As the most prominent LEGO landscaper of alien terrain, Bart De Dobbelaer once again transports us off-world to a peaceful (and piece-full) forest scene dominated by a large, cryptic monolith. The color contrast on the structure is striking, with gaps of textured azure breaking through cracks in the large standing stone. A solitary figure sits at the base of one of the rings cut from the slab. This woman in red surveys the garden of leafy trees and large yellow blooms, no doubt reflecting on the beauty of it all. As is typical for Bart, the part usage here is top notch. I particularly like the X-Pod lids used at the base of the large flowers. Such a great throwback part!
Category Archives: LEGO
I might have a soft spot for LEGO blacksmiths
LEGO has produced numerous sets with the blacksmith as subject. I have fond memories of really wanting (and not getting) the LEGO 3739 Blacksmith Shop. And now, after years and years, LEGO released the 21325 Medieval Blacksmith – a set that I most likely will also not be getting. This creation by Mbricks also sparks the same amount of joy. There are a lot of cleverly used parts in this set. For instance we get umbrellas used as door hinges. Treasure chest lids used to create a round bay window. Skirts are used as a chimney and the half circle tiles work perfectly as roof tiles. One of the things that makes this creation just work is the height difference in the buildings. This creates different levels to the build, each one with something interesting for the eye to behold.
Every construction job needs a set of these
Even LEGO construction workers need a portable toilet and a trailer for a temporary office while on a job site. Coming from builder Ralph Savelsberg, these two items are no doubt appreciated by the construction worker minifigures, despite their moods. The portable toilet features the ever lovely orange LEGO pieces for that classic look–just don’t be inside it when it comes time to move it…. The trailer itself is small, but there’s enough room inside to have a coffee break away from the elements. There’s a cute little window with shutters to watch the site and a nice step-up so no one has to jump in or out. To keep the trailer steady, since it’s only on two wheels, there are four supports. Between the two items, the color choices are spot on and the designs are keen.
Through Drudgery, Dreams, and Dread
LEGO fans draw inspiration from all sorts of places. Movies, series, books, architecture and travelling are the first things that come to mind. Music is one that we tend to skip over because it is less visible and often more interpretive. However this lovely creation by John Snyder shows how music can inspire an amazing creation. John explains that the music by Lee Muzzy & Ian Spacek has three different themes, using trees as a medium John shows how he interpreted the three different themes.
The first theme sounded slightly eerie, mysterious and industrial. After that came the middle part in which the mood shifted to something more magical, serene and peaceful. This reminds me a bit of Rivendell. The last part of the song gave an ominous foreboding. John surely managed to capture the way he interpreted the music in the brick.
Be wary of wayward lights around marshes and bogs
Stories of Will-o’-the-wisps, like LEGO, can be found all over the world, with many representations in artwork, like this build by AjRed17. Will-o’-the-wisps are often found near or in bogs and marshes, most likely caused by gaseous emissions lighting the dark. The stories they appear in often warn of following such lights and losing one’s way. Maybe they’re ghosts, or maybe just releasing gas sparking in the night. Either way, they’re haunting with their ethereal beauty. The one in this build hangs in the air beside a blooming, curving tree. The tree possesses cool parts usage with pink frogs for the flowers. The scene is tranquil and calming, something I wouldn’t mind having on my desk.
The many perspectives of medieval art
It’s always fun to see LEGO builds explore art history, such as this medieval scene from Joe (jnj_bricks). This build explores those fun and strange perspectives found in Europe’s medieval artwork. If you look up some of the art, you’ll find paintings and drawings where the foreground and background scenes are sort of pushed together with perspectives not achievable in reality.
This build of a monk busy with penning a manuscript shows off such angles between the front and back scenes. This allows for great detailing in both the foreground and background. The monk and his surroundings are chock full of incredible details, like the billowy robes and the tapestry behind the scribe. The castle through the door stands out with the texturing of its walls. This is an incredible idea, and a further example of LEGO as an artful medium.
Hangmen hanging from a ghostly tree
Sometimes a LEGO scene is just capturing. I stumbled across this build by gGh0st and my eyes were drawn to the trees, and the great parts usage that composes them. We can spot lightsaber handles, claws, fangs, and even a broom. Still the trees look organic and natural. For me, it’s the first time seeing the minifigure claw in dark tan being used as tree foliage. And it looks like all the hangmen aren’t the only dead thing in this creation. The trees themselves look like conifers at the end of their days. Having lost most of their needles, the trunks and branches make for a sad skeleton that reminds us of what has been.
