I picked up this French children’s dictionary at our local library book sale not long ago and found a wonderful collection of whimsical illustrations inside. Mon Premier Dictionnaire was published by The World Publishing Company in 1963. It was a French variation of The Rainbow Dictionary originally published in 1947, and the enchanting illustrations by Joseph Low were adapted for both. I just love them and the stories captured by each little vignettes! I think the circus is my favorite.
Have you ever seen images that cause you to take a deep breath? The work of illustrator, Charley Harper, does that for me. Based out of Cincinnati, Harper’s work mostly spanned the second half of the 20th century. It appeared in magazines (notably Ford Times), books and posters in the grand tradition of “Commercial Art” — my Carter’s precursor. Harper described his own work as “minimal realism” and it is really exquisite in its simplicity. I have Todd Oldham’s mammoth catalog of Harper’s work, and I often use it for inspiration in logo projects where simplicity is paramount. I was looking through the book last week and came across some of Harper’s holiday work. It made me smile and take that deep breath.
There’s no better time than the holiday season and the coming new year to think about the process of simplicity. May you and yours have a merry Christmas celebrating the simple truth of Emmanuel – God With Us.
It was very nice to spend a little extra time playing with my little ones over the Labor Day holiday, and to enjoy a break from my normal design work. It was also nice to take a few minutes to recognize how blessed I’ve been with such incredible clients to work with! I was looking back through some posts from the first year of Small Pond Graphics, and I was inspired again by posters designed through the Works Progress Administration. In my 2010 Labor Day post, I highlighted a few from the “living archive” of the Posters for the People website. This weekend, I enjoyed another look through their collection and found a few more designs highlighting the value of work that so much of our country has been built on. Enjoy!
I’m so inspired by the patterns and creative concept behind the wallpaper designs of Grow House Grow. The self-described “narrative-inspired” designs clearly have a story to tell. But, looking at them carefully, they make me want to do more than just read the story (which is lovingly displayed for each pattern on their website). The patterns make me want to write my own story. Perhaps the words of Grow House Grow say it best…
“It can be argued that a good story–and we all have one–inspires and gives meaning to the world around us. From personal histories and architectural details, to souvenirs and heirlooms we hold dear, it’s important to fill our living spaces with things that create an environment that is both personal and universal; just as a good story does. Each pattern Grow House Grow creates has a different tale to tell, and endeavors to spark the creativity, mystery, and comfort of stories in those around us.”
Patterns shown: “Ode to the Unhasty” in guava | “Cottontail” in sweetpea | “Christopher” in thistle | “Ms. Ward” in mantis
[images courtesy growhousegrow.com]
I found this sweet printable calendar over at Cool Mom Picks, and I couldn’t resist making it my 3rd time-marking purchase of the year. It’s created by French-based Tiny Us and is available for a donation of any size to their Presence charity — a school for handicapped children. Given my love of all things paper-related, the paper dolls really struck my fancy. I love their unabashed girlie-ness and the encouragement for play each page provides. I can’t wait to print them!
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
