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Green

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Last Year

Let’s travel back in time. Not too far, just about a year. Back then the pandemic was already a thing. Many people had left their offices to work from home. Events had been cancelled or, where possible, transferred into the digital dimension. So had last year’s Recognized LEGO Fan Media days, too. To me attending meetings from home was rather new. And yes, a little bit exhausting as well. Until then I was used to talking to people live, face to face, you know, physical. Towards the end of the event a new set was officially introduced to the AFOL world. It was a pretty green one.

Green Is Good

I am well aware that the colour green has different meanings in different languages. Some may still be similar. I’m sure that eating your greens is something healthy across all borders. And a green consciousness is undoubtedly good for our planet. And then there is something green that people are still discussing about, with no end to it in sight. What I’m thinking of here is the LEGO® Technic™ Lamborghini Sián FKP 37. Some will say it’s the model of a green car. Others may refer to it as the fifty shades of green.

Green And Beautiful

I won’t make a statement about who’s wrong or who’s right in this discussion. I’d like to take a look at the model itself (beautiful) and share with you a slightly different view at this model instead.

Just moments after the official reveal of the set had ended that Friday afternoon last year in May, my doorbell rang. Upon opening the door I looked in the face of a mailman who happily handed over a package from Billund! I instantly opened it and found something very green and beautiful. I had just received a copy of the set to shoot some images for TLG to be used on their social media platforms.

Building Green

I instantly started building. I don’t EXACTLY remember but I think I had finished the LEGO Lamborghini by Sunday evening. It was a rather challenging build (being in a rush so that I could take it for a spin and a photoshoot or two). Here are the images that were shared with LEGO:

A strange building? Welcome to Hamburg!
This car is set to turn the world upside down.
Coffee break with a panoramic view.
A kitty cat is staring with green eyes at the green Taurus…
Spread your wings- but don’t fly!

As is with most expensive sportscars, this one made for some great getaways over the summer. When autumn came, I parked it in my garage and hid it away from autumn and winter. Now, sitting here at 25 degrees Celsius again, I can’t help but thinking it’s about time to bring the Taurus back outside for more spins and photos.

Out and about with a member of the LamborghiniOwnersClub.

Green And Challenging

But before I do I’d like to highly recommend the LEGO® Technic™ Lamborghini Sián FKP 37 explicitly to all toy photographers out there. Yes, I know, it’s a Technic set. And yes, I’m also aware that this is not really cheap. And I also agree that this is a big beast to carry around to your next photo location. Still it is a model that holds a lot of fun.

I do believe that it’s a perfect set to challenge yourself to overcome some reservations you may have:

Shooting Technic can’t result in an aesthetic image. (Really?)

It will only attract the attention of people. (It surely will. There’s nothing wrong about it.)

I will completely have to leave my comfort zone. (Do it! That experience is priceless.)

Maybe you want to let some of the images sink in. And in case you’d take up the challenge, please do let me know and share your experiences with it, will you?

Post Scriptum:

Just one day after I had written this article, TLG came knocking with some great news. As with the 42083 Bugatti Chiron, they again built a life-sized LEGO model. This time a very green one… Even if this time it is a non-driveable version, it still is incredibly beautiful in my opinion. Have a look here and decide for yourself.

Post Post Scriptum:
This link to the LEGO store is an affiliate link, and in the unlikely event you are completely new to LEGO and we introduced you here first to the LEGO store and you end up buying this awesome green car we may get a little kickback that goes completely back into the operations of this side. And you would be the first.

And Post Post Post Scriptum (because we cannot get enough of these smaller footprints): If you also cannot get enough of this green beauty than jump into our photo archive and enjoy my full-screen images or Boris´ take on the Sian in Stockholm. No cookies attached.

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The Rabbit Season

Bevvy Thomas - 2 Comments

It’s that time of year when rabbit-hunting is permitted! As the the season workshop comes to an end again. Or is it Duck season? Rabbit-season typically runs from early November to late February, however some hunters wait and on this occasion, after Daffy has convinced Elmer that it is in fact rabbit season, he sets out to prove his argument.

In the Beginning

Julien

It all started with that looney crazy Tasmanian devil commonly known as Taz. Best known mostly for his grunts and growls, he had chosen to spin and bite back to the beginning of cartoon history.

That single line drawing depicting a desert oasis to try to convince you that this was going to be an easy task. However, he was beaten to the start by Speedy Gonzales, tempted by the smell of delicious wedges of cheese.

