Hello, everyone in this post I’m sharing details on how I made an 8-bit R2-D2 from Star Wars. I made R2-D2 using the same technique I used to create a few of my other pixel art creations like 8-bit Link, Goomba, Lakitu, Spiny, Koopa Troopa and Blooper.

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Instagram and for more DIY project tutorials subscribe to my YouTube channel!)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  That means if you purchase an item via one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no added cost to you.  This helps keep the content on the site free and I appreciate the support! :o)

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to make 8-bit R2-D2:

TOOLS

• Jigsaw or a bandsaw
• Orbital Sander
• Router with 60 degree v-groove bit
• Clamp edge guide
• Kreg Mobile Project Center
• Ruler

SUPPLIES

• 2′ x 2′ plywood – 1/2″ thick
• Acrylic craft paints (white, black, blue and red)
• Primer spray paint
• Clear coat
• Sand paper

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL

Click play and watch the video tutorial below.  The video shows how I made pixel Link, but the general steps remain the same for pixel R2-D2. For more woodworking videos, CLICK HERE to subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Continue reading for the written tutorial.

How to make R2-D2

Here’s how to make R2-D2 in 5 easy steps.

Step 1: Draw a grid on a piece of plywood.

Use a ruler to mark grid lines space 0.75″ apart.

Step 2: Use a router and route a v groove along the grid lines

Install a v-groove router bit and route along the grid lines. Use a clamp edge guide to ensure straight lines

Step 3: Cut out the silhouette of R2-D2’s shape

I followed a pixel grid for R2-D2 that I found online. Here’s the source of my image.

Trace out the silhouette of R2-D2 and then cut out the R2-D2’s shape with a jigsaw (or use a bandsaw).

Step 4: Sand and prep the surface for paint

Sand between the grooves and sand the surface of R2-D2.  I used scrap piece of wood to support the sandpaper as I sanded between the grooves.

Step 5: Paint the pixels

Paint each pixel on R2-D2. Painting between the grooves is a little tricky. Use painters tape to maintain clean lines. I was impatient and used paint brushes for painting miniatures to paint in the crevices. 

If necessary, apply multiple layers of paint. Once the paint is dried, protect the finish with a clear coat.

8-Bit R2-D2

Install some hanging hardware and enjoy!

FIND ME ONLINE!

• Instagram: @handmadewithashley
• Facebook: @handmadewithashley
• Twitter: @handmadewithash
• YouTube: @handmadewithashley
• Pinterest: @handmadewithashley
• Instructables: @handmadewithashley

What do you think of the pixel R2D2? Leave a comment below!

The post 8-Bit Star Wars R2-D2 Pixel Wall Art Tutorial appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

Hello everyone, in this tutorial I’m sharing how to make an 8-bit end grain Goomba! This was a scrap wood project I made using remains from my Tardis end grain cutting board. I held onto the leftovers from that project for over a year. I could not bring myself to toss them out.

Let’s get started with the tutorial!

CLICK HERE to view more geeky and nerdy DIY projects.

Related Posts:

• 8-bit Blooper (Super Mario Bros.)
• 8-bit Goomba (Super Mario Bros.)
• 8-bit Lakitu and Koopa Troopa (Super Mario Bros)
• 8-bit Link (The Legend of Zelda)
• 8-bit Cheep Cheep (Super Mario Bros.)
• 8-bit Mario (Super Mario Bros.)

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Instagram!)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  That means if you purchase an item via one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no added cost to you.  This helps keep the content on the site free and I appreciate the support! :o)

Tools and Supplies

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I used to create end grain Goomba

Tools

• Bandsaw
• Orbital Sander
• Drum Sander

Supplies

• Walnut
• Cherry
• Maple
• 1/4″ Plywood
• Wood Glue
• Howard Butcher Block Conditioner

WATCH THE VIDEO TUTORIAL

Click play and watch the video tutorial below. For more woodworking videos, CLICK HERE to subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Continue reading for the written tutorial.

