How to Build: Lego Minecraft AlexCaptainHobby2026-09-18 | How to Build: Lego Minecraft AlexLEGO Colosseum Speed Build World Record Attempt! 20000 subscriber partyCaptainHobby2022-11-12 | I will be attempting to build the LEGO SPQR Colosseum in under 8 hours, 40 minutes, and 55 seconds. Come join me!Attempting a LEGO World Record - 20,000 Subscriber SpecialCaptainHobby2022-11-04 | The world record time for building the massive 9,036 piece LEGO Colosseum is currently held by Artsiom Salauyou with a time of 8:40:55. Next Friday, November 11th starting at 12:00 PM Central time, I will attempt to break this world record to celebrate 20,000 subscribers and 10 years of CaptainHobby videos. It will be streamed right here on YouTube, and I hope you all join!Blindfolded LEGO Build ChallengeCaptainHobby2022-08-28 | This has been an idea sitting on my backlog for a while, and I've narrowly failed two previous attempts at this with other sets. The goal is to build a set completely blind, only able to study the packaging artwork ahead of time. I hope you think this is a neat idea, and I hope I can return to regularly scheduled LEGO videos soon.LEGO Building Technique: MILS Baseplates (Modular Integrated Landscape System)CaptainHobby2021-12-24 | The Modular Integrated Landscape System (MILS) is a useful technique I found to build large-scale LEGO displays, especially if you plan to collaborate with other builders. In this video I go over the basics of the standard, but you can find a lot more details here: abellon.net/MILSLEGO Pokemon + Instructions Part 38 - PalkiaCaptainHobby2021-12-11 | A tutorial showing you how to build the legendary Sinnoh Pokemon Palkia out of LEGO. With the recent release of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, I thought it would be fitting for me to build Dialga and Palkia. These are some of my largest and most detailed Pokemon builds ever, and I think they turned out very well.
If you want to learn how to make more LEGO Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5LEGO Pokemon + Instructions Part 37 - DialgaCaptainHobby2021-12-05 | A tutorial showing you how to build the legendary Sinnoh Pokemon Dialga out of LEGO. With the recent release of Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, I thought it would be fitting for me to build Dialga and Palkia. These are some of my largest and most detailed Pokemon builds ever, and I think they turned out very well.
If you want to learn how to make more LEGO Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5LEGO Building Technique: Large SNOT Plane/Ship/Butterfly WingsCaptainHobby2021-11-14 | In this tutorial I show off a technique for creating SNOT angles. It was hard for me to come up with a good name for this technique, and it's in some way a follow-up to my previous technique videos on hypotenuse tricks and wings. The core principle here is that you use a right triangle to create novel angles, but in a different plane than explored in last year's video.
More LEGO Building techniques: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSdV9p_7hAGb_6mkBDekRy9LEGO Pokemon + Instructions Part 36 - Paras and ParasectCaptainHobby2021-10-02 | A tutorial showing you how to build the Kanto Pokemon Paras and Parasect out of LEGO. The mushrooms for Paras aren't perfect, but I think it turned out well, and I think Parasect has a really beautiful design. It may be one of my best Pokemon builds yet.
If you want to learn how to make more LEGO Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5LEGO Pokemon + Instructions Part 35 - Shellder and CloysterCaptainHobby2021-08-28 | A tutorial showing you how to build the Kanto Pokemon Shellder and Cloyster out of LEGO. I think Shellder is cute and funny, and turned out really nicely. Cloyster's design took me a long time, and although it's not perfect, I'm really happy with it.
If you want to learn how to make more LEGO Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5LEGO Pokemon + Instructions Part 34 - Rillaboom, Cinderace, and InteleonCaptainHobby2021-08-15 | A tutorial showing you how to build the Galar starter Pokemon Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon out of LEGO. This has been a highly requested video and I was hesitant to upload anything until I was happy with the design. They're not perfect, but I think they're quite recognizable and good.
