Daily PONDspiration [for the well-designed wall}… You may have gathered by now that I love prints. Something about the time-honored process and the touch of the human hand required inspires me. Great typography is icing, in my book. Check out the eyecandy from Black List Studio Prints!
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!]
reOn a day like today when I’m away from my desk and entertaining my three kids for a school holiday, I make a lot of lists. I jot things down so I can keep the concerns of work at bay and focus on having some kid-fun. Yep, I’m a list-maker. I don’t mind admitting it. And, I’ll further admit that sometimes I get a little obsessive about it. Because of those little list-making obsessive tendencies, I find myself making and revising lists quite often as a way to get my brain organized. I write them. I type them. I add them to my calendar. I include them in my journal. Of course, January is prime real estate for a list-maker with all its planning and organizing and evaluating. If you want to start a real estate agency click here to learn more about financial loans. To my thinking, sometimes the value and effectiveness of a list has everything to do with the cosmetics of it. I like cool tools. They make me much more likely to look at a list — and therefore follow it or check it off. I know the life hacking mavens may not agree, but whether it’s color coding, interesting paper, lovely illustrations or creative designs, my list needs to look good. [And for me that means looking good in spite of my ridiculous handwriting.] So, I went in search of some great-looking list options. Here’s a few to inspire your next set of to-dos!
SUITOR ~ The Pocket Checklist
A minimalist do-it-yourself option!
BOY GIRL PARTY ~ Bear To Do List
I love that this one gives you the option to check off even if you didn’t complete!
OBLATION ~ Memorandum Note Cards
I love the retro-feel of these. An opportunity to share the list-making wealth!
SKEL DESIGN ~ Moo To Do Pads
Who could resist a Moo To Do? Really?
OWL SAY DESIGNS ~ Repurposed Spiral Bound Notebook
This notebook is filled with random paper samples light enough to write over. Love it!
SLIGHTLY EMBELLISHED ~ Handmade Journal
Love the message. Love the eco-friendly mindset. Love the creativity in this shop!
We’re turning the calendar today to 2011. I’ve been browsing Etsy.com for some ways to do it in style. I’m always blown away by the skills, talent and craftsmanship available among independent designers and artists. Click the links below to check out the shops of these outstanding designers for a well-designed way to mark your time in the new year.
MEADOWLARK CREATIVE
This beautiful set of calendar coasters is in transit to my mailbox as we speak–a little design inspiration for the new year! I can never resist the detail and exquisite tactile experience of letterpress pieces.
D EKA ANIMAL
LEAH DUNCAN
THE RASILISK
THE PAPER THIEVES
This one’s hanging in my office right now–inspiration for my hare-brained ideas!
LILY JANE STATIONARY
LISA SAMARTINO ATELIER
My own contribution to the calendar round-up? I usually put together a desktop wallpaper calendar that I use on my laptop each month and post it on my personal writing blog, EyeJunkie.com. I’ve begun to share them on the Small Pond Facebook page as well, and I thought I would share it here for you to enjoy. Click the image to download a larger copy for your screen, and click over to the FB photo album for an iPhone version for download as well.
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