How to make 8-bit End Grain Goomba

End grain Goomba is my second 8-bit Goomba project. I’ve previously made a large pixel Goomba from 1/2″ plywood. CLICK HERE to read the tutorial on my original Goomba project.

This project I created using leftover pieces 3/4″ x 3/4″ x 2″ wood from my Tardis end grain cutting board project.

Step 1: Cut wood into 1/8″ thick squares

Cut the scrap walnut, maple and cherry into 1/8″ thick squares. I made these cuts on the bandsaw.

However, if I was not working with scrap wood I would have made most of my cut on the table saw.

For 8-bit Goomba you’ll need:

• 52 walnut squares
• 42 maple squares
• 96 cherry squares

Step 2: Glue wooden squares to plywood backer

Use wood glue to secure the wooden squares to a piece of 1/4″ plywood. I used my previous Goomba project as a pixel grid guide.

Step 3: Sand Goomba

View this post on Instagram

Just cleaned up Goomba’s surface. (I passed him through the drum sander multiple times between the first and last shot. ) Next, I’ll cut out his silhouette on the bandsaw. . #goomba #8bitgoomba #8bitsupermario #supermariobros #pixelart #geekcraft #geekdiy #videogamegeek #walnut #maple #cherry #drumsander #supermaxtools #supermaxdrumsanders #woodwork #woodworker #woodworking #makersgonnamake

A post shared by Ashley Grenon | Geeky Maker (@handmadewithashley) on Oct 8, 2018 at 1:22pm PDT

Sand Goomba. I used my drum sander to make quick work of the task.

Step 4: Cut out Goomba’s shape

Use a jigsaw or bandsaw to cut out Goomba’s shape.

View this post on Instagram

Cutting out most of Goomba’s shape on the bandsaw. The few tight areas I’ll cut out on the scroll saw. I noticed a few gaps so I guess next I’ll figure out a way to conceal my alignment errors. . #bandsaw #grizzlybandsaw #timelapse #lagunaresawking #grizzlyindustrial @grizzlyindustrial #mfpbehindthescenes #grizzlytools #g0555lx #goomba #pixelgoomba #8bitgoomba #rockler #dustright #woodwork #maker #geekcraft #geekdiy #woodworker #woodworking

A post shared by Ashley Grenon | Geeky Maker (@handmadewithashley) on Oct 8, 2018 at 1:55pm PDT

Step 5: Apply a finish and enjoy!

I used a beeswax and mineral oil mixture to finish Goomba. I installed a couple magnets on the backside to hang it on my garage door.

8-Bit End Grain Goomba | Super Mario Bros

Despite a few flaws, I’m pretty happy with how Goomba turned out. From a distance it’s hard to notice the mistakes (alignment issues).

Thanks for checking out my project! I hope it inspires you to create some 8-bit decor!

The post 8-bit End Grain Goomba | Super Mario Bros Pixel Art appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

How to make 8-bit Zelda Pixel Art

Hello everyone, today I’m sharing how to make 8-bit pixel Link from the original The Legend of Zelda game. I created this project for February’s Art of Geek Challenge. The theme for the month is The Legend Of Zelda.

CLICK HERE to view more geeky and nerdy DIY projects.

Related Posts:

• 8-bit Blooper (Super Mario Bros.)
• 8-bit Goomba (Super Mario Bros.)
• 8-bit End Grain Goomba (Super Mario Bros.)
• 8-bit Link (The Legend of Zelda)
• 8-bit Cheep Cheep (Super Mario Bros.)
• 8-bit Lakitu and Koopa Troopa (Super Mario Bros)
• 8-bit Mario (Super Mario Bros.)

(For sneak peeks on upcoming projects follow me on Instagram!)

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  That means if you purchase an item via one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no added cost to you.  This helps keep the content on the site free and I appreciate the support! :o)

Tools and Supplies

I used the following tools and supplies to create pixel Link.

