Huge Castle WIP

Flickr user Ryxe is working on a huge castle! 

The awesomely unique style, brilliant color choice, and superb angles make this half completed work in progress extremely impressive! 

I can hardly wait until it's done. :)

Ryxe says it's being built for the exhibition at the Lipno in the Czech Republic.

See the WIP pictures on Flickr.    

Palm Tree tutorial.

This post will show you how to make the basic Palm tree.



Thankfully TLG has created many pieces for palm trees but there are still some tweaks that do wonders.

First, you need a stable platform for building.

Then I start building the trunk of the tree with the palm tree pieces

(http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=2536)

It doesn't have to be too tall. 

When I've reached a height I'm satisfied with I place a 1x1 round plate inside the last trunk piece. This ensures that the 4L bar doesn't slide down the trunk pieces. 

Yup. ;)

Okay, Next I add one 1x1 round brick on top of the 1x1 round while still inside the  trunk top piece, and inside of the 1x1 round brick I place a 4L bar (The type used for minifig ax shafts.)

Then I get my regular LEGO bush piece, (dark tan works best, although green looks okay too.) As you can see there is a hole in the center.  

And we just stick it on top of the whole tree trunk.

Then, I'll put a Technic half pin in the base of the bush.

This will provide a spot to put the Palm tree top piece.

(http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=2566)

Before I place the top piece, I add one dark tan palm leaf piece just below the main prongs of the top piece. 

Then, I'll attach it to the base of the bush, as shown. 

I usually add two dark tan leaves to the tree before adding green leaves.

(Yours doesn't have to bend quite so far down, just make sure it's well out of the way to leave room for the green ones.) 

Then, I will begin to add green palm leaf pieces. Be sure to add them so they form right angles, you can fit on more pieces that way.

Three pieces fit well.

but for the fourth one you will need to attach it at an upward angle.

I can fit one more leaf on the very top. It points almost straight up.

And you've done it! A very detailed palm tree. :)

This tree technique can be done in many different shapes or sizes, I've simply given you the basics with which you can make your own variations. 

Thanks for taking the time to look this! If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment. In fact, comment if you like the tree. :)

Into the Sea of Sand

Sergeant  Chipmunk has built a delightful scene for his LCC character set in the deserts of Loreos.

Get a load of the highly detailed brickwork and the seamless sand.

Also view it on Flickr.

Decapolis

Behold! Yet another LEGO blog begins!

Well, I've wanted to run one of these for a while and I finally took the plunge! :)

I'll be using this blog to post LEGO creations that I think deserve some attention, but I'll try to mix it up with plenty of technique tutorials, and maybe even a few stories or comics for good measure.

Here is one of my MOCs built way back in February 2012

This was made as an advertisement for the LCC project, which at the time was still in the works.

The notable things about this creation were the angled rockwork, the detailed wall, and the sagging canopy.

More views on Flickr.

Thanks for stopping by! Stay tuned for more LEGO fun!