Hobbies And Interests
History
The name "LEGO" was created by Ole Kirk Christiansen in Denmark in 1934. Christiansen was a master carpenter whose business originally included the creation of household items like ladders and stools as well as toys. The predecessor to the plastic building block that we know today was not created and sold until 1949.
Plans for Standard Lego Sets
Search the Lego.com website for building plans that were designed for a specific retail set by set number, key word or name. Look at Lego's site for plans for its standard sets back to 2002. Search fan sites for out-of-print instructions for older sets.
Original Building Plans
Find building plans for new models created from a combination of sets on fan and community websites. Many people share instructions, photos and diagrams for designs they have created. Some of the more complex design plans are offered for a fee, and some video instructions can be purchased. Upload photos of projects that you have created and share ideas on many of these websites. Use forums to find building plans for a specific type of model that you want to build; many variations are offered on popular subjects such as castles, ships, space themes and various buildings.
Create Your Own
Create your own building plans for a custom model with the Lego Digital Designer. This software from Lego allows you to create an original model then order all the pieces that you need to make the model that you designed. Use blocks to create a mural instead of a 3-D object. Convert an image into a graph or chart and stack blocks based on color and size to duplicate the image in Lego. Write out instructions for your own custom building model to share with others. Use this process as a teaching tool for children to develop logic and writing skills, while the child works on a project that he enjoys.
Additional Parts
Purchase many replacement or additional parts specified by a building plan directly from the Lego website. Search eBay or other auction sites for rare and limited edition sets that may be out of production from the manufacturer.