Tools

• Jigsaw
• Orbital Sander
• Router with 60 degree v-groove bit
• Clamp edge guide
• Kreg Mobile Project Center
• Ruler

Supplies

• 2′ x 2′ plywood – 1/2″ thick
• Acrylic craft paints (green, brown and khaki)
• Primer spray paint
• Clear coat
• Sand paper

Watch the video tutorial

Click play and watch the video tutorial below. For more woodworking videos, CLICK HERE to subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Continue reading for the written tutorial.

How to make 8-bit pixel Link in 5 easy steps

1. 1. Draw 1.5″ grid lines
   2. Route along the grid lines
   3. Cut out Link’s silhouette
   4. Prep Pixel Link for painting
   5. Paint Pixel Link

Step 1: Draw 1.5″ grid lines

Use a ruler to mark grid lines space 1.5″ apart.

Step 2: Route along the grid lines

Install a v-groove router bit and route along the grid lines. Use a clamp edge guide to ensure straight lines.

V Grooves routed and ready for the next step

Step 3: Cut out Link’s silhouette

Cut out the Link’s shape with a jigsaw.

Pixel Link’s silhouette

Step 4: Prep Pixel Link for painting

Sand between the grooves and sand the surface of Link.  I use scrap piece of wood to support the sandpaper as I sanded between the grooves.

Step 5: Paint Pixel Link

Paint each pixel on Link. Painting between the grooves is a little tricky. Use painters tape to maintain clean lines. I was impatient and used paint brushes for painting miniatures to paint in the crevices.

If necessary, apply multiple layers of paint. Once the paint is dried, protect the finish with a clear coat.

Painting pixels on Link with Delta Ceramcoat Acrylic craft paints

DIY 8-Bit Pixel Link

I am really happy with how pixel Link turned out. The process of creating him was less tedious than my pixel Mario build.  Painting the pixels required more work, but the extra work involved there pales in comparison to the work I avoided by using a piece of plywood.

8-bit pixel Link wall art from the original The Legend of Zelda

The Legend of Zelda 8-bit pixel art

PIN IT!

FOLLOW ME on Pinterest.

A step by step DIY tutorial on how to make 8-bit pixel Link from the original The Legend of Zelda on the classic Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Display this wall art in your game room and enjoy the 8-bit nostalgia.

I’m linking up to:

• Remodelaholic

The post The Legend of Zelda 8-bit Pixel Art | How to Make 8-bit Link appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Star Wars Inspired End Table

Hello everyone! Today I’m excited to share my latest creation: a Star Wars Inspired End Table.  This was a really exciting project to work on for three reasons:

1. It’s Star Wars Themed
2. It’s my first project with dado joints
3. It sparkles

Stay tuned for a YouTube video.  I hope to upload it my YouTube channel over the weekend.

Star Wars Themed DIY Projects

In honor of Star Wars day, I have teamed up with a few fellow bloggers to share tutorials on how to make some Star Wars inspired projects.  Please take a moment to check out each project:

• Yoda Wall Art – Hazel and Gold Designs
• Lightsaber Headboard – Mother Daughter Projects
• Wooden Star Wars Sign – Abbotts at Home

Here’s a list of my other Star Wars themed projects:

• How to build a Star Wars TIE Fighter Shelf
• TIE Fighter Shelf (The Force Awakens Edition)
• Star Wars Marquee Wall Art Tutorial
• BB-8 Push Toy
• Darth Vader Necklace
• Crochet Princess Leia Hat

DIY Star Wars Inspired End Table

Now, let’s get started!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.  If you purchase an item via one of these links, I’ll receive a small commission at no added cost to you.  This helps keep the content on the site free and I appreciate the support!

Tools and Supplies

The following items are the tools and supplies I gathered to build this Star Wars themed end table.

Tools

• Router
• Homemade Router Dado Jig (tutorial coming soon!)
• 3/4″ Dado Router Bit
• Up Spiral Router Bit
• Router Circle Jig (alternatively can use a jigsaw)
• Jointer
• Planer
• Circular Saw
• Silhouette (for cutting Rebel Symbol stencil)

Supplies

• Sheet of 3/4″ Plywood (1)
• 1″ x 6″ x 8′ (1)
• Wood glue
• Glitter
• Cardstock (for Rebel stencil)
• Red acrylic craft paint
• Paint brush
• Black paint
• Stain
• Sealer
• Mod Podge
• Clear Matte Spray
• Pour-on High Gloss Finish

Cut List

Project lumber

For ease of use, I cut the plywood into manageable chunks.

