::EXPO 1.9:: Command Blocks & Maps

Today new features were released for our viewing and testing so let's have a look.

Command blocks got an update. There are now 3 types of command blocks that can be used. The first is the normal single command block. It runs exactly how it always has. Type in a command and apply power.

The second type is called a Chain command block (Green Block). It requires another command block in order to run. How it works is if the first command block is powered, the second one will run right after the first. This will allow for several of these command blocks to be chained together without having to worry about applying redstone power to every single one. This will help with more compact designs. To know which block is next in the chain, the texture includes a directional arrow as seen on the blue command block above. To determine the direction, command blocks are now placed like tree trunks allowing the designer to determine which way to string the command blocks.

The third type of command block is the Repeat command block. As long as the power is applied to this block, the command will run every game tick. This means if you never wanted it to rain in your world, you could power this block and it will run the clear skies command forever. Downfall of doing that is you would never be able to message any other player without it getting lost in the jumble.

Maps had a quick update as well. The zoom level has been changed again to make the maps more useful when in hand. Unfortunately this will mess up pre-existing map walls/rooms.  Guess we will have to remap this bad boy:

Thanks for checking out this post. If you liked it, let me know and be sure to check out the many other builds and stories on this blog. 

Until we meet again, Happy Crafting!

::EXPO 1.9:: Shields Up!

Welcome back to Expo 1.9! Today shields were unveiled to the public and I was able to get a hold of a few to check them out.

The shields come in a variety of colors and my hopes are that they will be even more customizable in the future like banners are. Who doesn't want a Creeper face shield? 

For Interior Blockor designs, shields will become another alternative cabinet handle for Crafty Miners. Now we can customize our cupboards and filing cabinets! 

Well that wraps it up for this look at the sneak peek Expo 1.9 items. Let me know if you find some more creative uses for the shield. You can send me a pic via Google+, Pinterest or on our community page. Thanks for liking and commenting, you guys rock! 

Until we meet again, Happy Crafting!

::Expo 1.9:: Pathways and The End

Hello Crafty Miners! Welcome back to another Crafty Wednesday. For a second week in a row we have a new snapshot, which means we get to take a look at what will be coming our way in the 1.9 release. Let's get to it!

This week pathways have been added. You can make them by simply using a shovel. Just like a hoe is used for tilling a garden, the shovel removes the top layer of grass and leaves behind a yellowish-brown patch of earth. 

As you can see in the above picture, the new path block is slightly shorter then the grass block, much like how snow is slightly taller then the same block. Grass and plants will not grow on the pathway and snow will not accumulate on it.

Some of the other features discovered since last week's look at 1.9, was the new Ender City and Ships. They can be explored in after the Ender Dragon has been defeated and offers up a few goodie items if you're a survival player scavenging around for chests. With the expanded End realm, this could open the door for some new creative buildings. 

Ender City

Random items found in one of the city structures.

A new mob that disguises itself as a block; Shulker

Chorus Plants

Floating Ender Ship. There are chests filled with loot inside

That's it for this week. Thanks for commenting and liking this post. We appreciate all the support and look forward to continuing to bring you the latest updates and building ideas. Until we meet again, Happy Crafting!

::EXPO 1.9:: First Look!

Hello Crafty Miners and welcome to a new post series that will look at new items and blocks that are coming to Minecraft and the World of RAAR. Just like the World's Fair Expositions, we will show you the possibilities for the future. It's an exciting time and we have a lot of new things to show you from the latest 1.9 snapshot... the first in almost a year! So let's get to it.

Our first look is at several new building blocks coming your way. The Purpur block has a pinkish/purple stone texture and comes in half slabs and stairs. 

There is also a pillar block variation on the pinkish block and can be placed just like logs and quartz pillars.

End Stone Bricks are now a thing as well.

The End Rod is a curious item. It can be placed in any direction and omits smokey wisps. The rods also produce light which could prove useful in future builds.

You can now mount a dragon head on the wall. Just like player/mob heads, this item can be placed wherever you desire.

There are now a variety of arrows that can be used. Each one offers a different enchantment such as swiftness. These will be nice for decoration.

More food can also be found and produced. These include Beetroot and Chorus Fruit

There is now growth in the End. The Chorus plant and flower are purplish plants that only will grow on end stone. The Chorus plant is just the stalk of the Chorus flower. It can be placed on each other to create unique designs, however if the stalks are placed side by side they will break like cactus. The Chorus flower will grow and split its stalk until the flower turns into a pod. 

Chorus Plant Stalk

Lastly, iron bars and single block glass planes have received an update as well. The texture of the iron bars now includes a top and bottom plate. The single iron bar and pane of glass appears as a long single block. This could prove useful on future builds but might mess up some of the older designs.

We hope you have enjoyed this brief look at the new items and blocks that will be coming in 1.9. Be sure to check back for more Expo 1.9 updates and until we meet again... Happy Crafting!