In A Hole In The Ground There Lived A Hobbit...

With all the absolute insanity in the world I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to live in the Shire more than I do at this very moment. I know it’s a fictional place, but it’s so peaceful and perfect my heart aches for it. Builders Jake Hansen and Cole Blood have crafted an idyllic place I want to be, even if it’s just to park my Airstream for a couple weeks.

Elementary My Dear Bilbo

Builder Legohaulic has a treat for us. Apparently quite some time back he built a series of figures to pair up in ironic couples, and now he's ready to unleash them on us. The first pair is incredible, with a little something for both the Sherlock and the Hobbit crowds. And even better for those who love both, like me.

In the Barrels

Say what you will about the overall quality of the Peter Jackson Hobbit films, it's hard to deny that the Barrels out of Bond scene from The Desolation of Smaug was pretty cool. This awesome version by Graham Gidman beautifully captures the action. The part of this build that sticks out the most to me is the water: it's fantastically dynamic and extremely convincing. Also, the overall landscaping is very solid, with a few lovely trees, great color-coordination, and some of the best rockwork I've seen in a while. Oh, and those brick-built barrels are awesome.

Dáin II Ironfoot

Pate Keetongu is back with another dwarf to add to his ever expanding collection from middle earth. This time it's Dáin II Ironfoot and his pig mount. It's been a joy to watch all these characters take shape, each one better than the last, and now this one has this magnificent armored pig, fantastic.

Erebor

Bigger doesn't necessarily mean better, better means better. Excellent building is impressive on any scale, but when you combine excellent building on this type of scale you have something special. Just look at the scale and majesty of this MOC by migalert! Standing before this must give you an inkling of what it must have been like for Thorin and his party to return to the Lonely Mountain.

The Beards Of Old

When seeking wisdom, dwarves sometimes visit the statues of their elders. When I'm seeking wisdom, I visit Wikipedia. One of these seems more noble than the other. Builder Legonardo Davidy has taken stone beards to the next level with this MOC. Just look at that sculpting!

Dwarven Dreams

I am quite honored to have a key member of Brotherhood Workshop, Kevin Ulrich, working with me on a super top secret animation project. While I can't share any details of that (yet) there is a new video from LEGO and Brotherhood Workshop on YouTube. Enjoy!

Fabuland Hobbiton

Here's a 'fab' mashup by qi_tah, The Shire and Fabuland. As if Hobbiton wasn't inviting enough, with the addition of Fabuland characters and charm, it's absolutely irresistible. I wish I had been able to see this in person at Brickvention.

Gruhzak Gur

These orcs know how to party! This is the wooden fortress of the orcs of northern Middle Earth, Gruzak Gur according to builder Disco86. I like to imagine they're celebrating 2014 just like the rest of us, but with with orc style (and maybe some man flesh, they are orcs after all).

Lake Town

I've been a bad nerd this holiday season, I have yet to see The Desolation of Smaug. But, boy does this Lake Town build put me in the mood to see the movie!

When building within the castle color palette of grays and browns things can look a little washed out and boring.  It takes a lot of work to make something unique that's truly stands out and that is exactly builder Fedin has pulled off. Now if someone could only convince him to make even more of the city.

Erebor

This MOC is so big and so detailed and so epic that writing this is the journalistic equivalent of pointing at a leather-bound copy of The Hobbit. Just gaze upon it and forget I was ever here. Go.

Rhosgobel, The Dwelling Of Radagast

We're just weeks away from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug and the timing is perfect for this lush MOC by Legopard. It features the eccentric and naturalistic house of Radagast the brown (yes, the wizard with the bird under his hat).

Barrel Escape

December is almost here, and with it come holiday cheer, ginger bread lattes and... oh who am I kidding, it's all about Desolation of Smaug! Disco86 brings us this excellent MOC depicting the hair raising barrel escape. 

You Could Not Wish For A Finer Blade

One of the greatest accomplishments of The Hobbit (and Lord of the Rings for that matter) is the production design. Especially the armor and weapons. The elvish weapons are just gorgeous. And this MOC by Cole Edmonson of Thorin's blade captures the elegant lines and distinct design so well.

Dwarves Ready For Adventure

As anticipation of the second chapter the The Hobbit, several MOCs have been appearing. But few are as phenomenal as these. Bombur, Bofur and Bifur look ready for some serious adventure. You do realize Pate-keetongu, than now that you you've made this many, you're obligated to make the entire party, right? (and I can't wait to see it) 

The Council Of Elrond

When the official Council of Elrond set was announced this is what I pictured, then I saw what it really was and, well...meh. This is gorgeous though. The second you look at it you can almost hear the Rivendell music playing. The most delightful detail is Sam, Merry and Pippin all watching from the outside.