Ciera Design | Brand Identity + Graphic Design Portfolio and Blog of Ciera Holzenthal - page 2

Ever since I gave out friendship bracelets at Alt, I have been wanting to make my own and I finally did! I got these really pretty antique gold square links from Kollabora and decided they would be perfect for these bracelets! I love friendship bracelets for layering with other bangles during festival season and summer and these are easy to make in a variety of colors!

YOU WILL NEED

4 yards of waxed cotton cord or embroidery thread, connector charm, scissors, tape, ruler, super glue

DIRECTIONS

1 Cut the knotting cord into two 30 inch, two 20 inch and one 10 inch lengths. Fold the 20 inch piece in half, pull the loop through the connecter charm, fold it over, and pull the rest of the cord through the loop. Repeat the step on the other side of the charm. These strands will remain anchored.

2 Tape it to something sturdy so the bracelet is secure while you make the knots. Center the 30 inch cord under the two middle strands. Fold the right cord over the middle strands and under the left cord.

3 Pull the left cord under the right and middle strands and through the loop on the right side. Pull the strands tight and push the knot up to the top. 

To finish the other side of the knot, fold the left cord over the middle strands and under the right cord. Pull the right cord under the left and middle strands and through the loop on the left side. Continue going back and forth until you get to the desired length (keep in mind that the clasp will take up approximately half an inch) and then move on to the other side. See video below.

4 To finish the knots, thread both cords up 3–4 knots along the backside. Pliers or a needle may help with this.

5 Cut the ends and dab them with super glue so that they are even more secure. Do this process to both sides.

6 To create a sliding closure, shape the bracelet into a circle and overlap the ends. Using scrap cord, temporarily tie at the ends. Take the 10 inch cord and center it under the strands. You’re going to start the knot exactly the same way you did before.

7 Create 4–5 knots and finish the ends the same way you did before. Undo the temporary ties. The two sets of middle cords become the adjustable ties of the bracelet. Adjust it to fit your wrist and trim the ends.

Thanks to Jasmine for modeling for me!

If you have an extra sec, I’d really appreciate if you could head over to Kollabora and heart my Travel Map Corkboard project so I can win a credit to purchase more awesome craft supplies from them!

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I’m a total and complete sucker for good chicken salad, and I have been for as long as I can remember. When I was little, one of my favorite dinners was chicken salad in pita pockets! I’m lucky to be friends with Connie, who is a wonderful cook all around, and a fantastic chicken salad maker. Now that I’ve talked her into giving me the recipe, I don’t think my chicken salad-loving life will ever be the same!

I spotted this fun font, Mayonaise by Maria Nunes, several months ago, and was just waiting for the perfect recipe to go with it: something a little retro with a nod to the 1950′s. I love that the font is crisp and clean, but still has a hand-written vibe. It is decorative and special, but completely easy to read. It’s kind of perfect!

Connie’s Chicken Salad Inspired by Mayonaise

2 cups mayonnaise
2 Tablespoons dry ranch dressing powder
1/2 cup Cool Whip
4 cups cooked, chopped chicken breast
1 cup chopped celery
1 bunch scallions, thinly sliced
1 cup cooked orzo pasta
1/3 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 cup chopped grapes

In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ranch dressing powder, and Cool Whip. Whisk until smooth, and set aside. In a large bowl, combine all remaining ingredients. Toss with mayonnaise mixture, cover, and refrigerate until needed.

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I can’t wait for next month and I’d love to have you join me on the blog in May! If you’ve got a blog, biz, or brand that you think would be a good fit head over to my advertising page for details! I’m accepting new sidebar ads, as well as more creative partnerships, so if you have any ideas I’d love to partner up! In May I’ll be posting about Jazz Fest, summer vacation plans plus other fun stuff! And as always, let me know if there is anything you are interested in hearing about! The featured spot usually goes fast since you get a guest post or giveaway with it, so grab it fast!

Sponsoring Ciera Design not only means that you get to advertise your blog or business to my lovely readers, but it also means that you’re supporting me in creating what you see here on the blog!

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Did y’all know that April is National Grilled Cheese month? I don’t know who decides these things but I’m going with it, because I love anything cheese! And while I love your good old fashioned slice of cheese between some bread grilled cheese, I though it would be fun to round up some more exciting variations of this yummy sandwich!

1. Beet, Arugula & Goat Cheese Grilled Cheese 2. BLT Grilled Cheese 3. Kale, Grilled Garlic and Cheddar Panini 4. Chile Relleno Grilled Cheese Sandwich 5. French Onion Soup Grilled Cheese 6. Grilled Brie and Goat Cheese Sandwich with Bacon and Green Tomato 7. Grilled Turkey & Brie Cranwich 8. Havarti Dill and Cucumber on Rye 9. The Loaded Nacho “Game Day” Grilled Cheese 10. Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese 11. Super Food and Fresh Mozzarella Grilled Cheese 12. Brussels Sprout and Bacon Grilled Cheese 13. Bratwurst, Sauerkraut, and Muenster Grilled Cheese on Soft Pretzel 14. Brie and Roasted Grape Grilled Cheese 15. Buffalo Chicken and Grilled Cheese Sandwich 16. Bacon Jam and Brie Grilled Cheese Sandwich

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My heart is broken from the violence in Boston. Just yesterday morning I was looking back at this post of how Zander and I spent Marathon Monday last year when we were living in Boston. We walked by the marathon path that morning and it’s so scary to even think about being there for such a tragedy. I’m thankful for my beautiful time in Boston and thankful that I was not there yesterday. From what I’ve heard, everyone I know is safe and I’m continuing to send good thoughts toward Boston and to everyone affected. Hoping that today’s giveaway can add a tiny bit of happiness after such tragedy. 

