Jumping Spiders by spiderdude is the latest project to achieve 10,000 supporters on LEGO Ideas. The 1,049 piece build features three different types of jumping spiders including the Caerulean-blue Peacock Spider, Peckhamia .sp, and the Bold Jumping Spider. The project joins The Fortress of Bellinzona as the ones to reach the Second 2025 Review Stage. The post LEGO Ideas Jumping Spiders Achieves 10,000 Supporters appeared first on The Brick Fan. Original linkOriginal author: Allen "Tormentalous" Tran

They say a picture is worth a thousand words—and when it comes to photography, I’ve found that to be absolutely true. LEGO photographers, in particular, have a remarkable ability to tell rich, imaginative stories through minifigs. Their work often gives us a charming glimpse into a world in miniature, where minifigures live out full, expressive lives. One artist who does this beautifully is Ryo Tomita, known as @rennerbricks on Instagram and YouTube, a 26-year-old photographer from Japan. I met Ryo at the Japan Brick Festival in 2018. His images capture minifigures in everyday moments—walking, working, relaxing—as if they’re part of a bustling, brick-built world. Each photo feels like a snapshot from a much larger story, filled with detail, warmth, and quiet humor. I recently had the chance to chat with Ryo about his creative process, the inspiration behind his LEGO scenes, and what life looks like from behind his lens. Inez:...

In 2021, LEGO released the bold and vibrant 40516 Everyone is Awesome set—a buildable display with rainbow minifigures in the colors of the gay pride and transgender flags to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. The minifigures were not only a boon to the AFOL community who wanted solid-color figs, but the set was an expression of hope and joy for a group of people who needed to hear it. The set unapologetically sent the message, “Whoever you are and however you identify, you are awesome and welcome in the LEGO community.” It marked a shift. Long seen as a champion of creativity and play, LEGO rarely took public stances on social issues. But with this set, the company visibly aligned itself with values of visibility, diversity, and acceptance. Fans responded with a flood of gratitude, emotion, and pride. I remember tearing up after purchasing the set on opening day, having to drive...

As a former NASA engineer who worked on ground processing for the International Space Station at Kennedy Space Center, I’ve had the rare privilege of seeing the Shuttle Carrier Aircraft (SCA) in action—and even supported missions that rode atop it. This article is both a close look at the new 10360 Shuttle Carrier Aircraft from the AFOL perspective and a deep dive on the real vehicles it honors from an aerospace perspective. Bricks and Boosters Space is big. The machines that make space travel possible also tend to be on the large side. Sure, the Mercury, Gemini, and Vostok capsules that first carried humans away from Earth were fairly small—but the rockets that launched them were not. And those rockets required equally massive infrastructure to move them around. Large barges, ships, and railcars quickly played a role (and still do), but aircraft also became key players. NASA’s first aerial rocket mover...

A new month is upon us which means more competitive building! Are you ready? Here’s the latest bunch of LEGO contests and challenges from all around the AFOL community for May 2025 to help you find some inspiration and motivation to build! There’s nothing quite like a theme or a prompt to take you out of your comfort zone and give you something new to try. Besides, contests are the perfect place to interact with other contestants and judges and get to know your fellow builders. And if you’re like me, a deadline helps make sure you actually finish! We’ve listed them in order of deadline so you can plan your building time to the best advantage. Make sure to check the LEGO activity calendar for local challenges and events near you. Here at BrickNerd, some of our fondest memories, greatest building achievements, coolest trophies, and best friendships came from LEGO...