I am finally caught up on posts detailing builds from last Spring, so today's offering is of a build from just last week - the LEGO Bonsai Tree, set #10281.
This is a delightful build that uses a a lot of clever techniques to render an organic subject out of LEGO bricks and elements - not an easy task for the designer.
This particular set includes the parts to allow the builder to construct the model in one of two different forms - a green pine version, or a pink 'cherry blossom' variation.
For this build, I chose the former.
To start off, the bonsai container is built. It is a very attractive rendition of a 'classic' Bonsai shallow tray, complete with 'stones' made from various colored 1x1 round tiles.
After that, the tree trunk is assembled. This uses a number of curved elements, horns, and flexible cable to equip the tree with a gnarled, aged look, with just the right 'Bonsai' shape.
To my delight, a small little outgrowth on the trunk was represented by a brown 'frog' figure! You have to look really closely to identify it as such.
Finally, the tree's leafy canopy sections are rendered with standard flora elements in light and dark green tones.
The final part of the build is the wooden platform on which to set the container and tree. This also, is rendered in a very authentic style. From a distance, it is very hard to tell that this Bonsai tree is made of LEGO - a hallmark of great design!
Finally, I still have this bag of leftover parts.
These are the elements included in the set for building the pink cherry blossom version. It is very likely that I will never do the conversion, so the contents of this bag will be parted out into the general stash for use in future MOCs.
Cheers!
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