Nathan Sawaya Throws The First Pitch...In Bricks

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In celebration of Tampa's grand opening of The Art Of The Brick last week, world renowned brick artist (and guy I'm proud to call friend) Nathan Sawaya threw the first pitch at the Tampa Rays vs Cincinnati Reds game. And of course the baseball was brick-built. If you're in the area check out his exhibit.

"The Art of the Brick" Exhibit: Tampa, FL
Free admission, brought to the Tampa community from the Vinik Family Foundation
Open: June 23-September 4
Location: 802 East Whiting Street
Details: Open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 AM-6 PM, Free Parking

*Tack Tack Tack Tack Ding Swish Clunk*

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Listen up you young'uns, you don't know how good you have it. When I was in high school this is what we learned to type on, a typewriter. OK granted there was a computer lab right next door, but they still had a load of these antiquated devices and they were hellbent on using them. So this lovely and clean little MOC by cmaddison stirs up a weird combination of nostalgia and post typographic stress disorder.

Typewriter

King Triton And Ariel

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Mrs BrickNerd is a huge Little Mermaid fan, so this one instantly caught my eye. And while it's a departure from the Disney aesthetic I really like builder LEGO 7's take on the Sea King and his princess daughter. The complex layering of multiple LEGO systems gives this MOC a curious combination of solidity and fluidity, something you'd expect from a strong undersea character.

King Triton and Princess Ariel
King Triton mecha and Princess Ariel

International Harvester Ice Cream Truck

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Check out this tricked-out Metro van by our old pal Firas Abu-Jaber.  It has all the features you'd expect, like a flip up window, opening back door, sliding side door, and removable roof.  But what you might not expect in such a vehicle is that it's sits on some seriously wicked rims.  It's also been lowered in the front, like it was designed for a drag race...  So, Firas, what's under the hood? 

International Harvester Metro

The Return of a Knight in Shining Armor

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A very popular knight is returning home, to his wonderfully crafted village built by Guy Smiley. We love seeing beautiful and complete LEGO scenes here at BrickNerd, and this scene fits that category. This scene seems to show so much, yet little at the same time. It's very nicely designed and captured by the builder. It also showcases simple techniques to create realistic medieval structures and details. Nicely done!

A Triumphant Return
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here. 

We Have A Landing

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An appropriate time for a recreation of a lunar module, done by Sad Brick. I think what I love about this overall scene is the terrain. It's not just studs, or SNOT bricks. Using 1x1 round tiles adds such a nice texture. The module itself is also wonderfully done, and stands out amongst other models I have seen. Quite a nice view in this photo!

The Lunar Module
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here. 

Virtual LUG Game of Thrones Display

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Brickworld 2017!  This year, the VLUG crew conspired to produce a LEGO version of the hit TV series Game of Thrones, or, as we call it, Brick of Thrones.  I was informed that there are also books.  Anyway, the basic inspiration for the collaboration came from the map of Westeros, featured during the introduction to each episode.  As you scroll through the pictures, you'll see various landmarks, characters, and even the famous Battle of Blackwater Bay.  From the Red Keep, to Castle Black, to white walkers, there's a lot to enjoy for fans of the show, and even for those who've never seen it.  And no, for the umpteenth time, that's not Elsa.

Wookie Bowcaster

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To quote Han Solo, "I like this". It's one of the more unusual weapons of the Star Wars universe, the wookie bowcaster. And while it's very unconventional (is it a crossbow? what does the cable fire?) it's always been a favorite of mine, if only because it's what Chewbacca carries, and Chewbacca is awesome. A stellar prop recreation by builder Lego Admiral.

My Lego MOC of Chewbacca's Bowcaster
My Lego MOC of Chewbacca's Bowcaster
My Lego MOC of Chewbacca's Bowcaster

The Eastern Air Temple Rises

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Hacim Bricks has taken it upon himself to recreate the Air Temples from the world of Avatar. Though I am not all that familiar with the story, I can recognize an excellent creation layout. After having previously completed his projects of the Northern and Southern Temples, and now this replica of the Eastern, Hacim hopes to finish the project by designing the Western Air Temple by this time next year. According to the builder, the majority of this build was done in just two days! Though it's not clear exactly how long this build took, that is still impressive. Well done!

