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Ciera Design Studio

Brand identity and design solutions for creative businesses and passionate entrepreneurs

Back to Boston

January 25, 2012 by Ciera Holzenthal

Finally back to Boston after 36 days home in New Orleans. I am finding it difficult to get back in the swing of things. I found this simple illustration by Lizzy Stewart that says what I am feeling perfectly.

A Very Special Quilt

January 19, 2012 by Ciera Holzenthal

I shared a little sneak peak of this project a few months ago but since it was a surprise, I had to wait to share the final product. For Christmas we gave my grandmother a quilt made from individual squares. We each wrote something special on our square and my aunt sewed them all together into this beautiful quilt!

Quilt Patch

Quilt Patch Detail

If you are interested in giving a quilt like this as a gift and don’t have the sewing skills my aunt has an Etsy shop and accepts custom orders!

What I Wore // BBQ in January

January 16, 2012 by Ciera Holzenthal

My family threw a birthday party for my sister and I last weekend and decided to grill since the weather was so nice! My dad grilled some amazing chicken, peppers and pineapple and my mom made this unbelievable Saints themed cake! One of my 30 before 30 goals is to try some outfit posts this year… so here is my first one along with some Instagrams from the day!

What I Wore // BBQ in January 1

What I Wore // BBQ in January 2

What I Wore // BBQ in January 3

Gray Shirt – Old Navy // Black Shirt – Express // Skirt – H&M // Boots – Thrifted // Locket Necklace – from my grandmother // Whistle Necklace – Forever 21

My username is CieraH on Instagram if you want to follow my photo stream! 

Island Creek Oyster Bar by Oat Creative

January 13, 2012 by Ciera Holzenthal

Love the identity and collaterals for Island Creek Oyster Bar by Oat Creative. It really stands out from the typical seafood restaurant style by pulling inspiration from old school office forms, tags and stamps while incorporating clean typography, touches of handwriting and bold colors. Can’t wait to check this place out in Boston and see all of this beauty in person!

Stanley Restaurant New Orleans

January 9, 2012 by Ciera Holzenthal

My sister and I recently ate at Stanley Restaurant, a cute little place in Jackson Square, New Orleans. We decided to share the Bananas Foster French Toast and the Breaux Bridge Benedict. They split the dishes for us and they were both SO amazing! I’d like to visit Chef Scott Boswell’s fine-dining counterpart, Stella! next.

Stanley Restaurant New Orleans 1

Stanley Restaurant New Orleans 2

Stanley Restaurant New Orleans 3

Stanley Restaurant New Orleans 4

Stanley Restaurant New Orleans 5

Stanley Restaurant New Orleans 6

Stanley Restaurant New Orleans 7

Keep Me Warm by the Fire

January 6, 2012 by Ciera Holzenthal

I have been home in New Orleans for over two weeks and it has only been cold for one day. Even though I’m sitting here with the AC on, I can’t help to think of how to stay warm once I head back to Boston. This winter, I’d like to spend time bundled up, drinking tea and coffee and cooking lots of delicious things!

Keep Me Warm

thermos // journal // slippers // throw // mug // cook book // scarf // teapot // hat

30 Before 30 // A Year of Goals

January 4, 2012 by Ciera Holzenthal

After a much needed break I am ready for 2012! The new year always sparks a sense of inspiration in me and this year instead of picking one resolution for 2012 I decided to make a 30 before 30 list of both professional and personal goals. This works out well since my birthday is on New Years Eve.

01 // create an inspiring studio space at home – in progress
02 // website/blog makeover – in progress
03 // create a better home/work balance and learn to take real days off work
04 // travel to Austin or San Francisco
05 // more tangible artwork
06 // learn to plan better for blog posts and focus on unique and meaningful content
07 // read more books
08 // create a stationery and art print line and online shop
09 // use camera in manual mode more than auto
10 // serious purge of closet and create a coherent wardrobe
11 // design and send out Christmas cards
12 // refinish living room table
13 // explore new places in Boston
14 // more DIY projects
15 // week-long camping trip
16 // visit Salem during October/Halloween
17 // guest posts and/or collaborate with other bloggers
18 // buy another lens for my camera
19 // visit Boston Harbor Islands
20 // host a fabulous dinner party
21 // create a regular exercise program
22 // update my design portfolio
23 // take a self-portrait Done.
24 // go ice skating
25 // try a “what I wore” post – BBQ in January // Wandering the Big Easy and more to come!
26 // learn Zander’s pizza recipe and work on cooking skills
27 // leave the house more (easier said than done when working from home)
28 // one date night a month
29 // throw a special bridal shower/bachelorette party for my BFF – Inspiration Board // Invitations // Party Survival Kit, Food and Photobooth
30 // less online time

