Building plastic block kits is not only fun but also a rewarding experience, especially when you take the time to build each creation carefully and thoughtfully. It's easy to get excited and rush through the steps, but slowing down and paying close attention to the details is key to a successful build. Here's the 3rd of this series of hints and tips, remember to check the previous 2 blogs!
Again, Take Your Time and Follow the Instructions - Plastic Block Building Hints
One of the best pieces of advice I can offer is this: don’t rush the process. Each of our sets comes with detailed instructions that guide you step-by-step to ensure everything is put together correctly. Many times, you’ll come across subtle instructions that you might miss if you're in a hurry. For example, in most of our instruction manuals, there's a helpful white circle with a bright blue arrow indicating when it's time to flip the model or check something important. This step is essential to make sure all pieces align properly, and missing it could mean redoing sections of your build.
A Personal Confession: Even we Miss Steps!
Recently, I was working on one of our own kits and got stuck. I was convinced there was a mistake in the instructions and even contacted the manufacturer to report an issue. However, after pulling the entire model apart several times, I realised the problem wasn’t with the instructions—it was with me! I had placed a tiny single block the wrong way around, and despite looking over the steps repeatedly, I kept missing that crucial detail. One side it was a stud and the other a receptor which obviously just wouldn't work. It’s a great reminder that even the smallest piece, when misaligned, can throw off the whole build.
Pay Attention to the Tiny Details
This brings me to another important tip: pay close attention to the small pieces. It’s easy to assume that if a block looks similar, it must go in a certain way, but oftentimes, those tiny pieces are critical to the final structure. One of the best ways to avoid mistakes is to follow this simple strategy: as the instructions guide you through each step, lay out the pieces you'll need for the next step in advance. Make sure you use all of those pieces before moving on. This will help ensure that nothing is left behind and everything fits together as intended. Double-check the orientation of each block before placing it, and if something feels off, go back and inspect the instructions carefully.
Enjoy the Process
Finally, remember that building these kits should be a fun and relaxing experience. Take the time to enjoy every step, and don't be afraid to make mistakes along the way. We’ve all been there—whether it’s flipping a block the wrong way or missing a key instruction. The beauty of plastic block building is that every piece has a place, and with patience, your creation will come to life exactly as it should.
Stickers in some New Products
In some of our new stock lines, certain builds require careful sticker placement to bring the models to life. For instance, some stickers are applied to items that can spin on a circular tab, allowing for a bit of flexibility. However, for parts that don’t spin, like the big eyes on the Ocean Stackables, you need to be extra careful about placing them evenly opposite each other otherwise your sea creature might look wonky, possibly ruining an otherwise perfect build. A good tip is to attach the piece first and then apply the sticker—this can help you line it up correctly. If thats too hard line it up then take the piece off noting which ay around it needs to be. Carefully though, as stickers don’t always come off easily once applied, and trying to remove them can damage the sticker, in turn ruining the piece. A little extra care here goes a long way to ensuring your build looks perfect!
Left over Blocks... - Oh NO or Oh YES!
At the end of your build, you might notice that there are extra plastic block pieces left over. Don’t panic! This is actually quite common and almost always intentional. Manufacturers often include spare pieces to ensure that all the required parts are there, so if you’ve followed the instructions carefully, your build should be complete. There's no need to disassemble everything to double-check, you can just quickly review the instructions and complete build. Instead, consider these extra blocks as a bonus—sometimes they can even be used to add extra flair to your creation, or just saved for future builds!
Be Mindful of Support During Builds
Some builds can get a bit frustrating, especially when attaching blocks to sections where the structure's support isn’t strong yet. It’s important to always think about where you need to apply strength to the build when adding a new piece. For example, when working on some pieces, the lack of stability in early stages can make placing pieces more challenging. If you’re mindful of this, you can apply pressure in the right places, preventing your build from falling apart or becoming misaligned (or chucking a tantrum!). With practice and awareness, you'll find yourself getting better at identifying where the support is needed and mastering those trickier connections over time!
Safe Tooling now available!
When building with plastic block toys, safety is a top priority—especially when it comes to separating tightly joined pieces after a mistake. The new Plastic Block Separator Tools offer a safe, kid-friendly alternative to sharp or metal objects, which can easily cause injury. Kids often want to do things on their own, and these tools are designed to help them safely disassemble blocks without the risk of harm. With smooth edges, top tab rods for handling tricky joints, and studs for gripping larger pieces, these tools provide an ideal, injury-free solution for both children and adults during disassembly.
So next time you sit down with one of our plastic block kits, keep these tips in mind and enjoy the process. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced builder, there’s always something new to learn, and every build is an opportunity to improve your skills.
Kommentarer