Chris

Speedy Gonzales was no ordinary mouse, he was the fastest mouse in all Mexico. No cheese was safe with him around as he would always get to it first.

Saying this, he was prepared to share his treasure with his dear friend Tweety-Pie. They had something in common, that pesky cat. Speedy would share the cheese as long as Tweety let him know when Sylvester was around. Often you would hear Tweety saying “I taut I taw a puddy cat!” this sometimes confused Speedy because it was usually a false alarm, that was until offered cheese.

James

Cheese was precious and the sustainable food for all mice. Yet, Daffy in his wisdom thought he was missing out. Although he was deflecting duck-season away from himself. He just couldn’t help want a piece of that delicious cheese. He chose his moment after hiding in a barrel that had previously been full of carrots.

The Hunt for Wabbits

Reisha

The hunting for rabbits caught the attention of Petunia Pig. The significant other to Porky Pig. She thought it would be a good idea to serve Rabbit up for Porky’s dinner, so she grabbed her blasters and went on her mission. Little did she know was that Bugs would be nowhere to be seen.

Jennifer

After a brief encounter with Marvin the Martian, they decided because Bugs Bunny was one of his long term enemies, they would both join in the search for the rabbit. Marvin had alternative ideas. He was bent on destroying Planet Earth, just because it blocked his view of the planet Venus.

Natasja

Marvin was certainly on another mission but he was pretending to search for rabbits. He came across Tweety-Pie. Tweety was concerned with his motives, she always thought him to be something of an earth enemy and wondered what his intentions really were.

Phil

Meanwhile, Lola Bunny was attending the local Space Jam games and about to score the winning shot, then from nowhere appeared Daffy. Was he trying to throw the game? Lola was Bugs Bunny’s girl and Daffy wanted her to tell him exactly where he was. No way was she going to spill his whereabouts and certainly not to the Duck.

A Desert Oasis

Jana

The hunt for the rabbit took Daffy to the most unusual places. The desert is a hot and humid place. Home too many Looney Tunes, and the desert can really play on your mind. It can make you see things that really aren’t there. This illusion makes Daffy see Petunia pig looking out of her window. If she couldn’t get the rabbit was she going for the duck?

Bev

After Daffy realises the heat has got to him, he stands still, realising he is lost and now he thinks he is going Looney. As the haze disappears, Daffy sees the martian. He has met him before and knows that this martian is hostile.

Having landed on Earth, Marvin is aware of all the signs revealing its Rabbit Season, but he remembers the trick Daffy played on him and he has not forgotten. he also knows it’s really duck season. Put into a difficult situation, Daffy tells him he knows where Bugs is, mumbling “Youuu’re deththpicable!” as they go off hunting.

Sacha

Tweety overhears the conversation that Daffy is having with Marvin. ” In order to hide Bugs Bunny from Marvin the martian and keep him safe. Tweety decides to use her hammer to help knock him under the sand. As Bugs disappears, he emerges into a dream or even a nightmare.

Is it a Dream or Nightmare

Boris

Carrots loads of carrots, more carrots than any cartoon could ever bestow. However, when Bugs found them, they had been eaten and just the stalks left behind, “Eh, What’s up Doc?” Standing there was Daffy holding a sign suggesting to Bugs that it was indeed Rabbit season. Bugs knew it really wasn’t that time of year as he had already dealt with the farmer and managed to escape.

This really was a nightmare, he never would have believed Daffy would do this to him. He was his best friend but then again, he could be his worst enemy. Only one who could sort this out was Road Runner. Road runner could always escape the clutches of the continuous efforts of a coyote and this help could really get Bugs out of the situation about to unfold.

Karine

And yet the show must go on. Taz thinks he can catch the rabbit by throwing carrots in all directions. What Taz doesn’t realise, is when he stops spinning, he is actually spotted and Tweety could see what he is up to.

David

In order to distract Taz, and to be honest not be eaten. Tweety crushes the carrots and tells Taz this is the way to catch the rabbit. She had an alternative motive thou, she knew Sylvester would never go near her if Taz was around. She found safety in his company even though he was the most unpredictable character she could befriend.

Maelick

Daffy was having none of it. He was adamant it was rabbit season and not duck season. Then in all the commotion, a volcanic eruption exploded (meep, meep) Road Runner ran after daffy to get to a safe place. Even though they were facing danger, Daffy wasn’t letting his argument go. And to this day, do you think Bugs Bunny was found during the rabbit season?

That’s all Folks!

