Ciera Design Studio

Brand identity and design solutions for creative businesses and passionate entrepreneurs

Pinterest Picks – Brights

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A few of my recent pins to inspire you this weekend. Loving the anchor!

Pinterest Picks

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6

Head over to my boards and pins for all of the inspiration that I have been collecting and if you’re on Pinterest, leave a link below so I can check out your pins! 

And the blue ribbon goes to…

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I had so much fun looking at all of the ribbon winning items at the Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair. Ribbons were awarded for everything from photography and lace to veggies and flowers. The huge cabbages were my favorite, I don’t even think I could have picked the thing up!

Blue Ribbon 1 Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair

Blue Ribbon 2 Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair

Blue Ribbon 3 Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Fair

Blue Ribbon 4 West Tisbury Fair

Blue Ribbon 5 West Tisbury Fair

Blue Ribbon 6 West Tisbury Fair

Blue Ribbon 7 West Tisbury Fair

Brand Spotlight: Kate Spade

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Kate Spade is known all over the world for their bold and stylish designer clothing, shoes and accessories. I recently became fascinated with the Kate Spade brand when I started receiving their email newsletters. They are beautifully designed and I’m always excited when one is delivered to my inbox.

The recent redesign of the online presence was completed by CreateThe Group in conjunction with Kate Spade’s internal creative team. The brand stands out from the crowd with simple shapes, graphic prints and a playful sophistication of vibrant colors and typography that parallel the product perfectly.

That combination of luxury, vibrance, classic elements and a continuing passion and determination to LIVE COLORFULLY is what creates this memorable brand.

Kate Spade Branding Collage

Kate Spade Branding Collage

Kate Spade Branding Collage

Kate Spade Branding Collage

August Break – It’s moving time!

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wherever we are together

Wherever We Are Together by VOL25

 

Did I forget to mention that tomorrow is official moving day for me?! My August Break has come to an end, but between wrapping up a bunch of projects and preparing for the move (into a much needed larger apartment!), I may need to extend the break a few days. My apologies in advance if I am little M.I.A the next few days… I’ll keep you updated about our move and plan on posting photos of our new place as we slowly furnish and decorate it!

 

A Sunny Day In Maine

My break photographs are also linked to my August Break Set on Flickr.

YLC Logo and Gala Invitation Design

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The YLC has maintained its tradition of highlighting 25 members of the community each year since its inception in 1986. I designed the invitation set for the Young Leadership Council 2010 Role Model Awards Gala and was thrilled when they asked me to design the items for the gala again this year! I also designed a 25th anniversary variation of the YLC logo which is used on the gala items. It will also be incorporated into their branding for the upcoming year as they celebrate! 

young leadership council gala 4

young leadership council gala 3

young leadership council gala 2

25th anniversary logo pin and event program shown above. Invitation photographs (1-3) by Ciera Holzenthal. Event photographs (4-6) by Laura Rockett Photography. Visit the YLC website for more information.

 

Camping

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When I was younger I went camping every Spring Break for Easter with my parents and a huge group of their friends and kids. It was always so much fun to be outdoors and explore new territories each time. When I moved away for college I no longer had any of the camping gear so I have not been camping in a long time… until last month! Z and I got a new tent and headed to his family house in Maine. We packed up our tent and an ice chest and rowed to a nearby island so small it does not even have an official name. The town calls it Outlaw Island since a man who escaped from prison lived there a few years back. Yikes! We scouted the best place for our tent (basically the only one section of dry land) and built a fire pit. We drank wine, ate dinner and hung out around the fire. The moon was so bright we could see the entire island without flashlights, it was amazing! We plan on getting some lightweight sleeping pads next, so I can’t wait until we take our next trip!

1-Seaweed-Heart

Ciera and Zander Camping

3-Building-Fire-Pit

4-Taking-Pics

Tent

6-Building-Fire

setting up the tent

8-Camping-Fire-Web

9-Lantern

Camping Shoes

11-Island-Rocks

Fire Sunset

I’m participating in the August Break. Photos 2-5-7-12 by Zander White others by me.

 

Tie Dye Process

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I got a big bleach blotch on one of my favorite dresses and instead of throwing it out I attempted to camouflage it. I tie dyed it with bleach so that the discolored spot would look intentional. It did not turn out like I wanted but here are my process photos.

Tie Dye Dress 1

Tie Dye Dress 2

Tie Dye Dress 3

Tie Dye Dress 4

Tie Dye Dress 5

If you ever find your self wanted to tie dye… make sure the rubber bands are VERY tight! Lesson learned. Zander also got a great shot of the dress drying. At least we got a cool photo out of the process.

All of these photographs will also be linked to my August Break Set on Flickr.

 

Easy Summer Salad Recipe

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I made this lettuce free salad over the weekend. It is so easy and healthy and so delicious!

Summer Salad Recipe

You need

cucumber, radish, carrot, oil & vinegar or Italian dressing

Summer-Salad-Ciera-Design-2

Directions

Thinly slice cucumber and radishes. Shred carrots. Combine vegetables in a bowl. Add dressing of choice. Cover and refrigerate for 20 minutes. Enjoy on a hot day!

Summer-Salad-Ciera-Design-3

Let me know if you make it and how it comes out!

Boston Photo Tour [USS Constitution]

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Boston Tour USS Constitution Header

The next stop along my Boston Photo Tour is The USS Constitution. It is the world’s oldest floating commissioned naval vessel. Retired from active service in 1881, she served as a receiving ship until designated a museum ship in 1907. She is berthed at Pier 1 of the former Charlestown Navy Yard, at one end of Boston’s Freedom Trail.

USS Constitution 1

As a fully commissioned US Navy ship, her crew of 60 officers and sailors participate in ceremonies, educational programs and special events while keeping the ship open to visitors year-round and providing free tours.

USS Constitution 2

While on the ship Zander had the honor of raising and lowering a flag that was to be sent to a General. The flag was saluted as it was raised briskly and lowered slowly.

USS Constitution 3

USS Constitution 4

USS Constitution 6

USS Constitution 7

Zander also got some great photos of the ship (see slideshow below).

View all photos from my Boston Photo Tour. Subscribe to the Ciera Design RSS feed or follow me on Twitter so you don’t miss out on Part 4!

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