . Chalk Lettering

· January 30, 2012

I’m starting out the week completely amazed and inspired by the work of Dana Tanamachi, a custom chalk letterer and graphic designer. In this digital age, the drawing of letters is almost a lost art. But, I love the gritty and personal quality of these large-scale pieces. I love the whimsy inherent in conveying a message in the chalk medium. I also love the idea of possibly moving our digital tools in reverse — scoping out designs and messages in the digital sphere, and THEN translating that message back to a hand-wrought medium like chalk. [I think I may be gushing.] Be sure to check out the time-lapse video Dana made of the process of creating one of her pieces.

Ace Hotel Room 1021 from Dana Tanamachi on Vimeo.

Categories : inspire

Tags : artists, black and white, chalk, hand-crafted, typography

favorite things . Chalkboards

Posted by haley montgomery

· January 10, 2012

This week, my 6-year-old is back in school. And since I’ve had him at home for Christmas vacation these last 2 1/2 weeks, I’m sorely missing my sidekick. SO, in honor of his return to first grade, I decided to share a collection of chalkboard products I’m excited about these days. Enjoy!

1. Chalkboard placemats — Great idea! from b.a. friend

2. Chalkboard tray from Her Majestys Pug

3. Chalkboard gift tag/labels from TLG Crafts

4. Chalkboard wall border decal from Wallies.com

5. Chalkboard globe from Concept Furnishings

Categories : favorite things

Tags : black and white, hand-crafted, well-designed products

signs . Magee, MS No.7

Posted by haley montgomery

· June 7, 2011

I saw these specimens of artistic ingenuity on the facade of one of the buildings in downtown Magee, MS last Fall. The cool color palette is really inspiring me in today’s summer heat. But, I also love the effort applied to adding just a touch of creative warmth and attention to an otherwise hum-drum surface. I can’t help but imagine that the person who put them there really loves what they do. And they love where they do it. What details am I giving attention to today that let folks know I’m following my passion?

Categories : letters + numbers

Tags : gray, hand-crafted, pinks, signs, vernacular

favorite thing . Your Coordinates

Posted by haley montgomery

· April 28, 2011

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.

Categories : favorite things

Tags : hand-crafted, red, screen printing, textile design

favorite things . Analog Postcards

Posted by haley montgomery

· April 7, 2011

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.

Categories : favorite things

Tags : black and white, hand-crafted, paper craft, screen printing, stationery, vintage design

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.