Rayman Legends

I was just thinking about Rayman last night (mostly I think because I looked at the icon for Rayman Run on my iPad) so to see him first thing this morning thanks to builder jaapxaap was a bit of a happy surprise. While we're on the subject, did anyone else out there think that the little sound byte in Mamma Said Knock You Out sounded a lot like one of the enemies in Rayman when they get knocked out? I've never discussed this publicly, but I think it's time.

Tiny Siege

Is it possible for a siege to be cute? I mean, we're talking about the use of military force to invade a city, the inevitable bloodshed, the shattering of lives, yet it's adorable. Sure you can argue that it's only because of the scale, the fact that it's built from a child's toy and the bright cheery colors that it's cute. But it's war, absolutely charming and delightful war from builder MarcelV.

Daydelon

I know much of the US, and the world is enduring a cold snap at the moment, so the charm of a snowy medieval village might be lessened a bit. But just look at this excellent diorama by builder soccersnyderi. Despite it's apparent scale, the whole thing fits on a 48x48 baseplate. It also has a feature I've never seen before, pull out room interiors. Three little vignettes that slide out of the structures to reveal a little bit if medieval life.

Ship In A Bottle

I do love a tiny, clever build, and this ship in a bottle by LegoOzp is certainly that. With some eleven parts this little classic is not only clever, it's positively charming. I especially like the use of the 1x1 round tile with bar (the so-called "nipple tile") as a stopper. It's the perfect detail to elevate this tiny little MOC. 

The Earth Seeps And Weeps

Humans have spent a great deal of time, money and effort developing ways to pierce the earth's crust and extract the flammable stuff within. If it burns, we've always been interested in it, no matter the cost. This piece by timofey_tkachev is clearly a commentary on that, and growing up on a coastline dotted with this machinery and occasionally brutalized by it, it speaks to me on a personal level. The true irony of this piece is it wouldn't be possible without our collective obsession with petroleum, for it is what makes plastic possible.

Sleeping Spring

There's no description for this MOC by Lego_fan, but I don't really care. It's wintery, fairytale-like, compelling and lovely. And despite looking very cold from some excellent building techniques and part use, it's still very inviting. Why, even the guard looks friendly.

Snorlax

I remember quite some time ago with Pokemon was a fairly new thing (there were only 150 I think) my son had a poster on his wall. We were discussing the pros and cons of certain ones and I remember him saying "That's snorlax, he sleeps a lot." I asked if that was his special ability and he just shrugged and said "yeah, I guess so". He also has the ability to inspire awesome builders like lisqr to sculpt him in bricks.

Dreams

I'm a big proponent of "dreaming big" and making your own future happen, so this nifty concept by Mark van der Maarel speaks to me. It's a vignette split into two time periods, made even more intriguing with a dream turned into reality. Don't let anyone squash your dreams, you can do it, just don't give up.

Belly Up To The Bar

Builder simply bricking it posed a fun challenge when they posted this nifty pub interior. There's a lot of pretty cool techniques and part use here, and the builder has tasked us with finding...

1) Pirate's Rope Bridge.
2) Friend's Lipsticks
3) Minifigure Drills.
4) Scala Benches
5) Minifigure Sweeping Brushes

I wouldn't suggest trying it here with this low resolution picture, but click through for a fun challenge.

Be Our Guest

Cogsworth and Lumière are my favorite characters from Beauty and the Beast (the animated one, not that weird live action one) and I really dig these interpretations done in a BrickHeadz style by builder fxandrw. They would make a nice accompaniment with the official BrickHeadz pair.

Walky Walky, Stompy Stompy

Few people know that the original name of the AT-AT was the All Terrain Walky Stompy, but when it was discovered that name was already in use by a punk band in south London, it was quickly changed. There was also a scene where they gallop and frolic in the snow, but in the end George thought it reduced their menace. Nice build tastenmann77.

Welcome To Kahuka Koffee

There's so many things to love about this marvelous multi-level building by builder snaillad that I don't know where to start. The architecture is of course the stand-out feature. It's got the weightiness and stature of a baroque revival, without all the unnecessary ornateness. Just a strong, confident style with loads of character. I also really dig that retro delivery van. And as for the coffee shop, I'll just invite you to click through and look at the high res photos, it's packed with detail and just lovely.

Tower Of Lothern

If eyes are the windows to the soul, are doors the window to the...wait a minute, buildings have actual windows, that doesn't work. How about the way to a man's heart...no, that's silly. I like the door on this tower...yeah, that's pretty lame too. It's just amazing to me how there can be so many details in a diorama, but most of the time there's just one thing you hone in on, in this case it's the door of this lovely tower by Dwalin Forkbeard.

Saber~Alter

According to builder LegoWyrm Saber~Alter is the evil persona of Artoria Pendragon (a.k.a. Saber), who is the most popular character (and a 1st class cash cow) from the Fate series by Type-Moon. I'm sure that means something to some of you, but I'm just looking at this stunning figure and going "wow".

Battlestar VANDEMONS

What would Christmas be without a new Battlestar in the fleet?  Well, that's what my old pal Garry King pondered about eight months ago when he started this 8 foot, 35K+ piece project.  Yeah, you read that right.  This SHIP is his own design, but those of you familiar with the reimagined BSG series will notice some cues from the Valkyrie-type battlestars, especially in the flight pods.  In other shots, however, you can see some Pegasus features, and of course, the Galactica.  Overall, it's another tremendous achievement by Garry, with tons of edited pictures on MocPages, so check it out!

Technique Tuesday - Clipped Stonework

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. . .

Are you feeling a little more advanced today? Good! We've covered some more basic stonework techniques before, but we're taking things up a notch with this design by Marcel V. If you have a lot of bar elements and modified studs with a hole to spare, this is the design for you! One beneficial aspect of this technique is that it really provides you with the ability to angle the stones to make them crooked and even protruding from the wall. Very intricate, and looks fantastic when completed!

Merry Christmas From BrickNerd!

I know it's a bit cliche, but it really is my favorite time of year. Santa came last night, my stocking is full of all kinds of goodies and there's loads of presents under my tree. I hope he brought you all joy as well. Now it's time for some tea, Christmas carols and some presents. I'd like to wish each and every one of you a merry Christmas and hope this holiday finds you happy and healthy.

Scribbles The Fairy

Being the friend of an awesome builder has it's benefits. Not only do you get the opportunity to see their work in real life sometimes, you might even be gifted some of it. That's the case with this wonderful little fairy by reticence. She's a gift for a friend, a friend I don't mind saying I'm a little jealous of.

The HMS Royal Oak

There are never enough LEGO tall ships out there, and fortunately Ayrlego has added another to the collection out there on the web. The Royal Oak has some excellent colored layers in the hull, which instantly caught my attention. Building ships like this is no easy task, which is why I have respect for those builders who have produced incredible designs. Hoist the sails, gentlemen! 

A Very White Christmas

Christmas Eve is here! It's a time to celebrate with family and friends, but also a time to create some festive creations for the season. BrickinNick made a unique (special snowflake!) snowflake to display in his home, and one of the most creative designs that I have ever seen. It's hard to picture the exact size, but maybe this could even work as a tree topper, or an ornament. A good snowflake model is something I always enjoy seeing in LEGO. Great work here, Nick!

Merry Christmas to all from your favorite LEGO nerds!