If you want to learn how to make more LEGO Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5How I Sort my LEGO Collection (10000+ pieces)CaptainHobby2021-05-16 | After long last it's time for me to sort my LEGO collection, so in this video I ramble a bit about how I approached this. I primarily sort by element, and for less common elements I sort by element class; for example, all my 1x2 hinge plates are together even though this represents 4 different elements. After this, I sort large and uncommon pieces together, and I have another box for Technic pieces, and a box for large plates. I store most of my elements in Akro-Mils drawers, which I chose because they are compact and affordable.
Here is the LEGO storage guide I mention in the video: brickarchitect.com/guideLEGO Pokemon + Instructions Part 33 - OnixCaptainHobby2021-05-02 | A tutorial showing you how to build the Kanto Pokemon Onix out of LEGO. I'm very happy with this build, and maybe I will build Steelix in the future. Technically Onix is a lot larger, but I felt that this scale was appropriate for play and display.
If you want to learn how to make more LEGO Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5LEGO Pokemon + Instructions Part 32 - Espeon and Umbreon BrickHeadzCaptainHobby2021-04-29 | A tutorial showing you how to build the Johto Eeveelution Pokemon Espeon and Umbreon out of LEGO in a BrickHeadz style. I am happy with how both turned out, especially with the use of Elves sets decorated tiles for the eyes, and the fact that enough pieces were available in medium lavender to make Espeon feasible.
If you want to learn how to make more LEGO Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5LEGO Pokemon + Instructions Part 31 - Butterfree and NinetalesCaptainHobby2021-04-02 | A tutorial showing you how to build the Kanto Pokemon Butterfree and Ninetales out of LEGO. I'm overall very happy with how these builds turned out, though Ninetales' head isn't perfect and Butterfree is a bit blocky.
If you want to learn how to make more LEGO Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5LEGO Pokemon + Instructions Part 30 - AmpharosCaptainHobby2021-03-28 | A tutorial showing you how to build the electric Johto Pokemon Ampharos out of LEGO. This was a recent viewer request and also happens to be one of my favorite Gen 2 Pokemon. I'm sorry this is a short video, but I promise there's more to come very soon!
If you want to learn how to make more LEGO Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5LEGO Pokemon + Instructions Part 29 - Vaporeon, Jolteon, and Flareon BrickHeadzCaptainHobby2021-02-14 | A tutorial showing you how to build the Kanto Eeveelution Pokemon Vaporeon, Jolteon, and Flareon out of LEGO. These are built as BrickHeadz rather than my usual style. I also feature Eevee, which was designed by Stormythos, although I do not reveal the instructions.
If you want to learn how to make more LEGO Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5LEGO Pokemon + Instructions Part 28 - Tyranitar, Salamence, and MetagrossCaptainHobby2021-01-24 | A tutorial showing you how to build the pseudo-legendary Pokemon Tyranitar, Salamence, and Metagross out of LEGO. They're not perfect, but overall I am very happy with the builds, especially Metagross. Shaping Tyranitar well was difficult, but I like that I incorporated the Statue of Liberty hair piece to act as the head, and I'm also glad I manage to build Salamence's wings in a way that doesn't look super bulky.
If you want to learn how to make more LEGO Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5The Most Expensive LEGO piece in the World? | Building a $1000 LEGO setCaptainHobby2020-11-22 | In 2014 the LEGO Group released a 602-piece model of the Marina Bay Sands casino resort in Singapore as part of their Architecture line of sets. It had a limited run (allegedly only around 10,000 sets) only sold in LEGO.com Korea, the ArtScience Museum Shop, and Marina Bay Sands’ own gift shop. Sealed-in-box it is worth over $1000. It is rare, collectible, and few people know it even exists which makes it the perfect candidate for one of my obsessions.