In the coming months I will be sharing with you my progress, along with lots of other DIY projects, photography, home decor, arts and crafts, inspired living and all things graphic design! It’s going to be a busy year but I can’t wait! ♥ Ciera

 

Instagram Week In Photos

January 3, 2012 by Ciera Holzenthal

Glitz & Glam, Comedy, Lights, Family, Football, New Orleans, Food & Fun!

My username is CieraH on Instagram if you want to follow my photo stream!

Happy Birthday To Me [and a goofy photo]

December 31, 2011 by Ciera Holzenthal

Happy Birthday To Me [and a goofy photo]

Font: strangelove

December Favorites – A Recap

December 30, 2011 by Ciera Holzenthal

December brought a few changes my way. I am officially back to full-time freelance and because of that I am taking a long trip home to New Orleans! Also in December, I announced that the blog will now be accepting sponsors. I thought a lot about this and decided that it was time! In case you missed some posts throughout the month, here are my favorites:

December-Favorite-Posts

1 // In My Bag
2 // Sultry & Sweet Holiday Looks
3 // Perfect Holiday Packaging
4 // Simple Afternoon Snack Recipe
5 // Maine Antiquing & A Coffee Table
6 // Homemade Gifts & Washi Tape Cards
7 // Ciera Design is Now Accepting Sponsors
8 // Christmas Brunch

I have a lot planned for January but if you have any special requests just let me know! xo Ciera

Christmas Day Brunch Snapshots

December 26, 2011 by Ciera Holzenthal

Yesterday was my parents first Christmas back in their house since hurricane Katrina so it was extra special to be back there! My dad was sick in bed the whole day so that was not ideal but overall it was a great day. And look at what an awesome job my mom did decorating and cooking!

Christmas 2011 Brunch 1

Christmas 2011 Brunch 2

Christmas 2011 Brunch 3

Christmas 2011 Brunch 4

Christmas 2011 Brunch 5

Christmas 2011 Brunch 6

Christmas 2011 Brunch 7

Christmas 2011 Brunch 8

Christmas 2011 Brunch 9

Christmas 2011 Brunch 10

Christmas 2011 Brunch 11

Christmas 2011 Brunch 12

Christmas 2011 Brunch 13

Christmas 2011 Brunch 14

Christmas 2011 Brunch 15

Homemade gifts for everyone!

December 16, 2011 by Ciera Holzenthal

Still in need of a few last minute presents? Glass jars are great for repurposing as gifts. This idea works for everyone on your list since it is totally customizable! Just decorate the jars and fill them with something unique for each person.

Washi Jars 1

 

DECORATE… Displaying gifts in a jar gives a clean appearance that lets the present last long after the holidays. I decorated my jars with washi tape and printed customized tags and labels for them.

THEN FILL… One of my favorite things to fill the jars with is homemade granola. It is delicious and keeps for months. If granola is not your thing, try other homemade items such as jam, cocoa or chai tea mix, candy or mixed nuts. The jars can also be filled with non-edible items such as bath salts, mini terrarium, snow globe, craft or sewing kit supplies… and as you can see, the possibilities are almost endless!

 

Washi Jars 2

Washi Jars 3

Gifts in a jar are a favorite homemade holiday gift of mine because they are easy, inexpensive and one-of-a-kind! I’ll be posting matching washi tape greeting cards and envelopes next week.

Washi tape from Pretty Tape.

Maine antiquing and a coffee table

December 14, 2011 by Ciera Holzenthal

After living in Boston for almost a year we finally ditched the cardboard box for a real coffee table, yay! Zander and I went to a few antique shops while in Maine during our Thanksgiving up there and picked out a table. We plan on refinishing it, but if that takes as long as just purchasing it did, that may take a while. I’ll be sure to post a before and after of that but in the meantime, here are some photos of other items that I found interesting while we were out looking.

