Alternative Ways to Build the LEGO® Art Floral Art Set

Following instructions can be very therapeutic, but what happens when you rip up the rule book? We asked four builders experienced in the art of MOC (My Own Creation) builds to create a unique piece from the same starting point – the LEGO® Art Floral Art set (31207). But how did their creative processes differ?

How many different brick-built creations can be made with the Floral Art set (31207)? Officially, three. Unofficially, more than you can shake a brick at. Just like any LEGO set, all you really need is some creativity and the bravery to stray away from the instructions to create your own unique piece.

Our four builders all started with the same 2,870 pieces, but were not restricted to just these pieces. Where they ended up and how they got there was entirely of their own making, which is part of the fun and creative process. Excited to see what they created? We are too. Read on to see how each builder took on the challenge.

David

My mosaic was inspired by a photograph of flowers my wife took in LEGOLAND® Billund some years ago, so the flower has come full circle from LEGOLAND to LEGO Art.

Finding the right color took a bit more work, however. I was more familiar with the square plates than the round plates in the set, so my first limitation was the color scheme. However, in the end I decided not to be constrained by those colors, and thanks to the myriad of colored 1x1 round tiles available in the compatible LEGO DOTS range, I broadened the palette available to me.

I must admit, the design wasn’t just trial and error – I used an old software program called Pictobrick to help turn a photograph into a realistic first-draft mosaic. The larger the image, the easier it is to design a more life-like mosaic, so I decided to make the image 50% larger than LEGO Art set 31207.

Like all custom creations, the tricky elements were all part of the fun. Recreating the spirals of the flower petals was a particular challenge, so the discovery of lavender pieces in LEGO DOTS was extremely helpful. The bee on the rear flower was also tricky, given its scale. In the end, I think the image came out very well, particularly because mosaic images can be unclear from up close, so I’m happy to say that its now hanging up in my LEGO room.

David’s top tips:

• Look around you for inspiration. Look for local vehicles, trains, planes or buildings that you will never see in an official set. Often, the color schemes will be unique.
• Don’t be afraid to bring software into the mix.
• Play with scale. Feel free to make your creation bigger or smaller.

David Fennel

Re-introduction to LEGO bricks: David got back into LEGO bricks when his eldest child discovered them. He has been creating his own custom builds for 13 years.

Favorite set: LEGO NINJAGO®: NINJAGO City (70620) because of its many clever details, such as the sushi restaurant.

First LEGO build as an adult: A custom build of Heuston Train Station in Dublin.

The set that got away: Statue of Liberty (3450) set released in 2000. Unfortunately, it was just too big for David to display.

Jaroslaw

Most of the models I build come from my own imagination. Sometimes I’ll see something on the street, on TV or on the internet and that will spark an idea, too. I take inspiration from anywhere I can.

From the very beginning, I had an idea to recreate a typical cross-stitch-style ‘Home Sweet Home’ sign. I had to build a few models before I was happy, and all in all, I ended up creating six different versions. At each attempt, I could see how the models evolved to be more unique.

I had never made anything from the LEGO Art collection before, so my first version was just an attempt. When you look closely, it’s hard to see progress. You have to keep stepping away to see what’s working and what’s not. Trial and error can be a great way to get to your destination and can be a lot of fun.

By the fifth model, I decided to put two sets of 31207 together and build something bigger. I combined all the plates into one and created a branch with multi-colored flowers. This was the hardest part because hundreds of small round elements had to be unhooked. In the end, it was worth it because I think the larger model looked much better.

You can see how each of the above models evolves with each attempt to create something different, new and unique.

Jaroslaw’s top tips:

• Don’t be afraid to start again, and make as many versions as you like.
• There are no rules. Take a step back.
• Take a break or look at your work from a new angle to see how it can be improved.
• Trust your instincts. If you have a vision, keep exploring it.

Jaroslaw

• Re-introduction to LEGO bricks: Jaroslaw rediscovered LEGO bricks in 2011 after a friend lent him some. After that, he was hooked.
• Favorite set: Botanical Collection Flower Bouquet (10280) because of its inspiring versatility.
• First LEGO build as an adult: A microscale bathroom (even Jaroslaw is not sure why!)
• The set that got away: LEGO Pirates Black Seas Barracuda (6285). Jaroslaw owns other pirate sets, but that would’ve been the jewel of the crown.

Stefan

I know that a lot of people use digital programs to design their MOCs, but I’m more old-school. My process is usually a case of build and dissemble, then repeat until the final design convinces me.

What I discovered in this project is that it’s is quite hard to make a detailed design in such a small space (32x48 studs), so I wish I had made a bigger version to hang in my living room. Overall, I am happy with the finished piece, though. I loved how many colors were available in the set. There were infinite possibilities and as I always say, the limit is your imagination!

Stefan’s top tips:

• Be inspired by your passions. I love snorkeling and diving, which has inspired a lot of my builds.

• Software isn’t the be all and end all. Sometimes the old-fashioned way is the best.
• Most of all, have fun and let your imagination run free

Stefan

• Re-introduction to LEGO bricks: LEGO bricks have always been a part of Stefan’s life, but he really got serious about it 13 years ago when he was 22.

• Favorite set: Modular Buildings Green Grocer (10185) because it was the set that brought him back to LEGO bricks.
• First LEGO build as an adult: Stefan’s first MOC (My Own Creation) build was a post office.
• The set that got away: LEGO Icons Lion Knights’ Castle (10305).

My-an

My process usually starts by thinking of a scene in my head. Then I think of the minifigures that I would include in the story. I always look at the details in my minifigures and try to use the details to add more character to the scene. I’m known in my LEGO community for quirky scenes.

For this project, I wanted to build something that is very recognizable as a flower, so I went with a more realistic image. To start off with, I looked for images that I could use as inspiration. Once I found some I liked, I made a pattern for the build. That also made color-matching a little bit more challenging. When I started building the piece, I made it traditionally flat. I then wanted to add a little bit more texture, so I added layering. The difficult part of layering is determining the boundaries of each layer as there is no defined outline in the image.

I hung the frame at the entrance of my bedroom so that I would always be reminded of the infinite ways you can create something out of a LEGO set. You are not limited to what is in the instruction books. The possibilities are endless, and sometimes, you will be surprised with what you can build, just the way I did with this piece, which I am incredibly proud of.

My-an’s top tips:

• If a piece feels flat, try adding layers.
• Surprise yourself. If an idea feels daunting, try it anyway.
• Think about what story you want to tell. MOCs can convey any message you want.

My-an

• Re-introduction to LEGO bricks: My-an’s father was an architect and gave LEGO sets to her and siblings as children to help them explore their creativity. My-an is now also an architect and still building!
• Favorite set: LEGO Architecture Fallingwater® (21005) because it brings together her two passions – architecture and LEGO bricks.
• First LEGO build as an adult: A scene with the Sad Clown minifigure (from LEGO Minifigures set 71001).
• The set that got away: LEGO Ideas The DeLorean Time Machine (21103). Someone should tell My-an that there is a new Back to the Future set – the LEGO Icons Back to the Future Time Machine (10300)!

All four builders tackled the challenge in totally different ways. Some used software, some made multiple versions until they got it right and some just persisted and trusted their gut. All of them created beautiful, unique pieces. It just goes to show how many ways there are to create when you put the instructions aside and go for it.