Potions

“I can teach you how to bottle fame, brew glory, even put a stopper on death”

— Professor Severus Snape

I miss Harry Potter. We became fans around the time book two was out, so we were fairly early to the party, and what a party it was. While it was satisfying to see the series wrapped up, not having that next book to look forward to made me a bit sad. This scene from Snape's infamous potions class by builder CheeseyStudios brings back a lot of fond memories, both from my imagination and from the movies. It's packed with details and I highly recommend clicking through for a peek at the larger pictures, it's worth it.

Les Miserables

I've never seen the play Les Miserables, but I recognized this instantly. It's the iconic climax of the play musical Les Miserables. During my time in London I walked past the theater where this was playing every day, but it never really interested me. The construction and attention to detail in this MOC by W. Navarre is exquisite, and looks like it's right out of the show program.

Port Au Ciel

I do appreciate a good steampunk display, and this one by builder tkel86 is the steampunkiest. One of the things I like best about it is the expanded color pallet. One of the pitfalls of the genre is over reliance on browns, copper and pearl golds, tending to make things sort of one note, but the use of tans, blues and and other colors gives this a pop while still maintaining it's steampunk roots. Add to that plenty of motion (check out the video) and you've got a real show stopper.

Happy Birthday Nerdly!

Wow, BrickNerd officially turns four years old today, I can't believe it. When I started I didn't know what I was doing, and nothing has changed, so it's been quite the adventure. If you had told me that I would blog somewhere around 1445 days and upload 135 videos, I would have have been skeptical. If you would have told me that Nerdly would become an internationally known mascot, I would have snickered. If you would have said that I would be recognized at events even on the other side of the world, I would have scoffed. I could not have predicted the many adventures me and Nerdly would go on, from simple trips to Disneyland to traveling to Portugal, I continue to be amazed and humbled by the doors that have been opened, and all the wonderful things I would not have believed were going to happen. But it's all true, and much, much more. BrickNerd is a labor of love, thank you all so very much for reading, watching, commenting and connecting, you make it all worth it.

The Stone Cutter

Whenever I'm feeling slightly overworked, I like to remind myself that my hands are soft, my skin isn't leathery and my muscles don't ache. In other words, I don't work very hard. Take this guy for instance, his job is to cut stone, to CUT STONE. Yes, he takes large rocks, and makes them smaller, easier to use rocks. Now that's work. Speaking of work, a ton of effort went into this lovely diorama by builder Cozei. From the huge and beautiful tree, to the charming round house, there's lots to love.

Dwarf House

This may be an odd tangent, but would't this make an nifty Airbnb? I've stayed at several over the years, most pretty normal, a couple unorthodox (an RV in someone's back yard?) but nothing even close to this interesting. Tell me you would't love to stay here at this wonderful and whimsical house by builder jaapxaap for just a couple nights, it would be awesome.

Heath Ledger Joker

"Do you wanna know...how I got these scars?" Yeeees! Heath Ledger's Joker is incredibly unnerving and crazy...which is why he is my favorite cinematic version of the Joker we have yet to see. Ledger's role will be incredibly tough to beat. J.B.F. was commissioned to build this incredibly character version of this Joker, and I must say I'm jealous that this is going to someone else! The eyes and smile on this build are just as unnerving as the real deal. Such a creative and well done model! MWA-MwAhAhAhAhA!

Beep Beep! SMASH!

This truck is geared up and ready for a fight! JBIronworks crafted this incredible military vehicle with so many details jam packed into one model. The windows are well incorporated into the sleek design of the front of this vehicle, and the roof-mounted gun has some interesting parts use! I for one would hate to run into this truck on the road... You must take a closer look at all the details here! Surely an awesome vehicle that I'd love to drive around town.

Twilight Cemetery

Building in a single color is a challenge, that's why it makes such a good contest, but this little MOC by builder Emil Lidé shows how it can also be a great study in texture and clever part use. There's so much to like in this roughly 16x16 diorama that it defies it's scale. Stuff like the pip shooter trigger for tombstones, and wound chain for trees, it's a lovely little scene.

