Sometimes I am too fast when it comes to labeling LEGO pieces as useless or at least single use pieces. When I first saw the Disney Storybook Adventure sets I liked the small parts that came with it and the Micro Dolls. I couldn’t care less, however, for the book covers or the big 6 x 8 oval plates that came with it. Keith Reed has proven me wrong by using these pieces in a lovely way. In their latest creation the oval plates have been used as paintings. Displayed in a very lovely and well lit hallway. I may be reading too much into it, but my guess is that even the foliage outside matches the paintings. I see red roses in front of Belle and a shell in front of the Ariel painting. In front of Mulan we have the azalea and the magnolia. And last but not least, in front of Elsa and Anna there is… nothing to back my theory up except for two different flowers that might represent the different princesses. As I said, I might be reading to much into it. Whatever the meaning, it’s a beautiful and elegant scene.
Category Archives: Models
A case of the cat mech zoomies
If you have a pet cat or if you’re like me and watch cat videos in your spare time you’ve definitely seen the well-documented phenomena of the “cat zoomies” – basically when indoor cats release pent-up energy and zoom around. Aido’s LEGO zoid-like cat mech also appears to be experiencing the zoomies and wow look at that powerful gait.
Aido constructs this cat mech using a sleek black and red color scheme and overall the build makes use of a number of interesting elements including a black baseball diamond tile, an armor piece used above for the shoulder area – this looks like it is from a buildable figure model, and then the tail is interestingly constructed out of pneumatic T pieces clipped together using 1×1 modified plates. This robotic creature also is displayed running through a mystical patch of grass with bioluminescent-looking plants or creatures utilizing trans-clear green elements. Ultimately, this build is a very captivating and futuristic jungle scene and quite timely for late spring.
All this needs is a chair
Some images need no further introduction. This goes for Calin’s latest LEGO creation. The scene of Mr. Bean in his armchair on top of his little mini is just iconic and it would truly surprise me if there was a soul on the internet who had never seen it or wouldn’t recognize it. Or maybe this will just be a not so gentle reminder to me, that I am getting old. And that there is an entire younger generation who does not have the same frame of reference.
Rowan Atkinson reveals that he actually did the stunt himself. There however was a second person in the car doing the actual driving. As Calin mentions in the description they are currently out shopping for parts for the armchair to complete this model. I can not wait to see this one topped off with an armchair and a mop/broom contraption to put the pedal to the metal.
This frog is a (paper) cut above the rest
When it comes to mixed-media LEGO creations, we can all take a page from takamichi irie.
The papercraft body of this amphibian draws the eye, while the friendly smile and cherry-based toes showcase just what plastic can do. Inspired by a calendar page, this model brings joy to even the most dreary day.
The underside shows off more of the traditional “LEGO construction” in play. Clever use of minifigure posing stands attach the rear legs at an unusual angle, and rounded 1×2 modified plate gives the front legs articulation, too.
If you find this frog as adorable as I do, you’ll want to check out some of Takamichi’s other paper-LEGO hybrids, a crab and a bull. Or maybe explore the full range of his creations we’ve featured previously.
If you care to step outside, there’s work to do
Life in space sounds fun, but there’s still work to be done. Tino Poutiainen shows us a slice of orbital life in Starboard drydock, complete with a complex clump of technology and a cleverly constructed astronaut. Standout details include the layered helmets, flex tube arms, and astromech head incorporated into the backpack. The satellite is super swanky, too, with an interesting hinged cover for the electronics. The organic curves from the string elements add just a touch of weightlessness to the scene as well.
Tino is no stranger to sharing cool space-themed builds, but my favorite creation of theirs is the more fantastic Glass Cerebus. What’s your pick?
The heart of the matter
Well, this story has clearly taken a dark turn. If you had the choice, would you replace that troublesome organ capable of causing so much pain? In this stark model by Revan New sinister-looking drone resents a cyborg with that very choice, as his intestines slither away (see what I did there? cuz its a red snake?). I’m not sure which is more disturbing, the heart, still pumping in a mechanical shell, or the fact that the blood on the floor seems to be flowing in the wrong direction.
