During the process of developing a product line to accommodate individualized storage needs, I found many times I had a specific need for tools or items I either couldn't buy or couldn't imagine existed outside my mind.

     Throughout human history, mankind has turned to the earth to pull up ore, or the forest to hew down trees when faced with the obstacle of needing a tool. They would forge their tools and fashion their implements to suit their purpose. Now, mankind turns to the gentle aisles of Walmart and the expedience of the internet. I do not have a forge, and I cannot smelt to save my skin. But I do have Lego bricks and components.

     Need an ipod dock?

Take a look at this guy's photo stream to build your own.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/linuxmatt/sets/72057594055945343/

     How about a portrait they'll never forget?

Sean Kenney does amazing professional work that is accessibly priced. There are also available programs to pixelate your photos into buildable mosaics. With a little clever work you can even do this yourself.

http://www.seankenney.com/artwork/portraits/

     How can Lego help you shoot a home movie?

Check out this amazing camera cable rig!

http://www.brandonkahler.com/Site/Lego_Cable_Cam.html

     I built something far less awesome to help me with point and shoot controls.

     Perhaps I should reiterate the wonderful opportunity that Lego elements provide for introduction to movie production. Lego stop-motion animation is simply the best way to get into the art of movie making on a shoestring (for you or the kids).

     Need small custom storage with personality?

Check these out. Available for purchase, or DO IT YOURSELF.

http://www.brickillism.com/Content.aspx?itemId=13

     How about building a... building? This school in Britain had an interesting idea, use bricks. They even had the nerve to leave it unglued! There is no way to get to the top layer to work your way down, it seems. Oh yeah, just let me have a try at it.

http://www.architectmagazine.com/education-projects/lego-faade.aspx

     There are many other ways to use Lego components. We've built sturdy “sticks” to fetch things from under the fridge. I glued a 2x10 plate to replace a broken handle from a crank radio. Just think of the possibilities. What other medium, infinitely adaptable, plentiful, and relatively cheap could you come up with for needs that are specific to your personal demands?
     Be creative, steal those plastic gems from your kids, and conform the world to you!
 

     Ty Hansen of www.brikcrate.com is a freelance badass living in Naples, Florida with his wife and passel of children. He produces storage solutions for the avid hobbyist.