Boris

For now stay Looney stay Toony and That’s All Folks! or is it all?

#SiPSpringworkshop2021
#SiPWS
#StuckinPlastic
#RabbitSeason

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Haggis The Glittar Hero

stuckinplastic - 3 Comments

Once upon a time in a land far away lived Haggis… Haggis was born to a wealthy family in Fife, Haggis eschewed his family fortune to travel the world instead, helping where he can. He’s truly happiest with the sun on his face and wind at his back.

The Glittar, a magical powder from the ancient times…

Haggis the Wanderer (James)

What a strange trail of Glittar. Is it evidence of the disappearance of Haggis the Wanderer?
Rahts-Putin, on his way to the chapel, stumbled upon those traces of lost magic powers and there was a sound of merry melody playing in the air. Rahts-Putin started following them and waited for the bus. Why walk when you can take the bus…

Rahts-Putin (Julien)

One day while out practicing Lacerta the Archer was practicing his archery skills in the woods. Lacerta could hear a melody and followed the sound while stumbling across a magical glowing dust on the forest floor and a tree frog. Could this be a link to Haggis’ missing magical power? He decided that today was a good day for an adventure and headed out to follow the trail.

Lacerta the Archer (Chris)

Zorbek is cursed to lead a life of persistent frigidity. A slave to the warmth, Zorbek never stops seeking the legendary fire being who would set him free! Perhaps he knows where Haggis is? Lacerta asks him and tries to help set him free from the fire to continue the journey to find their friend.

Zorbek the Cold (Reisha)

While Glittar was on his foray, he stopped at a castle. As he is the master of observation, he noticed a strange glow on the wall. He looked closely and spoke a magic spell. A message appeared on the wall. A good friend had disappeared and the message did show him where to go.

Glittar (Jenn)

The message of Glittar about Haggis was sent to Purpura. She is living in her Glitter cave and Purpura also wants to help Haggis. Purpura is the star in making smoke bombs with spells. She is a good person but helps all kinds of creatures and she doesn’t care if they are good or bad!! It’s like Yin and Yang. She really wants to help to give Haggis his sparkle back because he is a good friend! Purple is the best spell. Crossing our fingers it all goes well!

Purpura (Natasja)

While ambling along, Barry came across what looked like a trail laid down by a previous individual. Barry did not like Glittar, colour or sparkles so in true Barry style he decided to blow up this sparkle trail. But in true Barry style, there was a big bang, smoke, and not much else. “Why is Glittar so indestructible?!” thought Barry as he lit another grenade…

Barry (Phil)

One of Yrsa The Cute’s secret missions was to help save Haggis’ magic, so she followed a trail of Glittar to a giantess. She had Glittar in her hair so she must know something! Turns out, that was her own magic and she knows nothing about Haggis and never met him.

Yrsa the Cute (Jana)

Spelk was poisoned after picking up sticks in the forest as a young girl. As her features changed, her beautiful soul remained the same. But because she looked different, she was forced to live in the shadows and help ward off the evil spirits by spreading magic glitter everywhere she walked. News had arrived that her old friend Haggis was missing so she decided to help find him. She had to go back into the forest as that was his last sighting, there was a glitter trail that she had not seen before. As she walked through, she saw the rain appear landing onto the Knight of the golden glue.

Spelk (Bev)

Marc, also called the Knight of the Golden Glue, is a bit clumsy. His sword is glued together, as he has the skill to drop it and break it. He has a limp on his right foot, as his foot has a tendency to get stuck in the strangest places.
He also has a thing for golden glitter, so he follows that whenever he sees it.

Marc the Knight of the Golden Glue turned into a skeleton and joined Skulor over the Dark Side.

Knight of the Golden Glue (Sacha)

Skulor wanted to help everyone to find Haggis, no matter what his parents would say about it (kindness is not good, you have to show people your power, stuff like this). So he follows the glitter trail and helps Heigg the Odd to create a magical portal. He didn’t notice that he has turned into a skeleton.

Skulor (Karine)

Heigg found the lost Glittar, hidden in a magical chest, guarded by two baby T-rex.

They spent some time telling jokes, as Heigg wouldn’t hit them with his sword, for they were way too cute.

Heigg the Odd (David)

Skoria the Scorcher was looking for ice cream, hoping he could finally taste some without melting it at the contact of his molten skin. While hunting for ice cream, he stumbled upon a trail of Glittar, hoping to find ice cream at the end. By the time he reached the end, the Glittar’s magic had turned the baby T-Rex guardians into adults.