The Eastern Air Temple
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here. 

A Castle in the Woods

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No one can deny the beauty of an all-LEGO scene. Gid617 has spotted a castle ahead, perched on a hill above the forest. Excellently crafted with simple parts, this castle must be visible for miles. With its many towers and flags, it looks like this castle will stand the test of time. A lovely scene!

Cone Castle
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Nathaniel Stoner

     My name is Nathaniel Stoner, and I am an very active LEGO builder.  I mostly build in the themes of castle and science-fiction, but I also dabble in other genres and create occasional random MOC's (My Own Creations). 

     When I was younger, I would get and build small LEGO sets for my birthday, but I was never really into them.  When they fell apart, I would become frustrated attempting to put them back together and would throw them in a box in my closet.  I couldn't stand them!

     Then, miraculously, I became addicted to the LEGO brick later in my teen years.  Ever since, I have continued to build up (pun intended) my collection of bricks and to expand my knowledge of techniques and building skills.  LEGO is truly more than a toy, its an art form and a way to express yourself.

     For the most part, I collect LEGO Star Wars (mainly the minifigs), which is probably my favorite LEGO theme.  I have a fairly decent collection, including some of the original 1999 sets, such as the Snowspeeder, X-Wing, and Naboo starfighter.  I also collected LEGO the Lord of the Rings when those sets first came out.  The minifigs are great, and the story remains one of my favorites ever. 

     My hope is to inspire other young (and perhaps even older) LEGO builders to unleash their inner creativity!  You can find me on my Flikr here. 

Brickworld 2017

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Another year of Brickworld has come and gone, but the memories and photos remain for us to share with you. The BrickNerd crew had another showing this year at what is one of the largest if not the largest LEGO convention in North America.

There was a little something for everyone at this year's convention including a massive WWII battleship, an abandoned amusement park, some very cool life-sized video game replicas, and even a mecha Duplo bunny.

If you ever have the chance to attend I highly recommend you do so, because you will have the chance to meet some truly friendly and, quirky LEGO fans from around the world who really make the event what it is, fun.

Who Watches The Watchmen?

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If you're not familiar with it, The Watchmen is an iconic graphic novel from the mid 80's. It's also a mostly terrible movie from 2009. Do yourself a favor, read the novel. Do yourself another favor, never watch the movie. In the mean time, admire this stunning cover to Watchmen #1 featuring my favorite character Rorschach by builder Brick Brickolson.

Watchmen #1: Rorschach

Crossing Orange Fern Gorge

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If you have a fear of heights you may want to look away. In so many classic adventure movies and action serials, the slatted suspension bridge was a nefarious obstacle. Who can forget Indy vs the Thugee warriors on the bridge in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom? Of course in the movie the rock walls of the cavern were sort of plain and uninteresting. Not the case in this excellent MOC by builder W. Navarre. The stratum of the rock is my favorite feature of this build.

Orange Fern Gorge

BrickNerd LiveBuild - Creator Modular Poolside Holiday

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Join Me and Mrs BrickNerd as we build LEGO 31067 Creator Modular Poolside Holiday live! We'll also be talking about our amazing trip to Paredes de Coura Fan Weekend and the wonderful country of Portugal (with a side trip to France)

Building starts at 8:00pm PST, watch for the hangout shared on Facebook and join us!

Now You're Thinking With Portals

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The Portal series is one of my favorite videogame series of all time. It was a very pleasant surprise when LEGO made an official Portal pack for Dimensions. Anthony Wilson made a pretty stellar moc based on the games. I love the brick-built digital readouts above the door (which sports a great custom decal), and I much prefer these Turret designs over the LEGO Dimensions version.

Portal