Discover the ancient Japanese art of flower arranging with this delicate and detailed 10K Project, CHERRY BLOSSOM IKEBANA by Brickcea! It’s stunning!
ABOUT YOURSELF
- Who are you?
Alex, aka Brickcea.
- Where are you from?
I’m from beautiful, hilly Switzerland.
- What do you study or do for a living?
I’m a landscape gardener.
- What hobbies do you have?
I enjoy nature and spend as much time in the garden as I can. Of course, over the past three years I’ve built lots of LEGO MOCs!
- Do you have a personal LEGO portfolio website that you can share with us?
My Instagram is @Picea74.
- Have you created any LEGO MOCs (my own creations) that you’re particularly proud of? What is it, why are you proud of it and do you have a photo of it?
My brick Forest Owl made it into the LEGO House. She was one of my first animal building attempts, and I was very surprised when she was chosen. My wife and I visited her in Billund in 2023.
Also, my Blooming Bonsai, which made me want to build even more bonsai! I'm currently fine-tuning my Flower Basket…
- How and when did your interest in LEGO products come about?
In my childhood, 40 years ago, I played with LEGO and then lost sight of it. It was only four years ago, after friends gave me the LEGO Liebherr Excavator, that I fully immersed myself in the world of LEGO again and discovered the joy of building my own creations.
- What does the LEGO hobby mean to you? How does it fit into your life? E.g. build, display, meetups, play the games or 'just' watch the cartoons.
It gives me a break from my everyday life. Now I'm thinking about whether I should also take part in exhibitions…
- What is your favorite LEGO theme (current or past)? Why? And has any theme inspired your building style or preference in any particular way?
In my childhood, I was fascinated by the space theme. Now I'm particularly interested in themes from nature, such as animals, plants, landscapes, tree houses, etc.
- What is your favorite official LEGO set ever? Why?
First, definitely the LEGO Liebherr Excavator, which was my kick-off into the LEGO world. Second, the LEGO Tree House soon found its way into my collection, and this was the starting point of nature-themed LEGO. Of course, I also have all the LEGO Botanical Collection sets at home.
- What is your favorite LEGO element? Why?
I have a few favorite LEGO elements. Currently, it’s PLATE 1x2, Rounded, No.1, because it can be used in a variety of ways.
- Is there one or more particular LEGO websites (not official LEGO websites) that you visit often and/or are inspired by?
I like to be surprised by the LEGO community on Instagram. I'm always looking for new inspiration online!
ABOUT YOUR PROJECT
- Where did your interest in this particular model come from?
I am fascinated by the special way in which Japanese art depicts nature. For me, the simplicity represents an almost perfect art form, whether it be a Zen Garden, bonsai, or Ikebana. Plants give me a feeling of security, and being able to recreate this with LEGO is wonderful.
While researching Ikebana art, I came across a picture online that immediately captivated me. This gave me the motivation to create my own Ikebana.
- How long did the process of making the project take and what did you have to research? What kind of prep, research and design phases did you go through to produce your creation?
My way of working is very simple: I have an idea in my head, sit down in my LEGO room, and start building. Of course, there was some assembling and dismantling until I decided on the final design.
My design process, from the first LEGO brick to the finished photo, took about a week.
- What special challenges or frustrations did you face creating the model? What was the most difficult part to recreate?
Deciding on the shape and color of the vase, and of course the specific arrangement of the branches was a demanding process. To round off the overall design, I decided to add a pair of topiary scissors for bonsai, which I created to be somewhat functional.
- If you could talk to yourself before you started on this project, what would you tell him/her? What do you know now that you wish you knew then?
Just do what interests you and what you like!
- How did it feel when you reached the magic 10,000 votes and how long did it take?
After a year and two days, I reached the goal. It felt incredible to know that my design brought joy to so many people. It's unbelievable! I would like to thank everyone who gave such great support.
- Approximately how many LEGO bricks did you use to create your model?
I don't know exactly, but I think there are about 800 LEGO bricks.
ABOUT LEGO IDEAS
- Do you have any useful advice about creating a successful LEGO Ideas Product Idea?
My tip is to have fun building and designing. And to take good photos! This is a challenge for me. I need a lot of light, so I set up at ISO 100 or 200, and then edit the images.
- What (if any) methods did you use to advertise and attract support to your Product Idea?
I posted my Product Idea on Instagram, but otherwise, I didn’t receive any further advertising. No Staff Picks, and no fan base either. I was lucky that so many people liked my project, and it received such wonderful support.
- What is your favorite LEGO Ideas Product Idea (besides your own of course)? Are there any Product Ideas you think have been overlooked?
I have a few favorites, as mentioned in a previous answer. Of course, the Tree House. Also, the newest set, the Insects that made it into the LEGO room.
- What is it about the platform that attracts you? What tips would you give to anyone who is thinking about uploading an idea?
I think it's wonderful that this platform exists. The opportunity to turn your own creation into a LEGO set, take part in challenges, win prizes, or even display your product in the LEGO House is unique.
- Do you have plans to submit any other Product Ideas in the future? If yes, can you give us a hint what that might be?
I'm not sure yet, but if I do, it will most likely be flowers again. Certainly, something with the nature theme.
By
JacobM366