Whenever I don’t have my ‘real’ camera, my iPhone and Instagram is my go-to for capturing memories. It’s no secret that I looove Instagram, so of course I’m going to love anything Instagram related! In a couple of quick steps, you can turn your Instagram photos into magnets with StickyGram. It’s a fun way to bring your digital Instagram photos to life! I have a few sets up on my dry erase board in my office and thanks to the awesome folks over at StickyGram, you can win your very own set! One lucky reader will get a set of nine StickyGrams! And if you are thinking ahead… this would make an awesome Mother’s Day gift!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Good luck!! Have any questions? Feel free to contact me. If you are in a reader click out to access the Rafflecopter entry form. Please note that your entry will be removed if you do not complete it correctly. I received a free set of Stickygrams but all opinions are my own.

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I just love this handmade Etsy shop called Grace Design. Grace is a Toronto-based handbag and accessories brand utilizing found textiles by Canadian designer Alison Gledhill. Alison’s Spring collection has just been released in her Etsy shop!

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As y’all know, I have been designing desktop wallpaper freebies over the past few months so I was super excited when Alicia from Whimseybox asked if I would design a few for their blog readers! I love creating these because I get total design freedom, it’s a nice change of pace from client work. And while I can’t go and rearrange my office each month, I love switching up my desktop and iPhone wallpapers to keep things fresh! For the next few months my designs will be available for you to download over on Whimseybox’s blog, so go grab this one for April as a great reminder to always look on the bright side! Click here to tweet this quote.

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Q: What tips do you have for developing a project production schedule?

Q: What do you do when a client needs a project done yesterday?  

A: Consider WHY the project is so pushed for time. Do you get the feeling that it is because the client is disorganized and waited until the last minute, or was it more outside the client’s control? If you know the deadline would require pulling all-nighters and working weekends, you may consider charging a rush fee to complete the project in the required time frame. If the client is not willing to pay the rush fee, then my advice is to walk away. These types of clients do not appreciate your time or talent. If you take on the project and do not charge a rush fee, the client will continue to manage future projects in the same manner – rushed and last-minute. In a sense, you would be inadvertently ”training” your client for repeat offenses. 

 

Q: How do you handle multiple deadlines/overlapping projects?

A: As a freelance designer, time management is a skill that needs to be constantly honed. We would all like a steady and consistent stream of projects, but the reality is that there are typically dry spells when you are wishing for more work and then BAM – multiple projects hit and you end up running around like a crazy person. When you are balancing multiple deadlines, I suggest taking out your calendar and prioritizing. Break up the work into chunks and set “mini” internal deadlines for yourself. If you have a 24-page newsletter you are designing, set a goal of completing 6 pages by a specific date. The next day you can change gears and work on another client’s logo. It’s ok to bounce back and forth between projects – just make sure you are still working efficiently and that you don’t sacrifice quality on one particular project because you spent ALL your working hours on another project. 

 

 

What about you? What has been your biggest challenge in handling timelines and project management? 

 

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I’ve missed sharing some of my local favorites ever since my Boston Photo Tour was retired – so I’m starting a new column called Out & About! Sometimes I take New Orleans for granted, so I want to embrace it and share my favorite spots with you! I’m starting out with one of my neighborhood favorites, Satsuma Cafe. They specialize in breakfast and lunch and are so good at what they do. They have the BEST juice, awesome sandwiches, pastries and coffee! I would get juice from there everyday if I could! It is such a cute little spot with a few outdoor tables. I go to the Maple Street location, but they also have one on Dauphine Street. It’s in walking distance from my house, which is great for a nice day. You know, I think I am going to head there right now!

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Outdoor festivals are one of my favorite things in the world. It’s about that time of year when there is one every weekend! Coachella is next weekend and then we have French Quarter Fest, Jazz Fest and a million others here in New Orleans! As you can see, I have been going to Jazz Fest since I was a baby and I have just about perfected my festival attire. It gets HOT at Jazz Fest so I usually wear shorts and a loose tank top. I also love wearing dresses but you have to do the sit test before leaving the house in a dress! I’m always sitting indian style or lying down, so I need to make sure the dress is long and loose enough that I don’t end up flashing anyone! It can also get really muddy so rain boots or sandals that won’t get ruined are a good idea. A hat and shades are also a MUST since it is usually sweltering and I have fair skin. I like adding a few accessories like flowers, bracelets, belts or a cute iPhone case but basically I keep it bright, simple and comfortable. Here are some of my favorites for an effortless festival look!

Mint Lace Shorts / Hello Sunshine iPhone Case / Jelly Sandals / Straw Hat / Fringe Crossbody Bag / Rain Boots / Floral Crown (or DIY) / Retro Sunglasses / Braided Skinny Belt / Strapless Dress / Crochet Tank / Friendship Bracelets

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