The Hidden Mask

I recently discovered the incredible work that is done by Mitch Phillips. When I was young, Bionicle was one of my top go-to toys. I loved collecting and building them, and even combing them into my own models. Thinking back at it, this was my very first experience with LEGO, though I didn't consider that it was actually made by the company that made the same building sets that I didn't like at the time, because they always fell apart. Because of my early interest in this awesome theme released by LEGO, I will always have an appreciation of equally awesome Bionicle MOCs. This creation is yet another unique one that I have found lately, and I love every bit of it. If you look closely enough, you'll realize that nearly everything seen here is made with Bionicle or other similar building system elements, with only a few exceptions. That building decision certainly added a lot to this scene! 

Firebird

As soon as I saw this beautiful build by VSefrem, I knew I couldn't not blog it. The bird itself is absolutely gorgeous; the repeating circles really give it a lovely texture. But I personally think the tree is just as awesome, since it's extremely organic and non-rectangular. The technique used is very cool and innovative. In fact, I'm not entirely sure how all of those pieces are attached! Consider me wowed.

The Golden Deer

This MOC by markus19840420 looks right out of a fairytale or adventure game. The tranquil setting, the lush landscaping, the ornate tree and the scene unfolding of a mysterious figure approaching a majestic stag. There's a story unfolding here, and it draws you in. I would love to see this under cinematic lighting, it would be wondrous I'm sure.

Bonsai

Can a MOC center you? I'd argue this one can. Ancient growing and pruning techniques meets skilled building techniques in this bonsai by Emil Lidé and the results are stunning. From a distance you'd swear it's just a little plant, but up close it's a marvel of construction. You really can't appreciate how this is built from these images, I encourage you to click through and check out the high res images.

The Golden Tree

This is one of those MOCs that you almost skip over the thumbnail because it simply does not look like it's built out of LEGO. In fact I almost did, then I noticed the background looked studded. I don't know what those parts are, but out-of-the box thinking and some serious building chops by torgugick turned them into a beautiful and compelling relief portrait.

Bonsai

Can a MOC bring tranquility? It can if it's one as brilliant as this bonsai by Grantmasters. The term NPU (nice part use) gets thrown around a lot, but I have to use it here. That trunk is gorgeous, and do you know what it is? Say hi to Groot.

The Life Tree

Builder Fraslund continues to amaze with his tribute MOCs to the novel To Whatever End. This one is the Tree of Life, and it's stunning. According to the novel it's carved in stone but appears to sway and move, and those standing near it feel a gentle current of peace and healing. I think we need one of these in every city, and at least a dozen in Los Angeles.

Sennecks' Reside

Builder Legonardo Davidy has done it again, just look at this amazing MOC. Only a few short years ago I wouldn't have believed shapes and structures like this were possible with our favorite building material, but I'm continually amazed and delighted by builders who push the limits and boundaries of the hobby. There's so many things I love about this I don't know where to start, so I'll just invite you to stare along with me.

Apple Tree

I always enjoy seeing what a really good builder can accomplish with standard parts and strait forward connections. This apple tree by retinence is build entirely studs up and with nothing more complicated than plate, bricks and slopes. It's likely a bit fragile, but you can say that about most brick-built trees. 

Mitgardian Trade

This is one of those MOCs that seems simple at first, and then surprises you, then continues to draw you in. The detail seems minimalistic at first, then you realize you've just not really looked. The shapes seem almost crude, then you realize it's because they're effortless. Nice work Gideon.

Bonsai

This beautiful bonsai tree by Brickthing is perfectly suited to my level of green thumb, easily repaired and impossible to kill. I especially like the use of the Chima spider legs, and don't get so caught up in admiring the tree that you miss the base it's on, it's a small work of art too.

Deep In The Forest

This MOC by Mitah Val Karem depicts elves retrieving a secret cache of weapons in the middle of the forest. The cutaway sides revealing the action below is really cool, but what caught my eye was the tree. Mitah uses click hinges and barbs to great effect here.

A Galaxy To Build

Chris McVeigh has updated the instructions for his Star Wars inspired ornaments. Most are PaB compatible and all are adorable. Let's face it, your tree is naked without these. You don't want a naked tree do you? Aunt Doris is coming over and the neighbors can see it through the window. Go there, get these.

...Got The Trees On My Mirror So My Car Won't Smell...

Pardon my nod the the Beastie Boys. Brucywan continues his plot for world domination through the recreation of everything in LEGO. Here we see his classic pine Car-Freshner. All the ambience without the horrible pine scent.

Spooky

I love halloween. The decorations, the costumes, the music, the movies, the treats, the parties, it's all so much ghoulish fun. I also really like the creepy MOCs that crop up every year. This tree by mihaimariusmihu is one of the first I've seen of the season, and it's wonderful. Check out his photostream for other macabre builds.