Multiple scales make for multiple challenges
Probably most Adult Fans of LEGO have made themselves in minifigure form, but Lego_nuts has taken brick-based self-portrait to the next level with this slightly meta creation. Lego_nuts has recreated their own LEGO room four times over at various scales for a build of the builder building a build of the builder building a build, etc, etc, etc. Included in each level are multiple renditions of the same work bench, computer, and brick storage. It’s fascinating to compare the different approaches used to building the same objects at different sizes. There are also multiple renditions of the official sets on display in the actual room. Which ones do you recognize?
Hoppy New Year!
We’ve highlighted both adorable animals and kinetic sports builds from Chi Hsin Wei in the past. Now, to celebrate the beginning of the new year, Chi has combined both of those talents in a build that celebrates 2023 as the Year of the Rabbit. The dynamic mid-leap pose of the rabbit is undoubtedly the centerpiece of the build. But the crescent moon bike ramp, with its inventive use of tiling and the just the right amount of high-tech greeble detail, is just as impressive.
Crafting a Lifestyle That Aligns with Your Core Values
The modern lifestyle is a vibrant tapestry woven from various threads including technology, wellness, fashion, and travel. Each element plays a pivotal role in shaping our daily experiences and personal growth. As we navigate through this dynamic landscape, staying informed and inspired is key. For a deeper dive into how these trends are influencing contemporary life and culture, check out insights from leading thinkers and lifestyle experts at The New York Times.
“Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass; it’s about learning to dance in the rain and finding joy in the midst of life’s challenges.”
Vivian Greene
Technological advancements are particularly impactful, reshaping how we manage our health, interact with our environments, and make travel and style decisions. This constant evolution encourages us to adapt and thrive in a world where change is the only constant. By integrating innovative tools and apps into our routines, we can enhance efficiency and enjoyment in every aspect of life.
Blog Excerpts
Wellness is more than just a trend; it’s a lifestyle essential that encompasses physical health, mental well-being, and emotional balance. Incorporating regular physical activity, mindful meditation, and balanced nutrition into our routines can significantly improve quality of life. As we become more attuned to our bodies’ needs, we also learn to value moments of rest and recovery, essential for long-term health.
Travel complements this focus on wellness by offering new perspectives and rejuvenating our spirits. Whether it’s a weekend getaway or an extended exploration of distant cultures, travel broadens our horizons and provides invaluable experiences that enrich our understanding of the world and ourselves.
A Balanced Approach to Wellness
- Insights into daily wellness and effective home decor strategies are shared to enhance everyday living and create nurturing spaces.
- Updates on the latest lifestyle trends provide readers with the knowledge to stay stylish and informed in an ever-evolving world.
- Comprehensive self-care routines tailored for busy individuals offer ways to maintain health and happiness amidst hectic schedules.
Practical yet stylish solutions are essential for everyday wear, allowing us to look good while being comfortable, whether at work, at home, or on the move.
Embracing sustainability in our fashion habits means prioritizing materials and processes that minimize environmental impact, supporting brands that are committed to ethical practices.
Using style as a form of personal and artistic expression allows us to showcase our unique identities and values through our clothing and accessories, making each outfit a reflection of our personal story.
Style is another crucial aspect of modern lifestyles, providing not just a means of self-expression but also an opportunity to make intentional choices about consumption and impact. Today’s savvy individuals look for styles that align with their values—sustainability, quality, and versatility are increasingly prioritized over fleeting trends. This shift is evident in the growing popularity of capsule wardrobes and ethically produced garments.
Ogle this Oogway
Ozzie Joss Woodyard / Jayfa is ringing in the new year with the venerated sage kung fu master Oogway from the Kung Fu Panda film and TV franchise. Joss’ usual knack for character work shines brightly here as he recreates the tranquil master of the Jade Palace. This guy looks like he could teach a clumsy panda a thing or two! I love the use of the dragon wing cloth as Oogway’s tunic, and well-placed studs on the exposed sand green skin evoke the textured tortoise legs of the original character model from the movie.
Like what you see? There’s more Kung Fu Panda action to be found in our archives with this sculpted scene from the movie and excellent recreations of Masters Tigress and Crane.
Hook, line, and A-frame
True story: back in college, my friends and I had a running joke about my evil twin Lyle. We certainly had more in common than the Nordic fisherman Lyle in this LEGO construction by Carter Witz. The rich brown wood, dark green leaves, and deep blue water stand in stark contrast to all the snow in this scene. I love the scattered patches of white amid the fir branches and on top of the house, as well as the rime-covered plants poking up out of the wintry blanket. But my favorite part has to be Carter’s expert use of the gaps between plates and tiles on the A-frame. We’re able to make out every board used to construct its roof, walls, and door as a result. It’s an expert technique that provides an amount of reality to this plastic scene.