Answers.Body: <p>here are some additional sets that mostly use fairly standard pieces you're likely to have in a basic lego collection:</p>
  
  <h2>Peeron Lego Instruction Sets</h2>
  
  <p>To add to jncraton's excellent answer, here are additional sets from Peeron's Lego Instructions Archive using generic bricks:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/400-1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Universal Building Set (400-1)</a> </li>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/510-1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">BASIC Building Set (510-1)</a> </li>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/520-1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">BASIC Building Set (520-1)</a></li>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/530-1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">BASIC Building Set 530</a></li>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/540-1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Basic Set 540</a></li>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/550-1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Basic Set 550</a></li>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/577-1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Basic Set 577</a></li>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/319-1/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">truck with trailer 319</a></li>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/3-8/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Mini Wheel Model Maker</a></li>
  </ul>
  
  <h2>Official Lego Instructions Site</h2>
  
  <p>Lego's Customer service website you can browse various instruction sets by category, numeric id, or keyword. <a href="http://service.lego.com/en-us/buildinginstructions/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">http://service.lego.com/en-us/buildinginstructions/</a></p>
  
  <p>Some sets likely to be possible with generic bricks include:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li><a href="http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/4208124.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Fun and Adventure 4023</a> - mostly builds a variety of boats &amp; planes, also a couple small animals</li>
  <li><a href="http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/4288813.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">LEGO Deluxe House Building 3600</a> - makes a variety of buildings</li>
  <li><a href="http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/6021222.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Mini Sopwith Camel 40049</a> - builds one war plane</li>
  <li><a href="http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/6055342.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">LLP Entrance Picture Frame 40081</a> - castle entrance that can hold a card or photo. For full effect requires 2 gear shaped pieces and a couple common castle pieces.</li>
  <li><a href="http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/4264703.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Xmas Tree Deco &amp; Gift Box 4759</a> - makes hang-able Christmas ornaments, requires a few technic 1x2 pieces with holes, otherwise standard bricks</li>
  <li><a href="http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/4179189.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">PIZZA TO GO 10036</a> - builds a pizzeria and pizza delivery truck. If you ignore the stickers, both the building and truck are almost entirely fairly standard creator bucket pieces.</li>
  <li><a href="http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/6050953.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">LEGO Leonidas' Jungle Dragster Set 30253</a>- Makes a vehicle. This set uses a lot of pieces that are not 'standard' or in creator buckets, but are very common in current lego sets that make specialized models of any sort, and would be quite easy to build if you have a few recent lego sets.</li>
  <li><a href="http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/6045767.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">LEGO Lone Ranger's Pump Car Set 30260</a>- Requires a few various technic pieces</li>
  </ul>
  
  <h2>Small Lego Sets</h2>
  
  <p>Lego also has a whole categories of sets which are almost all small holiday themed sets made out of common pieces, such as snowmen, chicks, turkeys, etc. </p>
  
  <ul>
  <li>See <a href="http://service.lego.com/en-us/buildinginstructions/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">http://service.lego.com/en-us/buildinginstructions/</a> and select category "Pick-a-brick Retail" for 10+ sets, and category "Seasonal" for 20+ sets</li>
  <li>Example: <a href="http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/4226795.pdf" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Angel 10080</a><br>
  <img src="https://i.sstatic.net/ZhRdd.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></li>
  </ul>
  
  <h2>Mini Builds</h2>
  
  <p>Lego also makes a variety of monthly "mini-builds" which are small items made with fairly common pieces. They only keep the current one available on lego's website, but <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/toomuchdew/sets/72157625084165665/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">others</a> have collected the <a href="https://www.google.com/search?q=lego%20monthly%20mini%20builds" rel="nofollow noreferrer">old instruction sheets</a> for various mini-builds.<br>
  <img src="https://i.sstatic.net/vmT0p.jpg" alt="enter image description here"> and they appear to in some cases overlap items from the "seasonal" instructions above.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-12-12T23:12:57.277Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-02-11T01:52:50.180Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2014-02-11T01:52:50.180Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Jessica Brown
Answers.Body: <p>Here's a suggestion: Go to Brickset.com. They have scans of the boxes of almost every set every released. Many of the earlier sets (i.e., those released in the 1970s) are built almost entirely out of basic bricks, and you can usually figure out how they are built just from looking at the picture. Some links to get you started:</p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.brickset.com/browse/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Browse list of sets by year or theme</a>. Click on the set number to quickly pull up the picture. Also check out old sets listed under the "Basic" theme.</p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=602-2" rel="nofollow noreferrer">a simple firetruck:</a></p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/BZtZW.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></p>
  
