A Thoughtful LEGO Build for Mother's Day – Plum Blossom 10369
Over on Bricks and Builds with Chay, I've had the pleasure of putting together one of LEGO’s most charming additions to the Botanical Collection — the Plum Blossom 10369. This set, with its delicate flowers and elegant vase, was more than just another build session; it was a heartfelt project for Mother's Day. Not for my own mother, who sadly passed in 2015, but for my fiancée's mom. We celebrated a little early this year since her parents were heading off to Europe, and I wanted to do something a bit more personal than the usual flowers and candy.
Why LEGO and Why the Plum Blossom?
When I went to the LEGO store, I browsed through several of the botanical kits. Orchids, colentiums, even a spring portal one caught my eye. I spent a good half hour deliberating. But the plum blossom, with its clean aesthetic and vase design, stood out. It felt classy, unique, and had just the right amount of challenge without being overwhelming.
Unboxing and First Impressions
LEGO’s new eco-friendly packaging really surprised me. For the first time, I received a kit packed with paper bags instead of plastic ones — a nice step toward sustainability. The kit contains 227 pieces, and I estimated about an hour to an hour and a half to complete it, assuming I could keep myself from talking too much on stream.
The Build Experience
Building this set was pure joy. As always, LEGO’s attention to detail shines. The structure was intuitive yet engaging, and I appreciated the design of the vase — it adds a level of sophistication that makes this set perfect for display.
I took my time with the build, partly to enjoy it fully and partly because my stream setup (which runs off a Raspberry Pi 5) likes to crash every 45 minutes. It’s all part of the process. I also gave a lot of thought to the display and durability of the final piece.
The Adhesive Experiment
Here’s the deal: I know this set is going to someone with cats, and I wanted to ensure it wouldn’t fall apart if it got knocked over. I picked up a spray adhesive from Target — Mod Podge Spray Acrylic Sealer, which is specifically formulated for sealing craft projects. It dries crystal clear, doesn’t yellow, doesn’t run, and dries quickly.
Before using it on the plum blossom, I tested it on a smaller LEGO set I had — the free Sunflower Van Gogh set from a store giveaway. I applied two coats, let it dry, and honestly? I was impressed. It held well, kept everything in place, and didn’t affect the appearance at all.
But here’s the twist — I probably won’t use it on the plum blossom build. After finishing the set, I realized it’s actually quite sturdy on its own. It holds together better than I expected, and since it’s meant to be a display piece, I don’t see a strong need to reinforce it further. Still, the adhesive is a great option for future builds or gifts where extra durability is needed.
Final Thoughts
This build was more than just plastic bricks snapping together. It was a reflection of care, creativity, and thoughtfulness. The Plum Blossom 10369 is a beautiful set and makes for a perfect gift — elegant, lasting, and full of personal meaning.
If you're looking for something unique for Mother's Day (or any day, really), I highly recommend this set. And if you're worried about longevity or have curious pets around, that Mod Podge spray sealer from Target might be your new best friend.
Happy building, friends — and thanks for joining me on Bricks and Builds with Chay!