• 24″ x 48″ (2) – Plywood
• 20″ x 22″ (2) – Plywood
• 1×6 – 21″ (4)

Mill the 1×6 with a jointer and a planer prior to starting step 1.  For details on that process, check out my blog post on How to Make a Wooden Cutting Board.

How to build the Star Wars End Table

I have SketchUp plans in the works. This is something I hope to make available before the weekend is up.

Step 1: Glue up the 1×6 boards

1×6 edge jointed panel

First up, create a panel with the 1×6 boards. Glue the edges and clamp the boards together. After 15 minutes have passed, use a scraper to remove excess glue from the squeeze out.  Let the glue dry completely before removing the clamps.

Step 2: Create dados

I opted for dado joints for this project because alignment critical.  I felt a dado was the best form of joinery for the project.  I whipped up a little jig for my router to create dados.  The jig was inspired by a Popular Woodworking Magazine article.  You can read about it here.

On a quarter sheet of plywood mark off the center from the short side and long side.  Create a dado along the lines. Repeat this step for the other end of the quarter sheet of plywood.

At the midpoint of the 20” x 22” pieces of plywood, create a dado on each side.

Creating dados in plywood with a router

Step 3: Cut circles

With a router and a circle cutting jig, cut out 4 circles.  (Alternatively you can use a jigsaw.)

• 20″ diameter circle with the dados (2)
• 20″ diameter circle from the 1×6 panel (1)
• 19 1/2″ diameter circle (1)

Cut the 19 1/2″ circle into quarters.

All done cutting the circles. I finished cutting the other parts of this project too. Tomorrow I’ll assemble it. Hopefully everything will fit together. . #imnervous #notfeelingoptimistic #woodworking #woodwork #woodworker #dowoodworking #circle #circles #woodencircle #plywood #pine #garage #garageshop #sundayfunday

A post shared by Ashley Grenon (@handmadewithashley) on Apr 30, 2017 at 4:51pm PDT

Step 4: Notch out the table “legs”

Find the center of the 20″ x 22″ pieces of plywood and notch out a portion of the board to make a lap joint with the other table leg.

Plywood joint

Step 5: Assemble the table base

To assemble the table base:

1. Place 1 circle with dado side up on a flat surface.
2. Attach the legs.
3. Attach the base top.
4. Insert table shelves.

Use wood glue and clamps to secure the joints.

Assembling table base

Inserting table shelves

Table base assembled!

Step 6: Paint the base, stain the top

Painting the table base

Paint the base and seal it with your favorite sealer.

Table top stained with ECOS Paints Woodshield

Stain the table top.  I used ECOS Paints Woodshield (Pine Needles).

Step 7: Paint the Rebel Symbol

I used my Silhouette to create a Rebel stencil about 16″ in diameter.

Rebel Logo stencil

I traced an outline of the symbol and painted the symbol red.  Allow the paint to dry before continuing onto the next step.

Painted the rebel symbol red

Step 8: Add glitter

Add glitter to the Rebel symbol.  I used Mod Podge to adhere the glitter the table top. Once the Mod Podge dries, seal the glitter with a coat or two of clear matte spray finish.

It’s so shiny Getting close to finishing up this project! I should have started it a week ago. This top is the 2×6 I resawed earlier. I didn’t have any issues with it warping. I think that’s probably because that scrap has been sitting my garage for many months. . #rebel #starwars #starwarscrafts #starwarscraft #geek #geekcraft #geekywoodworking #woodworking #dowoodworking #woodworker #glitter #red #rebelsymbol #starwarsday #may4th #maythe4thebewithyou #maytheforcebewithyou #diy #handmadewithashley

A post shared by Ashley Grenon (@handmadewithashley) on May 3, 2017 at 10:12pm PDT

Step 9:  Coat the top with resin

Before applying resin, try to remove as much of the loose glitter as possible.  Mix the resin according to the package instructions and apply a coat to the surface of the table top.  Allow for it to completely cure before continuing onto the next step.