Skoria the Scorcher (Maelick)

As the music got louder, Haggis appeared as he had followed the Glittar trail behind everyone else. He was wondering what all of the heroes were doing. He wasn’t really lost after all…

That’s all folks!

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The Quest for the Easter Eggs

stuckinplastic - 6 Comments

Let me tell the story of when the world almost came to an end due to the lack of chocolate eggs for Easter.

Rustlefeet the Hedgehog (Natasja)

Once upon a time, SmashMouse was playing with a big Easter egg and broke it accidentally. The egg was shattered into multiple parts that were scattered all around the world.

Continue reading “The Quest for the Easter Eggs”
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The Bevvypix Cut

Bevvy Thomas - Leave a reply

Maelick writing his thoughts Looking Back at SipgoesTT last week has inspired me to complete the themes that I had not completed. There were three movie genres in total that I failed to finish for #SiPgoesTT. These were Comedy, Sci-Fi, and Fantasy. I had the ideas but in the latter part of 2020, I was also finalising my final major project connected to my academic Master’s degree. Although, I have no excuse for not completing Comedy way back in July.

The Challenge

Previously, I had enjoyed taking part in the Stuck in Plastic yearly challenges and I had completed the 2018 project. Concentrating on 52 different values we set about to complete #SiPgoes52. This consisted of words/values provided each week for your own interpretation. Having completed this project, I set about publishing a book titled LEGO Life 52V.

Continue reading “The Bevvypix Cut”
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And the Oscar for the Best Romantic Movie goes to…

stuckinplastic - 3 Comments

May is already over, and so is last month’s challenge about romantic movies.

The runners-up

Thank you to everyone who embraced the romantic movie theme, there were some great movies captured. So before announcing the winner, let’s have a look at some of the other entries that caught our eyes.

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Run Forest, Run.

Boris - 2 Comments

A few months ago I joined my first ever photo marathon in Stockholm. Not sure what to expect, I started to prepare. And I went a little bit overboard. And here we are. Less as 24 hours before the real deal here in Stockholm starts again, and yours truly got a starting number and is (not) ready to do it again.
No preparation at all.
Not well rested either.
And yet very much excited.

My start number from the previous one. Together with my little other half. Too well prepared.

First things first. What is a photo marathon?

But first, let’s take a step back and look what a photo marathon really is.

Continue reading “Run Forest, Run.”
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Photographing large toys – part 2

Maëlick - Leave a reply

Last week I talked about how I forced and trained myself photographing larger LEGO sets. Eventually, this led me to the Ultimate challenge of photographing the second tallest LEGO set: the Disney Castle.

This blog post is the continuation of last week, focusing on my two photo sessions with the Castle. The difficulties encountered and the lessons learned along the way.

Continue reading “Photographing large toys – part 2”
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Photographing large toys – part 1

Maëlick - 4 Comments

I’ve always felt quite uncomfortable when I have to photograph relatively large toys. I’m used to photographing minifig-size toys and when I need to move to a larger scale, I usually struggle. It’s completely out of my comfort zone. Bokeh is an important element of my photography and with a larger scale, it gets more difficult to rely on it. As an outdoor toy photographer, another challenge with large LEGO sets is transport.

For over a year now, I’ve been forcing myself to photograph larger toys, mostly complete LEGO sets and builds. My main goal has been to have photos of the entire build, not some close-up shot of details. (I consider close-ups as cheating as it would amount to going back inside the comfort zone.)

In this two-part blog post series, I want to look back at how I practiced photographing larger toys, in particular, large LEGO builds. Today, I will talk about how I rehearsed and trained myself. This will lead to talking next week about the story of how I ended up photographing the Disney Castle as the Ultimate Challenge. and what I learned along the way.

(And maybe there will be a third part later after receiving the new LEGO Dino…)

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The Survivor of the Apocalypse

stuckinplastic - 5 Comments

The Story So Far

For the past month, we decided to run a little contest to celebrate the release of the LEGO Movie 2. After returning from the 2019 edition of Floating Bricks, we are overwhelmed to having found more than 170 entries. No less but ALL of them are great! Some may even be a little greater. And while many participants truly sent us into an apocalyptic mood (thanks for some sleepless nights), there was a handful that really surprised and inspired us. We do know that we´ve been letting you all wait for far too long. So grab a bag of popcorn and a drink and let us announce the winner of our Apocalypse-contest.

Continue reading “The Survivor of the Apocalypse”