Maine Antiques - Deer Head

Maine Antiques - Boat Part and Lady

Maine Antiques - Bottles

Maine Antiques Blue Man and Bottles

Maine Antiques - Buffalo

A simple afternoon snack

December 12, 2011 by Ciera Holzenthal

Mix solid white albacore tuna fish with a small amount of mayonnaise. Place a spoonful of mixed tuna onto a stone ground wheat cracker. Top with a wedge of tomato, grated parmesan cheese, fresh chopped basil, salt & pepper and you have yourself a yummy afternoon snack!

Afternoon Snack

Afternoon Snack

Perfect Holiday Packaging

December 9, 2011 by Ciera Holzenthal

Hopefully you have most of your holiday shopping done (unless you are a procrastinator like me) and now it is time to start thinking about wrapping all of those gifts! I have created a collection of my favorite supplies and some inspirations to help you create unique packages this year! You can also check out this holiday bag DIY from my archives.

 

twine / boxes / tags / something special / sparkle / tape / all inspiration photos click through to source

In My Bag

December 7, 2011 by Ciera Holzenthal

I’ve always loved when bloggers show a peek into their bags soooo I have decided to share mine! The items in my bag change daily but here’s what was in there when I dumped it this time. Hope you enjoy this little glimpse into my bag!

In My Bag Items

1/ Magazines from the coffee shop
2/ Tide to go (always spilling my coffee)
3/ Spare contacts
4/ Reusable bag
5/ Notebook (for ideas and sketching)
6/ Mints (my grandma sent me these Bourbon Street ones)
7/ Pens (always a bunch in there)
8/ iphone (still rocking the 3Gs)
9/ Wallet, business cards and T card
10/ Golden Half camera
11/ Hair clip and bobby pins (hate when my hair gets in my face)
12/ Umbrella (like to be prepared)
13/ Keys (and lots of discount/member cards)
14/ Chapstick and lipgloss (usually have a million in here but Burt’s Bees Pomegranate and Clinique Juicy Apple are my faves)

In My Bag

So, what’s in your bag?

Golden Half Camera Winner

December 1, 2011 by Ciera Holzenthal

Time to announce the winner of my first giveaway that helped to celebrate my blog’s two year anniversary!

Golden Half Winner

Congratulations to Katherine of Through My Looking Glass, I’ll be in touch soon! And thanks to all of my readers and all those who entered!

November Favorites – A Recap

November 30, 2011 by Ciera Holzenthal

November went by so quickly I can barely believe it! I feel like I did not accomplish all that I was supposed to this month but looking forward to a very productive December! Here are some of my favorite posts from the month… and don’t forget that TODAY is the last day to enter the Golden Half Camera giveaway!

November Favorite Posts

1 // Pinterest Picks – Neutrals with a touch of mint
2 // Exploring Arnold Arboretum
3 // Design freebies from me to you
4 // The National Branding by Love and War
5 // Populaire – Favorite Font
6 // Boston Photo Tour – The North End
7 // Golden Half Camera Giveaway – TODAY is the last day to enter!
8 // Thankful For…
9 // Etsy Favorite – Friendship Bracelets
10 // Thanksgiving Instagrams

I have a lot planned for December but if you have any special requests just let me know! xo Ciera

Thanksgiving Instagrams

November 28, 2011 by Ciera Holzenthal

I hope you all had a special holiday with family and friends! I had a relaxing weekend in Maine and now back to work! Here are some snapshots from the long weekend… early mornings… piling wood for the fire… green bean casserole… snow covered hills… all in the details… soup on the fire… carving the turkey… Thanksgiving dinner… loving all the clocks… last leaves falling… family dining room…drying flowers.

Thanksgiving 2011 Instagrams

My username is CieraHolzenthal on Instagram if you want to follow my photo stream!

Etsy Favorite – Friendship Bracelets

November 25, 2011 by Ciera Holzenthal

While writing my thanksgiving post I started thinking about how in grade school everyone used to exchange bracelets or necklaces as a sign of friendship. I have always loved the bright colors of friendship bracelets so I started looking through Etsy to see what was out there. Truthfully, I was not expecting to find so much awesomeness! I mean, look at these bracelets! I think these would make great gifts for any occasion, I want to get them for everyone I know! Do you have a favorite?

Friendship Bracelets1 Ana Osgood Jewelry // 2 Nautical Wheeler // 3 Koko & Beau // 4 It’s Me, Mary // 5 TINNLILY // 6 Nautical Wheeler // 7 Simply You Jewelry // 8 Ana Osgood Jewelry

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