Technique Tuesday - Windows for Your Houses

If you're into LEGO architecture, or you enjoy building houses, then you need to check out this window design by James Zhan! With a front and back view of this window style, the pieces come together to create a very unique window design. As we usually try to share here on BrickNerd, James' model also uses common elements that most builders likely have in their collections. Do you think you'll give this a try? Let us know down in the comments! Build on, everyone.

Technique Tuesday - Gothic Text Galore!

One of the best things about the LEGO community is that we can learn from one another.  Here at BrickNerd, we like to share techniques that we see from builders all around the world. . .

This week, we're making you read. Well, I suppose you already are doing that, huh? Lisqr has developed this awesome Gothic font style out of some new LEGO elements. It truly can be deceiving when looking at it -- sometimes it does not even appear to be our favorite plastic bricks in the slightest. The style of the letters is so creative, and really well done. I wish I could type any and all of my assignments in this font...

Technique Tuesday - Treasure Chest Lids

One of the best things about the LEGO community is that we can learn from one another.  Here at BrickNerd, we like to share techniques that we see from builders all around the world. . .

This week I actually wanted to share one of my own techniques. I recently came into possession of more treasure chests, and I happened to be working on a creation that needed a uniquely textured wall. For this technique I removed the treasure chest lids and only used those. By connecting lids together with tiles, they came together to form columns (as seen below). The lids do not connect together from the inside, so this can be a bit fragile at first. The small hole you see half way up the column is not large enough for a bar attachment, which is a downside. There is no way to get rid of it, because half of each column must face the other way in order to fit together. However, neck brackets can slide into the gaps on the top and bottom of each column. This allows you to switch back to studs-on-top building, which means you could connect each column to a floor or ceiling. With enough friction on the top and bottom, this wall will hold securely. Hope you found this technique inspiring and useful! See this technique and more on my Flickr, NS LEGO Designs.

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Technique Tuesday - Handy Handcuff Hands

One of the best things about the LEGO community is that we can learn from one another.  Here at BrickNerd, we like to share techniques that we see from builders all around the world. . .

Josephine Monterosso has put together a tutorial for some neat robot hands. Some might call it an illegal technique, but I think bending back handcuffs as joints is quite a clever technique, and it makes it easy to fit four fingers organically into such a small space.

Technique Tuesday - Simple But Effective Flooring

One of the best things about the LEGO community is that we can learn from one another.  Here at BrickNerd, we like to share techniques that we see from builders all around the world. . .

Flooring is an often overlooked aspect of a good vignette or diorama. But rather than treating it as an afterthought I think you'll find paying attention to this area adds a lot of punch if it's well integrated. This doesn't mean it has to be super elaborate or a parts hungry nightmare. This technique by N-11 Ordo is a pretty good balance of parts to impact and can be modified to fit a number of genres from space to castle. 

Technique Tuesday - Building Guides

One of the best things about the LEGO community is that we can learn from one another.  Here at BrickNerd, we like to share techniques that we see from builders all around the world. . .

This week's tip isn't really about a particular technique, but more of an invaluable resource. Brickgun.com not only has a slew of really cool weapons, instructions and other nifty models to purchase, there's also a ton of really valuable and useful building guides in the free section. I have a print out of all these at the studio, they really come in handy. Click through and grab them, and give the site a good look, it's excellent.

Technique Tuesday - Damaged Wall

One of the best things about the LEGO community is that we can learn from one another.  Here at BrickNerd, we like to share techniques that we see from builders all around the world. . .

This week we're featuring another wall technique demonstrated by Mala43b.  Using 1x2 jumpers (tiles with studs in center) and normal 1x2 tiles, the builder gives an example of a heavily damaged structure.  A technique like this would fit perfectly in a city battle, perhaps with military tanks advancing on the town.  It's great to continue to see more wall techniques that have nice texture, but use common elements to great effect.  Build on, everyone!

Technique Tuesday - Stacked Stone

Introducing our very own Technique Tuesday!  Each Tuesday, we will be featuring at least one post that contains a technique tutorial from builders like you!

One of the best things about the LEGO community is that we can learn from one another.  Here at BrickNerd, we like to share techniques that we see from builders all around the world. . .

Simon NH shares many useful techniques over on his Flikr page.  For our first official Technique Tuesday post, we are featuring his most recent demonstration, a stonework technique for walls.  What an interesting pattern created by these simple elements.  It looks fairly sturdy from this image alone, which is nice since some similar techniques can collapse pretty easily.  Thanks for sharing with us, Simon!  Tune in next week as we continue to feature more techniques!  Happy building.

Stacking is Layering

Continuing with some of our new content, we're starting March off with another technique!  Builder Simon NH has been gracious enough to share two simple, but interestingly detailed wall techniques with us.  As Simon says, "These two techniques are very simple, but quite handy. They look the same from both sides which is good for 360 degree creations."  Indeed!  Something that always fascinated me is that using jumpers (tiles with studs in the center) seems to create different grooves when stacked, compared to standard plates.  Think you'll give either of these techniques a try?  Do you like that we now share technique content on the blog?  Let us know down in the comments!

Need Help Making Something Round?

AdNorrel has shared two interesting techniques to create a round shape using simple LEGO elements.  Trying to add some columns to your new build?  Here are two designs that would work really well!  Trying to add a rounded turret to a castle wall?  Try one of these on for size!  The beauty of the LEGO community is that we are always learning from each other.  Happy round building!

Axe Tree Tutorial

Trees are hard to build. They're fragile, finicky and difficult to make convincing, or at least interesting. Even more rare than a good tree is the instructions on how to build it. Well builder Full Plate is providing just that, a tutorial on how to build this tree which uses a novel methodology of axes and droid arms. Head on over to this tutorial hosted by our pals at Eurobricks. How ironic, a tree built from the very thing designed to chop them down.

Fence Designs

Legopard has shared three wonderful techniques for creating intricate fences around your MOC's.  These techniques were created for "The New Black" parts challenge, a contest featured on New Elementary.  I believe each design is self explanatory, including fairly common parts to create iron fences.  The first model he features I could see surrounding a manor, perhaps in London.  His second technique would fit well for a prison gate or an entrance into a graveyard.  Third and lastly (and my personal favorite), the builder uses Ninjago helmet ornaments to create complex shaping to the bars.  What fences can you create?  A special thanks to the builder for sharing these techniques on his Flikr page!