  <p><a href="http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=346-1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">a jumbo jet:</a></p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/sQ9lt.jpg" alt="a jumbo jet"></p>
  
  <p>Good luck!</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-12-09T20:02:27.343Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-12-09T20:02:27.343Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: oddTodd
Answers.Body: <p>You can try this blog <a href="http://legoideas.si/" rel="nofollow noreferrer">http://legoideas.si/</a></p>
  
  <p>It's oriented towards Duplo, but similar designs can also be made out of standard Legos. </p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/JnD7d.jpg" alt="enter image description here"></p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2015-06-10T12:06:21.937Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2015-06-24T07:05:59.540Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2015-06-24T07:05:59.540Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Nordi
Answers.Body: <p>There is a <strong><em>popular site, which my kids love,</em></strong> with step-by-step instructions: <a href="http://www.buildingexamples.com" rel="nofollow"><strong>www.buildingexamples.com</strong></a>
  The lego instructions are categorized by age and type and are also available as <strong><em>App for smartphone and tablet.</em></strong>
  You can build animals, rockets, buildings and even the Eiffel tower. The youngest children start with small examples, while older children can use more complex instructions. All are based on basic building blocks.</p>
  
  <p><strong>Have fun! My kids love it.</strong></p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2014-02-27T14:27:55.057Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2014-02-27T14:27:55.057Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Dimitri Dewaele
Answers.Body: <p>I do not know of any book that would have a large catalog of models built only with traditional bricks. I agree with Sergio above, that the best approach is to get a set that comes with lots of alternate instructions. LEGO Creator buckets and LEGO BrickMaster books are excellent in this regard.</p>
  
  <p>Also, I would like to add that building anything from basic LEGO bricks is actually very easy. It is basically the same as building with traditional wooden blocks. You won't find a lot of instructions for those either because children just naturally figure out how to stack them to make a tower, a house, a bridge... so you could simply pour out the LEGO bricks and say, "Let's build a house!", then start stacking bricks to make the walls, leave openings for windows and doors, etc. You can also mix toys and use LEGO to build a castle for example and use Playmobil soldiers to populate it. </p>
  
  <p>The beauty of LEGO is that it is an educational and creative tool. Learning how to free-build with LEGO is one of the greatest joys of this hobby. Most 5-year-olds will much prefer that over following instructions or the designs of others. So you could just look through picture books (or the world outside) and when your child says "Oh, I would like to build a tower like that!", then get the LEGO out and just build it!...(c: </p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2015-06-11T18:57:10.593Z
Answers.Text: http://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO%C2%AE-Ideas-Book-Daniel-Lipkowitz/dp/1405350679 LEGO ideas book?
Answers.UserDisplayName: Mikasa
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-12-09T15:09:16.093Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-12-09T15:09:16.093Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: TheBrickBlogger
Answers.Body: <p>There is this site you can try - <a href="http://rebrickable.com" rel="nofollow">Rebrickable</a>. You can enter what sets/parts you own and then browse what other creations you can build with the parts you have (or almost have).</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-12-09T14:06:48.867Z
Answers.Text: Rebrickable is a good idea, but let me say that unless your collection is seriously huge, or you are lucky and someone uploaded an "alternate model" creation based on a kit you already own, you will never find creations that fit in your collection. I have hundreds of sets totalling over 40,000 pieces and I can build almost nothing on rebrickable without making serious substitutions. Not to mention that the OP is looking for creations made primarily out of basic bricks and most creations on rebrickable are quite complex.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Mr. Shiny and New 安宇
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-12-09T11:46:58.133Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-12-09T11:46:58.133Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: BloodyStupidViktor
Answers.Body: <p>The <em>"LEGO Ideas Book"</em> (<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO%C2%AE-Ideas-Book-Daniel-Lipkowitz/dp/1405350679" rel="nofollow">http://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO%C2%AE-Ideas-Book-Daniel-Lipkowitz/dp/1405350679</a>) provides many different ideas, many of which can be achieved with simple bricks. It ranges from easy to harder models, which can help develop your LEGO skills over time. </p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2015-06-11T18:56:43.007Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2015-06-11T18:56:43.007Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Mikasa
Answers.Body: <p>I have two idea books from the 1960's: N°2 (238-5) and N°3 (238-8). I've downloaded <a href="http://peeron.com/cgi-bin/invcgis/scans/238-1/?ct=1" rel="nofollow noreferrer">N°1 (238-1)</a> from <a href="http://peeron.com/cgi-bin/invcgis/psearch?query=Idea%20Book&amp;limit=none" rel="nofollow noreferrer">Peeron</a>.</p>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2023-01-29T14:50:08.120Z
Answers.Text: Are you saying that the instructions you have are available on Peeron?
Answers.UserDisplayName: Metalbeard
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2023-01-30T14:47:59.483Z
Answers.Text: Peeron has most of what I have apart from 2 pages as N°1 & N°2 differ for them.
Answers.UserDisplayName: Andrew Hodson
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2023-01-27T21:15:11.660Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2023-01-30T09:55:44.930Z
Answers.LastEditDate: 2023-01-30T09:55:44.930Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: Andrew Hodson
Answers.Body: <p>LEGO has released a number of large brick buckets over the years. A few of these came with instructions and ideas for models that could be built with the contents. These include lots of ideas for animals, vehicles, and structures. Here are a few examples:</p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/M6HMh.jpg" alt="helicopter"></p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/D5n6A.jpg" alt="girl and cat"></p>
  