The set retailed at a modest price and most of the pieces in it are used in many other sets, making them all cheap and commonly available in the aftermarket for LEGO bricks. However, each Architecture set includes a printed tile with the name of the landmark on it. Since these pieces are only printed for their one respective set, they tend to be uncommon and appreciate value on the aftermarket. If you passed through the Willis Tower a few years ago, you would see shelves stacked with literally hundreds of the Willis Tower Architecture LEGO set. The Willis Tower printed tile, common as the set was, is now worth somewhere around $10.
There’s argument to make that the Marina Bay Sands tile is the most expensive LEGO piece in the world. The last time one traded in the aftermarket was over a year ago, for around $87. There are currently none even listed for sale. Even some other rare printed pieces are worth around $100, but they at least have a small listings willing to sell at that price. There is currently one seller, with a low reputation score and no selling experience on Bricklink offering the set WITH the tile for about $208. If you’re willing to take a chance, pay overseas shipping for Spain, and sell all the other parts to recoup your investment, you could acquire the tile for around $150.
Five years ago, I set up a macro in a Google Spreadsheet to fetch me the lowest price for various rare pieces, if any were even listed. After weeks of checking, I found the Marina Bay Sands tile for $35. I bought the piece as fast as I could and have been saving it for a rainy day ever since. Recently I acquired the remaining common pieces for the set and put it together. It’s a beautiful addition to my bookshelf.LEGO Pokemart MOC progress - Exterior and RoofCaptainHobby2020-10-14 | A quick update/progress video for my latest LEGO creation: a Pokemart to match the Pokemon Center I built many years ago. So far the outside of the building is prototyped out, but there are a few changes I think I will make before this is finished.
Here are the primary references I am using: cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/5/5d/Pok%C3%A9_Mart_HGSS.png cdn.bulbagarden.net/upload/0/08/Pok%C3%A9_Mart_interior_HGSS.pngLEGO Space Freight Trucker + InstructionsCaptainHobby2020-09-21 | In this tutorial I show you how to build my LEGO Space Freight Trucker MOC loosely inspired by Cowboy Bebop. I hope you enjoy!LEGO Fall Guys + InstructionsCaptainHobby2020-09-05 | Tutorial showing you how to build your own LEGO Fall Guy. This is a basic design that just mixes some colors, but if there's interest, maybe I will refine it and add costumes in the future!LEGO Pokemon + Instructions Part 27 - SkarmoryCaptainHobby2020-08-23 | A tutorial showing you how to build Skarmory out of LEGO. It's not my proudest build, but reminds me of the early days where I was building these Pokemon figures out of the pieces I had available to me. I hope you enjoy regardless, and I also hope to bring some really cool builds in the coming weeks.
If you want to learn how to make more LEGO Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5LEGO Building Technique: Angles and Hypotenuse TricksCaptainHobby2020-08-09 | In this tutorial I show off a few very clever tricks for producing non-right angles using a pretty basic set of pieces. We begin with classic Pythagorean triangles, introduce the mirrored-hypotenuse technique, and show off some unexpected spots where these hypotenuse techniques can show up in vertical space as well.
I first learned about these techniques years ago online and didn't really find a way to apply them until my Windfall Island build from Zelda. Here are some resources that I found helpful.
Hypo-technique: http://www.l3go.bugge.com/articles/technique/Hypotech1.shtml Vertical Hypo-technique: flickr.com/photos/bram/1899479308 LEGO Windfall Island: youtube.com/watch?v=exUY_tcs3wMCaptainHobby is back!CaptainHobby2020-08-03 | A bit of a free-form video where I talk about the channel. If you have any requests for videos you would like to see, let me know.Can you solve this LEGO 3D Block puzzle?CaptainHobby2020-08-02 | I first saw this puzzle made out of wooden blocks, and I thought it would be really cool to create it out of LEGO. Do you think you can solve it? This video shows you how to build your own, and spoils the solution for the puzzle at the end.LEGO Pokemon Galar Starters LivestreamCaptainHobby2018-11-23 | ...Lego Building Technique: RoofsCaptainHobby2018-07-28 | In this tutorial I show off my top 5 ways to build roofs for Lego houses and other buildings. You can create textured roofs with shingles, hay thatching, or even as a way to create unusual slopes and shapes.Lego Pokemon + Instructions Part 26 - Camerupt and SharpedoCaptainHobby2018-02-10 | A tutorial showing you how to make the premier Team Magma and Team Aqua Pokemon Camerupt and Sharpedo out of Lego. These use some pretty advanced techniques including a lot of SNOT and some math to make the design on Camerupt's side turn out well. I'm really happy with them, though I mention that Sharpedo 's jaw could probably be structured just a bit differently.
