A prize worth playing for 🎯
While juggling my usual projects, I got approached by the parents at my son's school. They were organizing a derby and needed a special prize for a contest—a horseshoe game box. They asked if I could craft something unique, with the derby logo and the kids' signatures, to make it truly special. Despite my packed schedule, I couldn't resist the chance to dive into this small, detail-oriented project. So, I dived into the thing.
I wanted La Herradura to feel like more than just a box—it had to be something you’d want to pick up, open, and actually use. Inspired by early 20th-century Americana, I designed a sliding lid system based on Lincoln Logs by John Lloyd Wright, giving it a classic yet functional feel.
For materials, I chose cherry and maple to create a sharp contrast between light and dark, balancing strength with portability. Inside, hidden magnets securely hold the horseshoes and stakes in place, keeping everything neat without sacrificing the clean aesthetic.
Every detail was intentional—from the proportions to the wood selection—to ensure this wasn’t just a prize, but an object built to last, carrying both playfulness and craftsmanship in equal measure.
Once everything was assembled, La Herradura was more than just a box—it was a complete, functional game set. The sliding lid moved smoothly, the hidden magnets held the horseshoes and stakes securely, and the cherry-maple contrast gave it a refined but sturdy feel.
More than a prize, this was something meant to be played with, carried around, and passed down. A piece that looked good sitting on a shelf but was even better in action.