Pour-on resin

Resin applied to the table top

Step 10: Attach table top to table base

Secure the table top to the table base.

Resin cured.

Top secured to the table base

Step 11: Make it spin!

This step has not been implemented yet, but it is a modification to the project that I plan on making.

Star Wars Inspired End Table

If you build this Star Wars inspired end table, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @handmadewithashley or Twitter @handmadewithash.   I’d love to see your pictures!

DIY Star Wars Inspired End Table

DIY Star Wars Inspired End Table

DIY Star Wars Inspired End Table

Pin it!

Pin it! How to build a Star Wars Inspired End Table

I’m linkin up to:

• Kim Six Fix
• Remodelaholic
• Tater Tots and Jello

The post DIY Star Wars Themed End Table appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY BB-8 Push Toy

Hi everyone! I’ve teamed up with 12 awesome woodworker bloggers to bring you 13 Days of a Woodworker Christmas.

13 Days of a Woodworker Christmas

• My Love 2 Create – Open now!
• The Handyman’s Daughter – Open now!
• Craftsman Drive – Open now!
• Handmade with Ashley – That’s me!
• Hazel & Gold – Open now!
• The Painted Key – Open now!
• The Created Home – Open now!
• Her Tool Belt – Open now!
• Lazy Guy DIY – Open now!
• Uncookie Cutter – Open now!
• Knock It Off Crafter – Open now!
• The Jawn Shop – Open now!
• Keddie Woodshop – Open now!

And on top of sharing the how to on 13 projects, we’re having a giveway! We’ve teamed up with @RyobiPowerTools and @PaintWIZ_ Paint Sprayers to bring you a prize pack valued at over $300!

To enter to win the giveaway, starting December 1st repost the 13 Days of Woodworker Christmas Image to your Instagram feed with the tag #13DaysofWoodworking.  Want additional entries?  Each day a different blogger “unwraps” their project they’ll post a teaser image on their Instagram feed.  Follow their account (and check out their project!) and repost their teaser image to your Instagram feed with the same tag #13DaysofWoodworking along with the unique tag that’s will be given out along with each project.  What?  We are giving you 14 different chances to win this awesome gift pack?  Darn right, it’s the season of giving isn’t it?  You have until 10:00pm PST on December 14th to enter.  All entries will be tallied and a winner will be announced Friday, December 16th.

My secret hashtag is #bb8pushtoy.

The Fourth Day of Christmas

BB-8 Push Toy in action!

I’m a Star Wars geek. I enjoy combining Star Wars with woodworking (see TIE Fighter Bookshelf).  Today, I’m sharing how to build a wooden BB-8 Push toy.  This would be a cute homemade gift for the little Star Wars fan in your life.

On the fourth day of Christmas your dear woodworker made a wooden BB-8 push toy

Tools and Supplies

Disclosure:  This post contains affiliate links.

The following items are the tools and supplies you’ll need to build the BB-8 push toy.

Tools

• Something to cut circles with (I used my trim router with a circle jig)
• Orbital Sander
• Handsaw
• Drill
• 1/2″ Forstner bit
• 9/16″ Forstner bit
• 1/16″ Drill bit
• Router with 1/4″ roundover bit
• Printer
• Paint brush

Project supplies

Supplies

• Scrap wood (1×8 – 24″)
• 1/2″ Wooden dowel rod (48″ long)
• 1″ Dowel cap for a 1/2″ dowel
• 1″ Split ball
• 1/16″ wooden dowel (2)
• Wood glue
• Triple Thick Gloss Glaze
• Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium
• Mod Podge Dimensional Magic
• Spray primer
• Acrylic Paints (black, white, orange, gray)
• Black marker
• BB-8 Coloring page (page 2, print 2 copies at 125%)

How to build a BB-8 Push Toy

DIY BB-8 Push Toy

Step 1: Cut four circles

Cut 4 circles from your scrap piece of lumber. You will need two 6″ circles and two 3.5″ circles.