Bento

Ah, the bento box, a lovely and delicious Japanese tradition that I truly wish we would embrace here in the states. I think Americans would benefit from a healthy, meticulously arranged and lovingly crafted single serving lunch box like this one from builder Moko (well, perhaps not brick-built, very little nutritional value in ABS). But instead, we get the $5 Fill Ups from KFC, ugh.

Zinger Van

For this month's LUGNuts challenge "pickups and vans" builder Lino M went with an early 70's fad known as a "zinger", where a toy car was fitted with oversized tires and a comparatively massive engine. They sort of went from a car show spectacle, to a range of model kits, to more car show spectacles, in a short lived but eye-bulging self-perpetuating cycle. More proof that around that time the world went sorta collectively bonkers.

Imperial Presence Over Jedha City

Marshal Banana has returned with yet another wonderful LEGO creation, and an incredible scene and image surrounding it. I'm already hearing the music from this scene in my head. It's difficult to judge the exact scale of this Star Destroyer. Though it's clearly not minifigure scale, it's still super impressive. What completes this scene is the recreation of the outer wall of the religious city of Jedha. I can't wait to learn more about this planet in the future! What an inspiring shot by an awesome MOC builder!

Varian TrueBeam Linear Accelerator

No, gang, it's not a fancy gizmo in Dr. Crusher's sick bay on the Enterprise, or even something you'd find in secret laboratory at CERN.  In fact, it's a LEGO replica of a machine used for radiation therapy.  Built by Nannan Zhang, it's used to explain treatment to children with cancer.  Check out the video where he demonstrates all of the mechanical features.  Great idea, Dude!

Rainbow Dash

My Little Pony is one cartoon I never got around to watching, but that won't stop me from being in awe of this character model. Andrew Harvey has done a remarkable job creating a perfectly organic figure of Rainbow Dash. If you squint, it almost looks like a frame of animation. Just look at all the layers of jumper plates in that eye! It's amazing.

The Tiniest Robots in Disguise You Will Ever See

There are mixed reviews and opinions about the latest Transformers movie, but there certainly can be no mixed reviews of this tiny Optimus Prime and Bumblebee! Consistent of so few pieces, these little guys will make any old Transformers fan squeal. There isn't much I can say, simply because the image you see before you speaks to all Transformers fans in volumes. One thing that I do have to point out, which is possibly one of the best uses for brick separators I have ever seen. . .  Wonderful job, Grantmasters!

Pour the Tar!

This medieval scene by Graham Gidman is everything you could want in a vignette. The Summer Joust 2017 medieval building contest is challenging its participants to create a captivating scene on an 8x8 stud base, with minimal overhang. There has been a steady flow of submissions for the category, but this one made me stop and look more than any other. Not only is it just a plain good scene, but its design is executed very well by Graham. There's emotion captured by the minifigures, the action is clear and amusing, and there's just the right amount of detailing here to really make you feel that it's part of something bigger. I also appreciate how the rock formations aren't built in a simple way, rather they have just the right amount of angling to look organic and disturbed. A small build that speaks volumes, for sure!

The "AT" Stands For All Terrain

Whether it's the classic AT-AT or the newer AT-ACT, or the other Imperial walking vehicles, the AT stands for All Terrain, and they mean in. We've seen these things walk through everything from snow to forest to tropical paradise, and keep those pesky rebels on their toes. These positively adorable micro scale walkers from builder Grantmasters show just how versatile these machines really are.

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...

Jumpspeeder

LEGO itself has released many of their own Imperial speeder bikes, but that does not stop the flow of custom designs throughout the LEGO community, all of which seem get better as they come. The latest addition is this sleek design by Graeme.Straughn, who has been producing many incredible Star Wars creations over the past few months. Mixing simple elements creatively, and in excellent positions, he has truly created a master bike design. Some many not appreciate the "illegal" connection points, but I for one do appreciate them, especially on such a small, but intricate vehicle design. May the swooshing be with you!

Set Clear! Lights, Camera. . .Action!

Aaron Newman, the director of this film-in-production, has shown us the set that he has created. The question is, what is being filmed here?! The next Star Wars film? Another Marvel, or DC superhero film?! What is this new film?!?! Needless to say, this behind the scenes LEGO shot is truly done to near perfection. Even the little details such as the director's chair, the large lights, and the camera on the custom track look very realistic.