If you want to learn how to make more Lego Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5Lego Pokemon + Instructions Part 25 - Mewtwo and MewCaptainHobby2018-02-03 | A tutorial showing you how to make the legendary and mythical Pokemon Mewtwo and Mew out of Lego. I think these turned out really well, and I hope you enjoy them.
I built them in Lego Digital Designer on stream the other night. That video has been up for a while and will remain up, but will now be unlisted. If you are interested in watching it, here is the link: youtube.com/watch?v=BcYQhn2WBWE
If you want to learn how to make more Lego Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5New Year, New York, New VideosCaptainHobby2018-01-03 | This is an update video, but you can skip to 10:35 for the brief summary. The rest of the video is me building the Statue of Liberty Pick-a-Model from the New York City Lego store. Basically, I'm asking for feedback on what kind of videos you guys want to see, and if you would be interested in watching live streams of my designing/building process.Lego Pokemon + Instructions Part 24 - SnorlaxCaptainHobby2017-07-08 | A tutorial showing you how to make the classic Pokemon Snorlax out of Lego. I've wanted to build this Kanto region icon for a while, and I think it turned out really nicely. It was originally part of the same video as Dragonite and Lapras (original Pokemon Go powerhouses) but the video took too long so I split it up. Enjoy!
If you want to learn how to make more Lego Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5Brickworld Chicago 2017 Tour + Highlights (Lego Convention)CaptainHobby2017-07-06 | A video with some of my favorite builds and displays from Brickworld Chicago 2017! It was the first Lego convention I've attended, but I would definitely love to go again next year. In particular this video highlights some builds in styles and themes like:
-microscale -trains -pirates -Bionicle -super heroes -Pokemon -Overwatch -other gaming -Star Wars -Game of Thrones -mosaics -the Great Ball Contraption -the USS Missouri
I hope you enjoy!
Music is from the Overwatch and Runescape soundtracks, as well as some remixes by youtube.com/user/GlitchxCityLego Pokemon + Instructions Part 23 - Lapras and DragoniteCaptainHobby2017-07-01 | A tutorial showing you how to make Lapras and Dragonite out of Lego (and a sneak peak at Snorlax, which I'll show you how to build next week!). I'm very happy with how these turned out and was inspired to make them because I've been playing a lot of Pokemon Go recently. I hope you enjoy!
If you want to learn how to make more Lego Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5How to Build: Lego Fidget SpinnerCaptainHobby2017-05-20 | A tutorial with instructions showing you how to make your own Lego fidget spinner. I hope you enjoy the video, because I might build more fidget spinners in the future - maybe even some that can be used for tricks.Lego Building Technique: Textured WallsCaptainHobby2017-05-14 | In this tutorial I show off a few ways to build simple but nicely textured walls that are a lot more exciting than interlocking 1x2 bricks or using the masonry profile bricks. These techniques are not only simple but only depend on a small amount of commonly available pieces, but can create beautifully detailed walls.
