Just Brick It!

by David Scarfe

Seit über 60 Jahren gehört Lego zum beliebtesten Zeitvertreib von Jung und Alt. In »Just Brick It« finden die Fans neuer Lego-Ideen zwanzig Design-Objekte zum Selberbauen, ergänzt durch praktische Anleitungen. Die stylischen Modelle sehen nicht nur gut aus, sondern sind zudem ungemein praktisch – und sehr lustig! Mit diesem Buch erschaffen Lego-Profis und Neueinsteiger Schritt für Schritt ihre eigenen Lego-Kunstobjekte!

Genres: Crafts, Art, Nonfiction

128 pages, Hardcover

Published March 1, 2016

Reviews

[Manybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, first and foremost, I do have to point out that for me personally David Scarfe calling his 2016 and using just LEGO bricks craft book Geeky LEGO Crafts: 21 Fun and Quirky Projects is rather problematic, is more than a trifle misleading and could in my not so humble opinion also make Geeky LEGO Crafts: 21 Fun and Quirky Projects and its contents even appear as potentially off putting and perhaps even as somewhat off limits to and for those children (as well as to and for those adults) who might want to check out and try to build Scarfe's LEGO craft suggestions but do not really want something all that geeky, all that science, math and modern technology themed (since geeky is often equated with STEM). And indeed, this would be rather sad and unfortunate since the twenty-one LEGO craft suggestions presented by David Scarfe in Geeky LEGO Crafts: 21 Fun and Quirky Projects are all delightful, are nicely varied, with some projects of course based on science and technology (such as for example coasters looking like floppy disks, a Space Invaders arcade game space saver, hazmat place mats and an NES inspired phone pad) but that many of the suggestions in Geeky LEGO Crafts: 21 Fun and Quirky Projects actually have nothing at all to do with science, technology, engineering and mathematics (like a yellow and floatable rubber ducky, Halloween and Christmas ornaments, a mounted deer head and a toast rack to name just a few), and that all of them, that all of the LEGO projects Scarfe features in Geeky LEGO Crafts: 21 Fun and Quirky Projects (ranging from easy to difficult) promise lots and lots of LEGO construction playtime and fun (using just LEGO bricks and thankfully so no LEGO figurines and other accessories), with a visual list of all of the LEGO bricks required for each project, basic and nicely clear instructions and that David Scarfe shows every step from beginning to end visually, with minimal words and nicely simply (and yes, even for the more complex constructions encountered in Geeky LEGO Crafts: 21 Fun and Quirky Projects).

Now the main reasons why I find the book title of Geeky LEGO Crafts: 21 Fun and Quirky Projects rather frustrating (and which also lowers my rating from five to four stars) is that for one (and as I think amply shown above) in my opinion only very few of Scarfe's LEGO building projects for Geeky LEGO Crafts: 21 Fun and Quirky Projects are actually totally science and technology based, and for two (but perhaps even more of an issue) the term geeky has (at least for me) a bit of a negative connotation to it and makes one think of children and adults who sit alone in their rooms or in their basements working on their computer, doing science, math or computers themed projects (and who also do not have much interaction with others, who are basically extremely and often problematically introverted). And while Geeky LEGO Crafts: 21 Fun and Quirky Projects can of course be solitary projects, ALL of the LEGO constructions would also work really well as group projects, so that David Scarfe calling his crafts "geeky" kind of rubs me the wrong proverbial way a bit and that for me Geeky LEGO Crafts: 21 Fun and Quirky Projects would sound much better as a book title without using the word geeky.

[Natacha Cunha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Apresentando 21 propostas, David Scarfe convida “todas as crianças grandes que ainda querem brincar” a revisitarem a caixa de Legos, prometendo deixá-las pregadas ao tapete em momentos de pura nostalgia infantil.

“As Figuras que Fazes” é um manual que ensina, passo a passo, construções para todos os gostos, desde as mais simples – bases para copos em forma de disquete, decorações de Natal ou Halloween – às mais insólitas – suporte de torradas em forma de chama ou vasos em forma de granada. Pelo meio há ainda lugar para ideias originais e criativas – mas simultaneamente úteis e práticas –, como o conjunto de arrumação para secretária em forma de invasores espaciais, os cerra livros em forma de cursor ou os chaveiros gigantes.
(...)

Esta é uma edição de capa dura, bem caprichada, com páginas cheias de cor e um papel capaz de resistir às mais desafiantes aventuras de construção. Um livro que nos faz largar os ecrãs e deitar mão aos legos, deixando claro que não há limites para a imaginação ou idade para deixar que estas construções revivalistas invadam as nossas casas.

Opinião completa: http://deusmelivro.com/mil-folhas/as-...

[Charles · Rating 5 out of 5]

The three-dimensional figures that you see in this book range from the nostalgic to those that fit into the holiday mood. My favorite was the set of three alien creatures from the classic “Space Invaders” video game. All 21 are made from Legos and the patterns are very detailed and easy to follow.
The opening page of the design explanation has a brief section of explanatory text, pictures of the figure(s) and a list of the type and numbers of blocks needed to create each one of them. This is followed by a set of step-by-step visual instructions describing how the figures are created. Given the quality of the explanations for construction, none of the figures is very difficult to build.
The projects in this book would be great for a Boy or Girl Scout project, an activity for school or just something constructive and recreational to do in your spare time.