Cutting 3.5″ circles with a hole saw

Cutting 6″ circle with Makita trim router and Rockler trim router circle jig

I used a 3.5″ hole saw to cut out my circles.  I don’t recommend this method.  However if you do decide to use a hole saw, please handle with care. For the larger 6″ circles, I used my trim router equipped with a circle jig.  I own a Rockler circle jig.  It’s not compatible with my Makita trim router out of the box.  I just needed to make a quick mod to make it work.

Step 2: Drill holes for the axle

Drilling holes for axle

Find the center of the 6″ circles.  Drill a 1/2″ wide hole no more than 1/2″ deep at the center point of each large circle.

Drilling hole for axle

Find the center on one of the 3.5″ circles.  Drill a 9/16″ hole through the entire circle.

Step 3: Drill holes for BB-8’s head

Drilling hole in BB-8’s head

On each 3.5″ circle drill a 1/2″ deep hole with the 1/2″ bit.

Step 4: Drill a hole for the handle

Find the 3.5″ circle with a hole for the axle. Drill another 1/2″ deep hole with the 1/2″ bit 45 degrees from the hole for BB-8’s head.

Step 5: Drill two tiny holes for antennas

Find the 3.5″ circle with one hole.  Drill two 1/16″ holes on the opposite end of the existing hole.

Step 6: Cut the dowels

I recommend cutting the dowels to fit.  BB-8’s head should be slightly covered by the body.  You will need a short dowel (~ 1 1/2″) piece for connecting the head to the body and another short piece for connecting the two wheels (~ 1 3/4″).  What’s remaining will be the handle for the toy.

Also cut two pieces of 1/8″ dowel (BB-8’s antennas).  My tiny dowel pieces were about 1 1/2″ and 1″ long.

Step 7: Tidy up the circles

Circle edges are rounded over

Round over the edges of each circle with a 1/4″ roundover router bit.   Sand the surface of each circle.

Step 8: Prep the surface for paint

Spray priming

Prime each circle with white spray primer.

Step 9: Transfer BB-8 pattern onto the circles

Instead of freehand drawing BB-8’s pattern onto the circles, I cheated. I found an activity pack that contained several coloring book pages from The Force Awakens one of which is BB-8 (it’s on page 2).  Print two copies enlarged at 125%.

I used Mod Podge Photo Transfer Medium to transfer the coloring page outline onto the circles.  Follow the instructions here on how to use it.  Now here’s where I made a really awful mistake. I ran out of normal copy paper, but I had some colored copy paper. I mistakenly believed that the medium would only transfer my laser printer toner ink, but it also transferred pigments in the paper. Oops!

Trouble with the transfer

Step 10: Paint in the lines

Fill in BB-8’s colors.  Be careful to stay between the lines.  I used a black marker to touch up in areas where I painted over the line.

Painting BB-8’s body

Paint the 1″ split ball black, the 1/2″ dowel cap orange, and 1/16″ dowels gray.

Split ball and dowel end cap

Step 11: Add a layer of dimension

Once the paint has dried, coat the 1″ split ball with triple thick gloss glaze.  Cover the small black dot on BB-8’s head with a few drops of the Mod Podge Dimensional Glaze. The glazes give BB-8’s eyes a glass-like look.

Adding Mod Podge Dimensional Magic to one of BB-8’s “eyes”

Step 12: Seal

Apply your favorite sealer to protect the paint.

Step 13: Assemble and enjoy!

Assembling BB-8

With wood glue and clamps, assemble BB-8.

Start with gluing in dowel in one of the 6″ circles.  Once the glue has tried, thread the 3.5″ axel circle and glue the dowel to the remaining 6″ circle.

Attach BB-8’s head and handle with glue as well.