  <p><img src="https://i.sstatic.net/UPSa8.jpg" alt="house"></p>
  
  <p>There are plenty of ideas available if you browse through the instructions for these sets. Here are some of the larger brick set with links to their instruction scans:</p>
  
  <ul>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/7825-1/" rel="noreferrer">7825</a></li>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/7836-1/" rel="noreferrer">7836</a></li>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/4104-1/" rel="noreferrer">4104</a></li>
  <li><a href="http://belay.peeron.com/pdf/4224-1/1/" rel="noreferrer">4224</a></li>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/515-1" rel="noreferrer">515</a></li>
  <li><a href="http://peeron.com/scans/1615-1" rel="noreferrer">1615</a></li>
  </ul>
  
Answers.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Answers.CreationDate: 2013-12-09T20:48:36.373Z
Answers.LastActivityDate: 2013-12-09T20:48:36.373Z
Answers.UserDisplayName: jncraton
Body: <p>I would like to find a large catalog of LEGO designs/ideas that can be built with "traditional" LEGO bricks (both normal and DUPLO).</p>
  
  <p>I have found many nice designs in the web, but most of them require exotic pieces. I am interested more in a catalog of models (for inspiration) that do not require me buying a specific set or making a specific order to the LEGO shop.</p>
  
  <p>I found this book: <a href="https://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/com/0756686067" rel="nofollow noreferrer" rel="nofollow noreferrer">http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0756686067/geekdad0b-20</a>
   but I am wondering if a free resource exists somewhere ?</p>
  
  <p><strong>UPDATE:</strong></p>
  
  <p>I have just read this review of the book I linked above, apparently, it also suffers from the problem of requiring too many non-standard pieces:</p>
  
  <blockquote>
    <p>We thought this book would be great since my 5-year-old is just
    getting into LEGO bricks. Opened it up and realized that every project in
    this book looks like it requires non-standard, specialty LEGO kit
    pieces- and lots of them. I didn't see any projects in this book that
    you could build using standard LEGO pieces. Returned the book the next
    day.</p>
  </blockquote>
  