This book was made available for free for review purposes.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Saw this at Book Expo America last year, and just checked it out of the library, along with a few other Lego books. This seems geared to people who grew up in the 1980s-1990s, with a quirky retro twist to many of the projects. There are space invader pencil holders, a cassette tape file holder and floppy disk coasters. A series of ducks is reminiscent of the Nintendo game Duck Hunt.
But probably the best thing about this Lego how-to book is it uses the basic Legos. I actually had all the pieces to make the small duck. Though the design could have been sturdier, it turned out well, particularly when viewed from a distance.
Most of the projects require more pieces than I have, and I don't know that I'd personally want to buy the bricks and make them. But there is an eye to making things that are functional or decorative that, if you have a quirky style, you could display when you're done.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I agree with the fun and quirky tagline, I don't necessarily think everything qualifies as geeky. Sure, there are space invaders, and retro controller but what exactly makes a rubber duck geeky? I'm not sure. However, that being said the instructions seem well done and easy to follow. They are in typical Lego fashion with pictures only and no words. I feel like my husband needs a cassette tape mail sorter and retro game controller phone charging station for his desk at work. The only thing I would change would be to include part numbers for the Legos. If you already have a pile it's easy enough to find a 2x3 brick but when you need to order extras, that's not always how they are identified online.

[Michael Rudzki · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love LEGO and want some fun projects with your heap o' bricks, this book has more than twenty fun projects for you. Most have uses such as paperweights, fridge magnets, key holders, etc., but they all would be fun even if you don't need coasters or pencil holders. The instructions are a bit different than those that LEGO provides in their sets, but once you get used to how they're laid out, they're just about as easy to follow. The designs would also be relatively easy to modify to other subjects, too.

[Meredith Spidel · Rating 5 out of 5]

My son is pretty much over the moon to have received this ARC. Current status? In his second hour of carefully reviewing and selecting which craft he plans to tackle with his LEGO first ;) Love it! A win for the creative LEGO lover in your life!

[JC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the projects in here. I would say they are intended for if you have extra legos to use for more permanent things. I figured that one day I will use the brick list and order for a few of these projects.

[Neha Thakkar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun ideas and clear patterns. Thinking do using some patterns for pixel art projects to give myself or students templates for how to make “blocks” and conditional formatting to make their own pixel art puzzles.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have recently gotten back into LEGO, and while I find the pre-made kits rather expensive, books like this fuel my desire to build. Quirky and retro these are super fun ideas!

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Never mind the title. And don't get confused about geeks vs. nerds, esp. if you're looking for something to support STEM education. Actual nerds would probably have more fun with more complex builds. But in *my* opinion, this is the best LEGO book I've ever seen.

The projects are done with bricks. Just bricks. You don't need to have accumulated a trove of leaves, swords, wings, eyes, etc. If you want to make exactly what Scarfe made, yes, you'll need particular colors. But quite probably you'll want to make many of them with your favorite colors. That's right, the colors you already have in your collection. You'll also likely want to customize the size or shape of some of them... and that will be easy, too.

The instructions are laid out like the booklets from the manufacturer. Parts list first, then clear step by clear step. And most of them are for things I would be comfortable using and/or displaying.

Well done. I want more from the author.

[Sam · Rating 2 out of 5]

So, some of these plans are really cool. But there is...nothing actually written in this book. Purely diagrams and photos of projects. Little blurbs about the projects and a measly 3 paragraph introduction. I would have appreciated some more information on where to buy individual blocks (such as the LEGO website or your closest LEGO Store). Perhaps the author (if he can be called that...'compiler' maybe?) assumes that anyone who looks at this book is already a LEGO enthusiast and knows that information?

That aside, I also wish there were approximate price-points on each project. I realize that the economy changes and what is currently a $15 project may turn into a $25 project in a few years. But it's easier to say "Oh yeah, we could totally do this as a project at the library" when I have even a general idea of what I might be looking at for a cost. Of course, in a few years that might seriously date this book, so I understand not including it --but that's where resource information would have been helpful as well.

Along with that same idea, the LEGO website allows you to buy specific bricks (for projects such as these, I assume). BUT, no where in this book does it say what size the bricks actually are to make searching for them easy. Will the hundreds of different sizes, colors, and dimensions of LEGO bricks, it's a miracle if anyone has the patience to actually do any of these projects. And that's kind of a shame because I know friends who would LOVE some of these.

I am also not sure that any of these plans are particularly unique. And are they all created by the author? I'm sure I've seen similar (particularly the deer on the front cover) online as well. And there is a rich LEGO-fan base that is more than happy to chat and share ideas. I wouldn't have paid for this book. TGFL.

[Bruno Brito · Rating 4 out of 5]

Não própriamente um livro para leitura, mas um interessante manual para fazer figuras em lego. Espero vir a concredizar várias destas sugestões!