“Higitus figitus migitus mum! Prestidigitonium!”
If you do not recognize this character at all, you need to watch the Disney classic Sword in the Stone, stat. It’s certainly one of the best Disney films ever, and I think Rickard Stensby must agree! One of my favorite parts of the movie is when Merlin casts a spell where he packs the contents of his entire house into a traveling bag. In true Disney fashion, he sings his spell, “Higitus Figitus.” Arguably, the better line is “Hockety, pockety, wokety, wack,” but I digress. Rickard perfectly sculpts the scene in LEGO, from the shrinking belongings floating into the bag, down to the rickety wooden floorboards. Merlin himself is unmistakable with his blue outfit, glasses, and an overly long beard.
Top marks for perfectly recreating the body pose, as well as the use of bananas and droid heads for fingers.
This one had me feeling all the nostalgia. How about you? Click here to see more Disney builds. We also have more from Rickard too!
The mysterious black nautilus
Currently, our study of the nautilus suggests their shells are traditionally white and dark orange. But then again, we understand less about our ocean depths than we do about the moon’s surface. For all we know, there are beautiful black nautiluses residing in the murky depths beyond our reach. If there are, I hope they look like this one built in LEGO form by Moko. Sleek and mysterious. The unique curvature is made using the crane jaw element from recent space-themed sets. Not only does the swirl look cool, but the design made by the axles in the Technic brick holes does as well.
Curious where the baseplate came from? This particular base only came in the 2009 Pirates set, 6241 Loot Island. While you’re here, stick around for some more animal builds, as well as other creations made by Moko.
You wanted a CD player for your speeder bike, right?
There’s creative part usage, then there’s what Mitch Phillips has accomplished with Frequency Clipper. You might recognize that old-school Insectoids wing at the rear, or the Hero Factory shoulder armor on the sides. But the key feature has to be that Bionicle Borahk CD-ROM at the front. Talk about taking your tunes wherever you go…
In the mood for more great Speeder Bikes? Cruise our archives for more creative builds!
The Hogwarts Entrance Hall to rule all entrance halls
Have you ever had that friend who you try to act all cool around, but who’s definitely much cooler and more talented than you? Well, I have a few, actually, but when it comes to LEGO Harry Potter, there is only one true master. Eric Law has awed and inspired many times over with his dazzling and ginormous recreations of the Wizarding World. This time, he brings us an exceptional model of the Hogwarts Entrance Hall. There is so much going on here, it’s a little shocking. Dare you to take the time to count all the frames!
“But wait, Bre! Do the stairs actually move?” You bet your Firebolt they do! Here is a short snippet GIF, but you should definitely check out the full video on Eric’s Instagram page.
Can’t get enough Harry Potter builds? We have you covered!
Somewhere under the sea, somewhere waiting for me
I’m thinking of adorning my home with aquarium decor even though I don’t have any fish. I mean, think about it; tikis, skulls, mermaids, pirate ships. It’s pretty much the decor I already have minus the DayGlo paint. Or better yet, I can move all my stuff into this awesome LEGO Coral Castle by Jake Hansen. With bright coral, various lifeforms, and seaweed made of flex tubes there is a lot to love here. But my favorite detail is the fish made from beehives. I mean, come on, that’s just brilliant! Jake is competing in Iron Builder and, as brilliant as the beehive fish are, that is not even the seed part. This one is. He tells us twenty-four were used in this undersea diorama. This Iron Builder competition is just firing up so I get a feeling we’ll be seeing plenty more great builds from Jake soon.
Dr. l.0 Bot Omni III and Specimen 34
Have you ever been in a place or a situation in which you have no idea what is happening but love it anyway? That’s pretty much how I’m feeling about this new LEGO creation by
Blake Lapadula. The title of this piece is called Dr. l.0 Bot Omni III & Specimen 34, which offers no help in deciphering its meaning. The long arms, the derpy skull, the power drill, the bubble canisters, even the little bot leaves me puzzled. But boy do I love it all! There is just so much charm and character here. The skeleton minifigures made into hands are just brilliant. This isn’t the first time we’ve been totally smitten by something Blake has done. You know what to do.