Check out Simon NH's Flickr: flickr.com/photos/138986803@N03How to Build: Lego Star Wars Mini Consular Class CruiserCaptainHobby2017-05-06 | A tutorial with instructions how to make a mini Lego Consular Class Cruiser from Star Wars Episode I. It is the ship that Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi take to meet with the Trade Federation at the start of the film. This design was reverse engineered from the Minikit build in the Lego Star Wars videogames, and is part of my project to recreate and showcase some of these nearly-forgotten builds.
Check out how to build a Lego Gungan Sub: youtube.com/watch?v=vzrxnoYt8OELego Pokemon + Instructions Part 22 - Donphan, Scizor, and PiloswineCaptainHobby2017-04-29 | A tutorial showing you how to build Donphan, Scizor, and Piloswine from the Johto region out of Lego. I think these three turned out really nicely and I've been excited to build some new Johto Pokemon for a while.
If you want to learn how to make more Lego Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5Lego Pokemon + Instructions Part 21 - Decidueye, Incineroar, and PrimarinaCaptainHobby2017-04-23 | A tutorial showing you how to build the Pokemon Alola starters from Pokemon Sun and Moon out of Lego. I realize this is a long-anticipated video and it is a few months overdue, but I had a bit of a hard time coming up with clever ways to design these Pokemon. I may revisit them in the future, but I think they turned out fine overall, and I hope you enjoy them.
If you want to learn how to make more Lego Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5Lego Building Technique: Micro-scale TreesCaptainHobby2017-02-05 | In this tutorial I show off a few ways to build simple microscale trees out of Lego. I used the first one in my Zelda Windfall Island, the second one appears in the Fallingwater Lego Architecture set, and the third design is great for making nicely textured or colored trees, including snowy ones.How to Build: Lego Star Wars Mini Gungan SubCaptainHobby2017-01-16 | A tutorial with instructions how to make a mini Lego Gungan Bongo (also known as the Gungan Sub) from Star Wars Episode I. It is the vehicle that Qui-Gon Jinn, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Jar Jar Binks take to reach Theed Pallace on Naboo. This design was reverse engineered from the Minikit build in the Lego Star Wars videogames, and is part of my project to recreate and showcase some of these nearly-forgotten builds.
Check out how to build a Lego Minikit Canister: youtube.com/watch?v=NTtvfFnhNHcHow to Build: Lego Star Wars Minikit CanisterCaptainHobby2017-01-07 | A tutorial with instructions how to make a Lego Minikit from the Lego Star Wars videogames. This includes the classic design as well as the newer design from the Force Awakens game. I plan to make a few more videos building mini Lego Star Wars vehicles in the future, including the Gungan Bongo, Consular Class Cruiser, Jawa Sandcrawler, Jabba's Sail Barge, and maybe others.
Check out how to build a mini Lego Death Star: youtube.com/watch?v=vdP_Q4fc398Lego Pokemon + Instructions Part 20 - Remoraid, Octillery, and MantineCaptainHobby2016-11-27 | A tutorial showing you how to build the Pokemon Remoraid, Octillery, and Mantine from the Johto region. It's been a long time since I built some Johto Pokemon (it's been since episode 6), but I've had a few in mind for a while. This video ended up being a little shorter than expected, and this is largely because I was unhappy with my design for Scizor - I've wanted to build that for a while but am putting it off for now.
I also mentioned that I would include some alternative pieces for Mantine's antennae. It turns out Dark Blue corner plates are actually quite abundant, and they should serve as an adequate replacement.
If you want to learn how to make more Lego Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5Lego PSA: Travis Bricks on Pick-a-Brick Wall (great for Pokeballs)CaptainHobby2016-11-22 | Lego Pick-a-Brick walls have Travis bricks (AKA "modified 1x1 brick with studs on four sides" according to Bricklink). These are a must-have if you want to create a lot of my builds, especially the Pokemon, Pokeballs, and Star Wars MOCs. I don't know how long they will be around for, so get some while you still can!Lego Pokemon + Instructions Part 19 - Kanto Starters RevisitedCaptainHobby2016-11-13 | Instructions on how to build Venusaur, Charizard, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle out of Lego. For a long time, I've thought about redoing Venusaur and fixing Charizard's wings. I've finally gotten around to it, and I think the new versions are very nice (I was always satisfied with Blastoise and have no intentions to redo it). In addition, I also built a Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle because some people expressed interest in more smaller, non-evolved Pokemon.