DIY BB-8 Push Toy

If you build the push toy, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @handmadewithashley or Twitter @handmadewithash.   I’d love to see your pictures!

DIY BB-8 Push Toy

DIY BB-8 Push Toy

Check out my other Star Wars projects here!

The post DIY BB-8 Push Toy (Tutorial) appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Star Wars Jewelry: Darth Vader Necklace

We are just 2 days away from the release of Star Wars Force Awakens, and today I’m continuing my “Countdown to Star Wars” series with a tutorial on how to make your own Star Wars jewelry!

(For sneak peaks on upcoming projects follow me on Facebook and Instagram!)

DIY Darth Vader Necklace

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.

 Tools and Supplies

Here’s a list of items you’ll need to gather to create the Darth Vader necklaces:

• Star Wars Silicon Ice Molds
• Epoxy Resin (Clear)
• Disposable Medicine cups
• Stir sticks
• Glitter
• Acrylic paints
• Heat gun
• E6000 Glue
• Leaf bail
• Necklace chain

Darth Vader Ice Mold

How to Make a Resin Darth Vader Necklace

Step 1:  Mix together equal parts of resin and hardener.

This step may vary depending upon which brand of resin you choose.  (My personal preference is Ice Resin, but EasyCast has worked well for me most of the time, and it’s cheaper.)  Follow the box instructions and take the recommended safety precautions.  I purchased a bag of disposable medicine cups and use the cups for both measuring and mixing together the resin.

It’s critical that you take care and  ensure the resin is measured at the correct amounts.  Also make sure the two parts are thoroughly mixed together.  (I have ruined several pendants because the resin never hardened because of a misstep at this step.)

Once the resin is mixed, add in color.  You can use resin dyes, but I think simple acrylic craft paint works very well.  You do want to be careful.  A little paint can go a long way for coloring the resin.

Mixing together resin

Step 2:  Add in glitter.

To add a nice bit of sparkle, sprinkle in a bit of glitter.

Glitter

It is tempting to become very generous with glitter as you sprinkle it into the resin.  A little glitter can go a long way as well.   Too much glitter and you may end up with something like this:

Too much glitter

Although, it may be just the look you’re going for.

Step 3:  Pour the resin into the mold.

Pour the resin mix into your silicon mold.   Once your ice mold has come into contact with resin, it must never be used for food consumption again.

Pouring resin into a Darth Vader ice mold

Step 4:   Remove air bubbles.

As you mixed your resin, you might have noticed air bubbles forming.  You can remove the bubbles with heat.  I used my Martha Stewart heat tool to remove all the air bubbles from my pendants.

Heat tool for removing air bubbles

Once you’ve removed the last air bubble, set the mold aside for 24 hours to allow for the resin to cure.

Step 5:  De-mold the resin Darth Vader pendants.

After 24 hours have passed, your resin pendants should be cured.  The cure times may vary depending upon which resin you use.  Remove the pendants from the silicon mold.

Lots of Darth Vaders

At this point you may want to sand the edges down.  Do this in a well ventilated room wearing a dust mask.

Step 6:  Attach a leaf bail and string the pendant with a necklace chain.

Attach a leaf bail to the Darth Vader pendant with E6000 glue and allow it to dry.   Now you ready to wear your piece of jewelry!

DIY Darth Vader Necklace

DIY Darth Vader Necklace

DIY Darth Vader Necklace

For sneak peaks on upcoming projects follow me on Facebook and Instagram!

To the theater!

Check out my other Star Wars themed projects!

DIY Star Wars Marquee Wall Art Sign

DIY Star Wars Marquee Wall Art Sign

DIY Star Wars Jewelry: Darth Vader Necklace

Build a Star Wars TIE Fighter Bookshelf

Build a Star Wars TIE Fighter Bookshelf

DIY Star Wars Salt Dough Ornaments

DIY Star Wars Salt Dough Ornaments

Crochet Princess Leia Hat

The post DIY Star Wars Jewelry: Darth Vader Necklace Tutorial appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.