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-12-09T10:06:18.703Z
Comments.Text: The book doesn't REQUIRE anything. It shows you examples. Take it from there, and extrapolate and build something similar, but with the pieces you have. Alternately, if you really want the special pieces (which I somehow doubt you do), you could buy them from sites like Bricklink.
Comments.UserDisplayName: gev
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-12-09T14:05:08.733Z
Comments.Text: The problem with any idea book such as this is that it will always require pieces you don't have, unless it comes with all the pieces for all the creations it has inside. Maybe you should buy a couple of the Creator sets; they have lots of generic bricks and plates as well as "specialized" pieces such as hinges, clips, etc. Plus they come with instructions for alternate models that can be built with the same kit. If you want a challenge, build the alternate models without following the instructions.
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mr. Shiny and New 安宇
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-12-09T22:30:37.493Z
Comments.Text: hi @Mr.ShinyandNew安宇, I am a bit new to this, what is exactly a creator set ? it is just one of these boxes that provide pieces to build something very specific (like a boat or an airplane) ?
Comments.UserDisplayName: Sergio
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-12-10T14:05:46.033Z
Comments.Text: The Creator sets are a theme that Lego produces. Most of them say "Creator" on the box and these are the ones with the alternate model instructions. [shop.lego.com link](http://shop.lego.com/en-CA/Creator-ByTheme). You can browse the sets on [Brickset](http://brickset.com/browse/themes/?theme=Creator) and see scans of the instructions. For example, [this Eagle set](http://brickset.com/detail/?Set=31004-1) comes with [instructions to make a scorpion or a beaver](http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/6036223.pdf).
Comments.UserDisplayName: Mr. Shiny and New 安宇
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-12-10T21:13:01.243Z
Comments.Text: so if I understood correctly, a "Creator" set provides pieces for a main model, and in addition describes few alternative models that can be made with the same (sub)set of pieces, correct ?
Comments.UserDisplayName: Sergio
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 3.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2013-12-12T15:57:27.977Z
Comments.Text: That's correct Sergio.  They have a lot of "core" pieces are are really great for a wide variety of other models.  You can check out the Creator sets at Lego's website: http://www.lego.com/en-us/creator/products/all-models
Comments.UserDisplayName: Nathan
Comments.ContentLicense: CC BY-SA 4.0
Comments.CreationDate: 2023-01-30T10:08:05.520Z
Comments.Text: @Mr.ShinyandNew安宇 here's the updated link for those instructions: https://www.lego.com/cdn/product-assets/product.bi.core.pdf/6036223.pdf
Comments.UserDisplayName: Henrique de Sousa
Tags: <building><design>
Title: LEGO ideas (with traditional bricks)
UserDisplayName: Sergio
ThreadText: # LEGO ideas (with traditional bricks)
  
  (Asked by: username_0 on 2013-12-09)
  
  I would like to find a large catalog of LEGO designs/ideas that can be built with "traditional" LEGO bricks (both normal and DUPLO).
  
  I have found many nice designs in the web, but most of them require exotic pieces. I am interested more in a catalog of models (for inspiration) that do not require me buying a specific set or making a specific order to the LEGO shop.
  
  I found this book: [http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0756686067/geekdad0b-20](https://rads.stackoverflow.com/amzn/click/com/0756686067)
  but I am wondering if a free resource exists somewhere ?
  
  **UPDATE:**
  
  I have just read this review of the book I linked above, apparently, it also suffers from the problem of requiring too many non-standard pieces:
  
  > We thought this book would be great since my 5-year-old is just
  > getting into LEGO bricks. Opened it up and realized that every project in
  > this book looks like it requires non-standard, specialty LEGO kit
  > pieces- and lots of them. I didn't see any projects in this book that
  > you could build using standard LEGO pieces. Returned the book the next
  > day.
  
  **Tags:** building, design
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_1**: The book doesn't REQUIRE anything. It shows you examples. Take it from there, and extrapolate and build something similar, but with the pieces you have. Alternately, if you really want the special pieces (which I somehow doubt you do), you could buy them from sites like Bricklink.  
  > **username_2**: The problem with any idea book such as this is that it will always require pieces you don't have, unless it comes with all the pieces for all the creations it has inside. Maybe you should buy a couple of the Creator sets; they have lots of generic bricks and plates as well as "specialized" pieces such as hinges, clips, etc. Plus they come with instructions for alternate models that can be built with the same kit. If you want a challenge, build the alternate models without following the instructions.  
  > **username_0**: hi @Mr.ShinyandNew安宇, I am a bit new to this, what is exactly a creator set ? it is just one of these boxes that provide pieces to build something very specific (like a boat or an airplane) ?  
  > **username_2**: The Creator sets are a theme that Lego produces. Most of them say "Creator" on the box and these are the ones with the alternate model instructions. [shop.lego.com link](http://shop.lego.com/en-CA/Creator-ByTheme). You can browse the sets on [Brickset](http://brickset.com/browse/themes/?theme=Creator) and see scans of the instructions. For example, [this Eagle set](http://brickset.com/detail/?Set=31004-1) comes with [instructions to make a scorpion or a beaver](http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/6036223.pdf).  
  > **username_0**: so if I understood correctly, a "Creator" set provides pieces for a main model, and in addition describes few alternative models that can be made with the same (sub)set of pieces, correct ?  
  > **username_3**: That's correct Sergio.  They have a lot of "core" pieces are are really great for a wide variety of other models.  You can check out the Creator sets at Lego's website: http://www.lego.com/en-us/creator/products/all-models  
  > **username_4**: @Mr.ShinyandNew安宇 here's the updated link for those instructions: https://www.lego.com/cdn/product-assets/product.bi.core.pdf/6036223.pdf  
  
