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. The post This frog is a (paper) cut above the rest appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Chris Doyle

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 post If you care to step outside, there’s work to do appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Chris Doyle

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. The post The heart of the matter appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Daniel

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...

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. The post The mysterious black nautilus appeared first on The...

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 post You wanted a CD player for your speeder bike, right? appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Chris Doyle

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! The post The Hogwarts Entrance Hall to rule all entrance...

You know what I love about science fiction (AKA LEGO Space)? There are pretty much no rules. Oh sure, you can argue that a castle isn’t science fiction, but it is if you slap some rocket boosters on it. And that also means if you want to make a giant treaded machine for moon roving like this one by SweStar, no one can stop you. It may not be as unconventional as a rocket castle, but there’s no denying that it’s pure cool. This tracked crawler is actually modular. It comes with its own smaller rover and a variety of tanks (you just know those yellow ones are explody). And in case the worst happens, you can get out quick with the detachable cockpit which turns into a Neo-Classic Space-themed spaceship. The post In space, don’t walk—crawl! appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Chris (TBB Managing Editor)

Exceptional arthropod builder Takamichi Irie probably could’ve engineered a crab completely out of LEGO. He didn’t need to make a paper shell – but that wasn’t the point. Combining his love for LEGO creatures with his uncle’s passion for papercraft, he has formed an adorable crab. Under that paper shell is the unique parts usage we’re used to. The hotdogs work well as legs, and the bulb elements (Bionicle eye) are perfect for the eyes. In addition and as usual, the arrangement of the pieces makes it look organic. This artistry and attention to detail must run in the family because Takamichi has also gained inspiration from his late grandfather. The last time we featured one of his pieces, it was a mixed media bull also using papercraft. Check out it and his other work in our archives. The post Papercraft and LEGO make for the cutest crab appeared first on...

There’s an old adage I’ve heard somewhere about life being like something or another but damned if I can remember it now. Sometimes the ol’ reptile brain is not as responsive as it used to be. Maybe it’ll come to me at some point. Anyway, for unrelated reasons, here’s a LEGO box of chocolates built by Kale Frost. It’s amazing that you can make LEGO look so tasty and decadent. The sheer variety of chocolate treats here can be written into some kind of clever analogy or another but I’ll leave the creative thinking to you. While you’re mulling that over, here are the other times we’ve been totally smitten by something Kale has built. The post Life is like...something, something appeared first on The Brothers Brick. Original linkOriginal author: Lino