I also mentioned Carson Hart's Venusaur, which I used as a reference: flickr.com/photos/58252782@N06/8331175719/in/dateposted150 Pieces for $5 - Lego Halloween Vampire and Bat Set 40203CaptainHobby2016-10-28 | A quick "review" of the pieces in the Vampire and Bat Halloween set (40203), which is on sale for $5 at Lego stores and contains some pretty nice pieces. I picked up two for the sake of bulking the bricks - this video is a heads up for those of you considering the same thing.How to Build: Lego Star Wars Mini Death StarCaptainHobby2016-10-08 | A tutorial with instructions how to make a Lego Mini Death Star from Star Wars. I've used the Lowell sphere design for at least 5 videos now, but it's because it's just so versatile. I built the Death Star to be timely with Rogue One coming out soon. You can also modify it by adding just one piece to make it into a nice Christmas tree ornament. Check out how to build Lego R2-D2: youtube.com/watch?v=L7kgwys1nJwLego Building Technique: Car Chassis and SteeringCaptainHobby2016-10-02 | Lego themselves once made a video about this, but never went into detail about actually building a decent steering system or chassis for a car. In this tutorial I show off a few different ways to build one, including one implementation that involves a steering wheel.
You can also accomplish this task with turntables, though you will need some kind of "bumpers" so that the car axles don't rotate too much. I did this in my Lego Iron Man Car (youtube.com/watch?v=2nv-8UlGhcA) and also found this very compact one on Flickr: flickr.com/photos/marinstipkovic/10316750455/.Lego Pokemon + Instructions Part 18 - Chesnaught, Delphox, and GreninjaCaptainHobby2016-09-24 | A tutorial showing you how to build the Pokemon Kalos starters from Pokemon X and Y out of Lego. This video is a bit overdo and I don't think these came out perfectly, but I'm still pretty happy with the result - especially Chesnaught. I had high hopes for Greninja, but some of them didn't pan out very well. Delphox was a pretty "standard" build - I didn't do anything exceptionally creative, and didn't really face any difficulties in trying to scale it. I also call it "Braixen" by mistake in the video.
Anyways, this means I'm finally caught up on all of the starter Pokemons' final forms. Hopefully we will get to see the final evolutions of the Alola starters soon, so I can get to building those as well.
If you want to learn how to make more Lego Pokemon, check out this playlist: youtube.com/playlist?list=PLN0dHQZoB6mSmmQO3cPADBBTxCl46Tld5How to Build: Lego YouTube Play Button - 10,000 Subscriber SpecialCaptainHobby2016-09-11 | A tutorial showing you how to build a plastic, red YouTube Play Button out of Lego. This video is made to celebrate reaching 10,000 subscribers this summer. I've been posting videos to this channel for almost 5 years now, and I have no intention to stop any time soon - maybe someday this channel will make it to 100,000 subscribers. Anyways, thanks to all of you who watch my videos, especially those of you who subscribe. I really appreciate it!Where to Buy Individual Lego PiecesCaptainHobby2016-08-23 | A lot of people ask me how I get my Lego parts. When Pick-a-Brick walls have nice pieces, I grab a lot. But usually I buy pieces from http://www.bricklink.com. Lego's own online Pick-a-Brick service is decent, but the selection isn't huge, and most parts are pretty expensive.
Anyway, for those curious, you can get Lego Digital Designer here: http://ldd.lego.com I also mentioned a few other programs that I used to use. Those are Brickstore and Brickficiency. It seems Brickficiency has been discontinued, but I believe someone was working on an alternative a while back.