Framing a Picture Perfect Holiday Gift

The Project

Each holiday season, we strive to transcend traditional gift-giving by offering something truly unique and creative that makes a statement. This year, in a vibrant tribute to El Paso, our talented designers Ruben and Vinda created dioramas that encapsulate the city’s essence, elegantly etched into laser-cut wood panels.

Ruben aimed to transform the traditional holiday gift into something that showcases deep thought and artistic integrity, using the rule of three to enhance visual appeal and balance. Vinda, inspired by the local poppies that splash the Franklin Mountain landscape with color, sought to evoke a strong visual connection to the region's natural beauty. Together, their pieces serve not only as gifts but as conversation starters, each proclaiming, "This is El Paso," and deeply honoring our city’s rich cultural heritage and stunning scenery.

The Approach

Before diving into the creation process, it's essential to appreciate the harmony and intent behind the designs. Ruben and Vinda's collaborative efforts were driven by a shared goal to integrate El Paso's architectural elegance and natural beauty into a cohesive visual narrative.

Ruben’s design set the city’s famous buildings against a sunny sky, creating visual poetry through urban contours. His technique, inspired by “papel picado,” brought a traditional Hispanic craft into a modern context. Meanwhile, Vinda added a dynamic splash of color with her depiction of blooming poppies. These detailed visions were transformed into physical art, posing the delightful dilemma of which magnificent piece to produce first.

The Results

After carefully designing and producing these miniature marvels, it was time to share them with our clients and vendors. Packaged with care and accompanied by a cinematic touch, each diorama was destined to delight and inspire.

The dioramas were a tremendous hit, elegantly paired with movie tickets to the Alamo Drafthouse for a complete premiere experience. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, glowing as brightly as an El Paso sunset. Recipients have praised the thoughtful craftsmanship and local pride each piece conveyed, turning these tokens of appreciation into treasured displays. These moments remind us of the power of art to connect and inspire, reinforcing why we cherish these projects.