  ---
  
  ## 9 answers
  
  ### Answer by username_14 on 2013-12-09. Score: 7 | Accepted answer
  
  LEGO has released a number of large brick buckets over the years. A few of these came with instructions and ideas for models that could be built with the contents. These include lots of ideas for animals, vehicles, and structures. Here are a few examples:
  
  ![helicopter](https://i.sstatic.net/M6HMh.jpg)
  
  ![girl and cat](https://i.sstatic.net/D5n6A.jpg)
  
  ![house](https://i.sstatic.net/UPSa8.jpg)
  
  There are plenty of ideas available if you browse through the instructions for these sets. Here are some of the larger brick set with links to their instruction scans:
  
  * [7825](http://peeron.com/scans/7825-1/)
  * [7836](http://peeron.com/scans/7836-1/)
  * [4104](http://peeron.com/scans/4104-1/)
  * [4224](http://belay.peeron.com/pdf/4224-1/1/)
  * [515](http://peeron.com/scans/515-1)
  * [1615](http://peeron.com/scans/1615-1)
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_5 on 2013-12-12. Score: 6
  
  here are some additional sets that mostly use fairly standard pieces you're likely to have in a basic lego collection:
  
  ## Peeron Lego Instruction Sets
  
  To add to jncraton's excellent answer, here are additional sets from Peeron's Lego Instructions Archive using generic bricks:
  
  * [Universal Building Set (400-1)](http://peeron.com/scans/400-1)
  * [BASIC Building Set (510-1)](http://peeron.com/scans/510-1)
  * [BASIC Building Set (520-1)](http://peeron.com/scans/520-1)
  * [BASIC Building Set 530](http://peeron.com/scans/530-1)
  * [Basic Set 540](http://peeron.com/scans/540-1)
  * [Basic Set 550](http://peeron.com/scans/550-1)
  * [Basic Set 577](http://peeron.com/scans/577-1)
  * [truck with trailer 319](http://peeron.com/scans/319-1/)
  * [Mini Wheel Model Maker](http://peeron.com/scans/3-8/)
  
  ## Official Lego Instructions Site
  
  Lego's Customer service website you can browse various instruction sets by category, numeric id, or keyword. <http://service.lego.com/en-us/buildinginstructions/>
  
  Some sets likely to be possible with generic bricks include:
  
  * [Fun and Adventure 4023](http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/4208124.pdf) - mostly builds a variety of boats & planes, also a couple small animals
  * [LEGO Deluxe House Building 3600](http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/4288813.pdf) - makes a variety of buildings
  * [Mini Sopwith Camel 40049](http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/6021222.pdf) - builds one war plane
  * [LLP Entrance Picture Frame 40081](http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/6055342.pdf) - castle entrance that can hold a card or photo. For full effect requires 2 gear shaped pieces and a couple common castle pieces.
  * [Xmas Tree Deco & Gift Box 4759](http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/4264703.pdf) - makes hang-able Christmas ornaments, requires a few technic 1x2 pieces with holes, otherwise standard bricks
  * [PIZZA TO GO 10036](http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/4179189.pdf) - builds a pizzeria and pizza delivery truck. If you ignore the stickers, both the building and truck are almost entirely fairly standard creator bucket pieces.
  * [LEGO Leonidas' Jungle Dragster Set 30253](http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/6050953.pdf)- Makes a vehicle. This set uses a lot of pieces that are not 'standard' or in creator buckets, but are very common in current lego sets that make specialized models of any sort, and would be quite easy to build if you have a few recent lego sets.
  * [LEGO Lone Ranger's Pump Car Set 30260](http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/6045767.pdf)- Requires a few various technic pieces
  
  ## Small Lego Sets
  
  Lego also has a whole categories of sets which are almost all small holiday themed sets made out of common pieces, such as snowmen, chicks, turkeys, etc.
  
  * See <http://service.lego.com/en-us/buildinginstructions/> and select category "Pick-a-brick Retail" for 10+ sets, and category "Seasonal" for 20+ sets
  * Example: [Angel 10080](http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/4226795.pdf)  
    ![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/ZhRdd.jpg)
  
  ## Mini Builds
  
  Lego also makes a variety of monthly "mini-builds" which are small items made with fairly common pieces. They only keep the current one available on lego's website, but [others](http://www.flickr.com/photos/toomuchdew/sets/72157625084165665/) have collected the [old instruction sheets](https://www.google.com/search?q=lego%20monthly%20mini%20builds) for various mini-builds.  
  ![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/vmT0p.jpg) and they appear to in some cases overlap items from the "seasonal" instructions above.
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_6 on 2013-12-09. Score: 3
  
  Here's a suggestion: Go to Brickset.com. They have scans of the boxes of almost every set every released. Many of the earlier sets (i.e., those released in the 1970s) are built almost entirely out of basic bricks, and you can usually figure out how they are built just from looking at the picture. Some links to get you started:
  
  [Browse list of sets by year or theme](http://www.brickset.com/browse/). Click on the set number to quickly pull up the picture. Also check out old sets listed under the "Basic" theme.
  
