Do you remember the building techniques you used before certain LEGO elements were officially released? How many custom accessories and workarounds did you create before LEGO introduced an official version? Chances are, you have plenty of creative examples that make your builds and photos even more dynamic. But how do you integrate these new pieces with the techniques you’ve already mastered?

Let’s explore the “before and after” of LEGO creations through photography and discover ways to blend custom creations with newer LEGO elements.

Smoke & Bubble Effects

How did we create tiny smoke effects in LEGO before the release of the new Potion Class set? By stacking transparent elements in creative ways! The new smoke element, however, is more refined (much to the delight of chemistry teachers) and offers an easier way to create bubbling effects. Here is how I used to create some transparent bubbles:

The new official LEGO smoke effect is beautifully molded, translucent, and available in various colors. Not only does it streamline the creative process, but it also opens up new possibilities—how about using it for a giant ice cream swirl?

Just a little something to sweeten the day!

These elements also work wonderfully for magical cauldrons, steam engines, or even ghostly apparitions. Whether you’re crafting a scene in a potion lab or designing a whimsical dessert shop, these pieces are bubbling with possibilities.

Skele-Gro – A Magical Healing Potion

Skele-Gro, the bone-restoring potion from the Wizarding World, is a fantastic source of inspiration for Harry Potter fans—especially those drawn to the cinematic design of magical artifacts. I created this custom bottle for Madam Pomfrey to expand the magical universe and enhance the ‘Hospital Wing’ set. It is made as small as possible to fit the minifigure scale and sculpted for the highest detail and accuracy.

The official LEGO Skele-Gro bottle is also minifigure-scale, but next to my custom version, it looks absolutely enormous! But with both, the variety adds depth to Madam Pomfrey’s medical supplies, making her apothecary feel even more immersive.

Headgear Accessories

I love learning about and appreciating other cultures. In LEGO, traditional headdresses and masks often serve as the basis for unique LEGO recreations. Take, for example, the tribal masks shown below.

Meanwhile, the LEGO Island Warrior minifigure featured a mask inspired by Tiki culture. Originating from Polynesian traditions, Tiki masks carry deep cultural and spiritual significance, representing ancestral deities and stories passed down through generations.

But real Polynesian ceremonial headdresses can be huge, elaborate, and colorful—so LEGO’s options don’t quite fit. Here, I made a custom mid-sized LEGO build that hopefully captures the feel a bit more to celebrate cultures. And who knows? Maybe we’ll see even larger, official LEGO headgear pieces in the future!

A Minifigure-Sized Typewriter

Miniature brick-built typewriters are a unique form of LEGO artistry. Builders from all over the world have created their own versions, and I had much fun making mine—a replica of the typewriter featured in a movie adaptation of an Arthur Conan Doyle novel.

LEGO joined the fun, too, with an official typewriter released in 2021. The official mini LEGO typewriter debuted in the ‘10278 Police Station’ set, establishing a perfect minifigure-scale standard. If you’re setting up cozy interiors inside LEGO buildings, this typewriter is an ideal addition that matches the miniature aesthetic beautifully!

Before and After

After comparing custom and official LEGO parts and techniques, the takeaway is clear: old and new elements complement each other wonderfully. New parts inspire fresh ideas, while your tried-and-true techniques become timeless classics. The combination makes each creation more distinctive and memorable.

I'll continue exploring the “before and after” of LEGO parts in the future, so stay tuned!

What did you make a custom version of that LEGO eventually released? Let us know in the comments below.

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