The LEGO Botanical Collection introduced LEGO lovers to a different kind of model, translating organic forms into life-like brick sculptures previously only seen in MOCs and the now-retired 21301 Birds set from LEGO Ideas. The relatively affordable price point (only one set, 10289 Birds of Paradise, retails above $60 USD) and stunning models have made it extremely popular to both experienced and novice builders. Today we chat with Floss Barrett, a grandmother from the United Kingdom, whose love for the Botanicals line prompted her to help start the Botanicals Blocks Fans Facebook Group — an online haven for lovers of all things related to brick-made flowers.  Floss with her brick garden on full display. Inez: Hey, Floss! Thanks for agreeing to chat with us. Could you tell us something about yourself and your LEGO story? Floss: I remember going to the local toyshop as a child in the ‘60s and buying...

Writing an introduction to a piece about X-wings honestly feels like a waste of time. It’s an icon of cinema, a hallmark of special effects, and a reason thousands of AFOLs roll their eyes every year when LEGO decides to release “just another X-wing.” Case in point: it is the spaceship that has the most LEGO products dedicated to it, surpassing both the beloved Millennium Falcon as well as the classic TIE Fighter. With “just another X-wing” entering the market this month we wondered what makes the ship so fascinating and decided to sit down with Tom Loftus (Flickr/Instagram) to talk shop ships. Tom, a spaceship builder extraordinaire from the UK, just recently published his fourth take on the iconic starfighter (along with free instructions!), and considering his third has found a home in AFOL displays all over the world, we can only imagine how many people are frantically BrickLinking the...

In 1983, fans of Star Wars were treated with the third episode wrapping up the galactic saga that revolutionized sci-si storytelling. It is hard to believe that was 40 years ago! I was only 5 years old when Return of the Jedi came out. So for Star Wars Day this year, I wanted to share with you a MOC I made a few years ago to celebrate ROTJ—and show how I updated the MOC for the anniversary celebrations this year. Here Goes Nothing What started all of this was the set 40623 Battle of Endor Heroes, aka the ROTJ BrickHeadz. When LEGO offered BrickNerd a copy of the set, I knew exactly what had to be done. The set includes five iconic characters from the film including Luke Skywalker, R2-D2, Lando Calrissian, the Ewok Wicket and Princess Leia. I enjoyed the BrickHeadz builds. There are some interesting internal parts added to the...

A LEGO masterpiece is characterized by three key aspects: aesthetic design, eye-catching details, and a realistic atmosphere. With this perfect combination, a LEGO builder can show you a real treat for your eyes. Today we're going to enjoy some brilliant examples from Victor van den Berg, a very talented and creative artist who I have the pleasure of introducing to our BrickNerd community! Introductions Ann: Hi Victor! We're excited to discuss your wonderful LEGO creations with you! Please, tell us a bit about yourself. Victor: First of all, I would like to thank you for the interview! It is very nice to tell something about this hobby that got out of hand and what better place than BrickNerd? About me: I live in the Netherlands, and I am 54 years old. I work as a Professor at Mad Science; a company that teaches children about technology and science at schools. After...

Today we feature a guest article from one of BrickNerd’s patrons Liz Puleo. She shares her experience building and modding set 43225 The Little Mermaid Royal Clamshell. A Spe-shell Set Yes, buckle up, we are going all in on puns for this article! Get ready to dive under the sea to see what being part of Ariel’s world is like living in a giant clam shell. Receiving 43225 The Little Mermaid Royal Clamshell on behalf of BrickNerd was an absolute joy. As a lover of all things Disney, I knew that the new Ariel and friends would find a place in my heart and my home. (Make sure to read about a few other Disney princesses I’ve built homes for.) Seeing the set for the first time, I was struck by how structural the base was and how small the minifigures felt in comparison. When the set was rumored back in...