  [a simple firetruck:](http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=602-2)
  
  ![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/BZtZW.jpg)
  
  [a jumbo jet:](http://www.brickset.com/detail/?set=346-1)
  
  ![a jumbo jet](https://i.sstatic.net/sQ9lt.jpg)
  
  Good luck!
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_7 on 2015-06-10. Score: 2
  
  You can try this blog <http://legoideas.si/>
  
  It's oriented towards Duplo, but similar designs can also be made out of standard Legos.
  
  ![enter image description here](https://i.sstatic.net/JnD7d.jpg)
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_8 on 2014-02-27. Score: 2
  
  There is a ***popular site, which my kids love,*** with step-by-step instructions: [**www.buildingexamples.com**](http://www.buildingexamples.com)
  The lego instructions are categorized by age and type and are also available as ***App for smartphone and tablet.***
  You can build animals, rockets, buildings and even the Eiffel tower. The youngest children start with small examples, while older children can use more complex instructions. All are based on basic building blocks.
  
  **Have fun! My kids love it.**
  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_12 on 2023-01-27. Score: 2
  
  I have two idea books from the 1960's: N°2 (238-5) and N°3 (238-8). I've downloaded [N°1 (238-1)](http://peeron.com/cgi-bin/invcgis/scans/238-1/?ct=1) from [Peeron](http://peeron.com/cgi-bin/invcgis/psearch?query=Idea%20Book&limit=none).
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_13**: Are you saying that the instructions you have are available on Peeron?  
  > **username_12**: Peeron has most of what I have apart from 2 pages as N°1 & N°2 differ for them.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_9 on 2013-12-09. Score: 1
  
  I do not know of any book that would have a large catalog of models built only with traditional bricks. I agree with Sergio above, that the best approach is to get a set that comes with lots of alternate instructions. LEGO Creator buckets and LEGO BrickMaster books are excellent in this regard.
  
  Also, I would like to add that building anything from basic LEGO bricks is actually very easy. It is basically the same as building with traditional wooden blocks. You won't find a lot of instructions for those either because children just naturally figure out how to stack them to make a tower, a house, a bridge... so you could simply pour out the LEGO bricks and say, "Let's build a house!", then start stacking bricks to make the walls, leave openings for windows and doors, etc. You can also mix toys and use LEGO to build a castle for example and use Playmobil soldiers to populate it.
  
  The beauty of LEGO is that it is an educational and creative tool. Learning how to free-build with LEGO is one of the greatest joys of this hobby. Most 5-year-olds will much prefer that over following instructions or the designs of others. So you could just look through picture books (or the world outside) and when your child says "Oh, I would like to build a tower like that!", then get the LEGO out and just build it!...(c:
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_10**: http://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO%C2%AE-Ideas-Book-Daniel-Lipkowitz/dp/1405350679 LEGO ideas book?  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_11 on 2013-12-09. Score: 1
  
  There is this site you can try - [Rebrickable](http://rebrickable.com). You can enter what sets/parts you own and then browse what other creations you can build with the parts you have (or almost have).
  
  > **Comments:**
  > **username_2**: Rebrickable is a good idea, but let me say that unless your collection is seriously huge, or you are lucky and someone uploaded an "alternate model" creation based on a kit you already own, you will never find creations that fit in your collection. I have hundreds of sets totalling over 40,000 pieces and I can build almost nothing on rebrickable without making serious substitutions. Not to mention that the OP is looking for creations made primarily out of basic bricks and most creations on rebrickable are quite complex.  
  
  ---
  
  ### Answer by username_10 on 2015-06-11. Score: 0
  
  The *"LEGO Ideas Book"* (<http://www.amazon.co.uk/LEGO%C2%AE-Ideas-Book-Daniel-Lipkowitz/dp/1405350679>) provides many different ideas, many of which can be achieved with simple bricks. It ranges from easy to harder models, which can help develop your LEGO skills over time.
  
  
  ---
  
  