Brick BLOG

Build Memories, Brick by Brick

Build Memories, Brick by Brick

What are your memories of your parents?  Most of us can group our growing up memories into two categories: "We always," and "we never."  As I have listened to my own kids recount some of their memories, I've noticed that the happy ones often fall into the category of "we always." It seems that even if their idea of "always" doesn't match up with reality, to them it feels like those good times were never ending!

 Build Memories Brick by Brick

Maybe this is why it's so important that we fill their time time with positive memories of quality time together.  But how? Sometimes it seems like we can be from two completely different worlds, and that finding a common ground is impossible, but why is that?  

An honest look at this question would probably yield an answer like, "I can only sit through one episode of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse a day." Or, "Han who?  Is he from Star Trek?" Or, "I have no idea who Khalid is."  While they all may be valid points, we might do ourselves a favor by flipping the question.  If you were to ask your kids why finding a common interest is hard, they would probably say, it isn't.

 The fact is that our kids want to spend time with us, and usually it doesn't make much difference what it is we are doing.  Chances are, if you already have a hobby, your child watches you and wants to be part of what you are creating.  Why not carve out a little extra time and teach them as you go along?  You might even find that they have the same knack for it as you!

So what do you do if your child doesn't have any interest in your hobby?  Well, this one really shouldn't be too difficult to answer.  Sometimes we have to put aside what WE want to do, and learn more about what THEY want to do.  Video games may seem mind numbing to us, but sometimes all they want is to show us the cool world they build, or the level they just unlocked. Join in.  Who knows, maybe you might even enjoy it!  Playing with a parent rather than on their own can feel like a reward to a child.  Spend some time doing what they like to do, and maybe in return they will be more willing to spend some time doing what they DON'T like to do (i.e. dishes, cleaning bedrooms, homework. . .). 

Still no common ground?  Sounds like it's time for a new hobby.  My suggestion, of course, is to visit our store in person or online.  How fun to spend time as a family building Noah's Ark?

https://brickforces.com/products/cobi-minifig-noah-s-ark-415-pieces

We have customers come in all the time telling us about their experiences building together.  We even had a grandfather email us to let us know how much his grandson likes our World War II minifigs and tanks.  So much, in fact, that he is building a diorama to enter in a brick expo with his Grandpa's help.  What a great way to bond!  

There are of course many other hobbies to pursue with our children, from trains, to gardening, to sports.  However, these colorful interlocking bricks tend to bridge the gap from youth to adulthood, while fostering creativity and team work.  

Before we know it, they will be off finding ways to spend time with their own kids.  Lets hope we are mentioned in some of their favorite "we always" memories! 

Build Memories Brick by Brick

 

There's a good reason why stepping on a brick hurts!

There's a good reason why stepping on a brick hurts!

Bricks are possibly the toy world’s most durable Toy Hall of Fame entrant. A pair of inquisitive YouTube scientists built a repetitive motion machine and didn’t see any breakage on a typical 2x4 brick 37,112 snaps had been completed. But such resistance comes at a terrible price. When you sink your bare foot into one—particularly on a hard surface—you simply don’t weigh enough to make it budge. A  brick 950 pounds of force without blinking. It simply refuses to transmit any of your applied force, instead giving it right back to your delicate nerve endings underfoot.

Keep Calm and Organize!

Keep Calm and Organize!

A few days ago, a dad came in looking for baseplate.  He told us about his little girl who loves building bricks.  He said she had stockpiles of bricks, and they are constantly finding their way to the bottom of his feet.  We all know how that goes (think Harv, coming through Kevin's window- barefoot). He had the great idea of gluing some of our baseplates to the top of his daughter's lift top desk.  How clever!  We told him to come back and tell us how it goes!  Hopefully his feet get a little relief! 

So, how do you organize your stockpile?  Did you know we carry storage solutions, along with baseplates?  

https://brickforces.com/collections/brick-storage-box

We would love to hear how you get organized! Share your comments with us! Happy building!

-Wildstyle

"You could come to my house sometime."

"You could come to my house sometime."

Hi!  I'm April, but you can call me Wildstyle. . . . or April.  Either way, I LOVE working at Brick Forces!  So what do I do?  I build a lot of mini figures.  A lot.  And I do some other stuff, but it's probably not as interesting.  However, there is one other thing of interest, which also happens to be my FAVORITE part - hosting Birthday Parties! 

You see, before I was know as Wildstyle, I was know as the Queen of Birthday Parties!  (Full disclosure- no one has ever called me either of those names.)  For the past seven years I have run a company with my sister called Magical Celebrations.  We send amazing character actors to parties and events all over the Wasatch Front.  Needless to say, I've spent a fair amount of time around children.  Those cute little faces get pretty excited  when they meet a real life princess or super hero, and that is exactly why I love doing what I do!

Now back to Brick Forces.  The first time I came in the store, I watched my own kids' faces light up as they found movie characters, war heroes, ninjas, dinosaurs, and on and on!  They wanted to come back again as soon as they could!  They wanted to come even when they didn't have any money to spend! They just wanted to be here.  There is something magic in this little store on Redwood- and I wanted to be part of it.  Luckily for me, the owner just happens to be my next door neighbor and was willing to give me a shot!  So, I put together a party for Brick Forces that, if I do say so myself, is super fun,  interactive, and memorable!  I was able to build (pun intended) upon everything I have learned over the years at Magical Celebrations to create party format that keeps the kids engaged and happy! 

The highlight of it all is seeing these kids' creativity at work.  They are so inventive and the future is in good hands.  I can't say enough about how much I love seeing them building, racing their cars, and working together. I feel blessed to get to be part of it all. At the end of the most recent party, one little boy said to me, "You could come to my house sometime.  I have a new dog and lots of building bricks."  He totally made my day! I have made some good little buddies doing parties here, and in case I didn't mention it,  l've loved every second of it!

-April Wildstyle 

Red Baron Minifig Tri-Plane

Red Baron Minifig Tri-Plane

One of my favorite NETFLIX movies. The Red Baron shot down over 80 Aircraft in World War I and had a reputation of being honorable and somewhat flamboyant.

Red Baron Tri-Plane

Red Baron Minifig

Brick Forces™ Announces Partnership with Cobi Toys!

Brick Forces™ Announces Partnership with Cobi Toys!

Simply the leader in World War II Tanks and Planes! We are bringing the FULL LINE into the Brick Forces™ Retail and Online Store. We put together the P-51D Today and NEVER have we put together an more well designed and thought out brick model. WOW! 

The price point cannot be beat either! Make your diorama with Brick Forces™ and Cobi today!

CLICK HERE TO SEE COBI PRODUCTS NOW