Hello everyone, today I’m sharing how to make 8-bit pixel Lakitu and Koopa Troopa from the NES version of Super Mario Bros. I followed the same technique I used to create 8-bit pixel Link from the original The Legend of Zelda game.

CLICK HERE to view more geeky and nerdy DIY projects.

Related Posts:

• 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 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 Lakitu and Koopa Troopa.

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, kelly green and spice tan)
• 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 Lakitu and Koopa Troopa. For more woodworking videos, CLICK HERE to subscribe to my YouTube channel.

Continue reading for the written tutorial.

HOW TO MAKE 8-BIT PIXEL
Lakitu and Koopa Troopa IN 5 EASY STEPS

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

STEP 1: DRAW 1.5″ GRID LINES

Use a ruler to mark grid lines space 0.75″ 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.

STEP 3: CUT OUT LAKITU’S AND KOOPA TROOPA’S SILHOUETTE

Cut out the Lakitu’s and Koopa Troopa’s shape with a jigsaw (or use a bandsaw).

STEP 4: PREP PIXEL LAKITU AND KOOPA TROOPA FOR PAINTING

Sand between the grooves and sand the surface of Lakitu and Koopa.  I used scrap piece of wood to support the sandpaper as I sanded between the grooves.

STEP 5: PAINT PIXEL LAKITU AND KOOPA TROOPA

Paint each pixel on Koopa Troopa and Lakitu. 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.

The nice thing about working on Lakitu and Koopa Troopa at the same time is the characters use the exact same colors.

DIY 8-BIT PIXEL KOOPA TROOPA AND LAKITU

I am really happy with how the 8-bit Super Mario characters turned out. Next up: Spiny!

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A step by step DIY tutorial on how to make a super-sized pixel Mario. Display this wall art in your game room and enjoy the 8-bit nostalgia.

I love it when I can combine woodworking and geeky things. Today I’m sharing how to build a giant Mario pixel wall art. This was a really fun (and really tedious) project that I created for the Modern Makers Podcast’s Two 2×4 Challenge. The objective of the challenge was to create something using 70% of two 2×4 boards. The classic Super Mario Bros was my introduction to video games, and thus 8-bit Mario will always have a special place in heart. <3

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 Facebook and Instagram!)

DIY Pixel Mario | Me holding the giant pixel Mario! He’s huge!

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 the giant pixel Mario:

Tools

• Table Saw
• 14″ Bandsaw equipped with the Wood Slicer Resaw blade
• Planer
• Jointer
• Router with a 45 degree chamfer
• Bench cookies
• Sander
• Brad Nailer
• FeatherDuo (This is a handy tool)
• Microjig Grr-Ripper (This is also a really handy tool)

Supplies

• 2×4 – 8′ (2) or 1×4 – 8′ (4)
• Red food coloring
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Light brown wood stain (Watco Danish Oil – Medium Walnut)
• Dark brown wood stain (ECOS Paints Woodshield – Special Walnut)
• CA Glue (I used DAP Rapid Fuse Wood Adhesive. This stuff is legit.)
• Wood glue

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 Build A Giant Pixel Mario in 10 Easy Steps

1. Resaw the 2x4s
2. Square the boards
3. Rips boards to 2″ wide strips
4. Route the edges of the strips
5. Cut the strips into 2″ squares
6. Route each edge of each square
7. Sand
8. Stain, paint or dye the squares
9. Assemble Mario
10. Add Additional Support

Before starting the project, I took a look at several pictures of 8-bit Mario.  Once I selected the version I liked the most, I counted the number of pixels per color.

8 bit Mario

For Mario in resting position, you’ll need the following number of pixels:

• 45 red
• 54 dark brown
• 44 tan

Step 1: Resaw the 2x4s

Cut each 2×4 in half and resaw boards on the bandsaw. The goal here is to stretch the 2x4s by turning them into 1x4s. (Or you can skip this step and just buy 1×4 boards.)

I used the FeatherDuo to keep steady pressure as I resawed the 2x4s. It’s a really handy tool.  I can’t recommend it enough.  Watch it in action below:

I’m making a mess instead of cleaning the garage but I thought of an idea for the @modernmakerpodcast #two2x4challenge. Resawing two 2x4s! . #resaw #resawing #bandsaw #grizzlybandsaw #featherduo #featherpro #bowproducts #woodslicer #2×4 #scrapwood #woodworking #dowoodworking #woodwork #diy #huntsville #makersgonnamake #buildersgonnabuild #maker #alabama #garage #garageshop #ishouldbecleaning @thefeatherpro

A post shared by Ashley Grenon (@handmadewithashley) on May 13, 2017 at 10:02am PDT

Step 2: Square the boards

Alignment is critical. You want to ensure the boards are square on each side.  Start with a jointer and flatten one face, followed by an edge. Move to the planer to flatten another face and mill all the boards down to the same thickness.

Step 3: Rip boards to 2″ wide

On the table saw rip the boards down to 2″ strips. Save the leftovers. You will need them later.

1x4s ripped into 2″ wide strips

Step 4: Route the edges of the 2″ strips

Equip a router with a 45 degree chamfer bit. Route the along the edges of the strips.  (I waited until after I cut the strips into individual squares to begin routing. I don’t recommend that.)

Step 5: Cut the strips into 2″ squares

Cut each strip into 2″ squares.

Lots of 2″ squares

Step 6: Route each edge of each square

Equip a router with a 45 degree chamfer bit. Route along the remaining two sides of each square.  I placed each square on top of a bench cookie as I was routing.  This eliminated the need to clamp each square in place.

Rockler bench cookie

Routing the edges with a 45 degree chamfer router bit

Step 7: Sand

Sand each square to prep it for a finish.

Step 8: Stain, paint or dye the squares

I used a mixture of dyes and stains to color the squares. For the red squares, I created a dye from red food color and rubbing alcohol. The tan squares were stained with Watco Danish Oil in Medium Walnut. The dark brown squares were stained with ECOS Paints WoodShield stain in Special Walnut.

Step 9: Assemble Mario

Glue each square together to form Mario.  Use a straight edge to ensure proper alignment. I used DAP Rapid Fuse Wood Adhesive (and when I ran out of that I used the All Purpose version).

Step 10: Add additional support

For added support and durability, strengthen the backside of Mario with the leftover strips from ripping the 1×4 boards. Cut the strips to size and install with wood glue and nails.

Step 11: Enjoy!

Install hanging hardware or lean it against a wall and enjoy the fruits of your hard labor.

I’m done! Whew! Mario is a little larger than I thought he’d be. This is my entry for @modernmakerpodcast #two2x4challenge. Here’s a rough outline of my steps for the project (in the near future I’ll write a tutorial and maybe upload a video): 1. Resaw 2x4s in half 2. Make the boards square on a jointer and planer 3. Rip board into 2″ strips 4. Cut strips into 2″ squares 5. Add a 45 degree chamfer to each square 6. Stain the wood (I used @ecospaints Woodshield in Special Walnut for the dark brown, Watco Medium Walnut for the light brown and a made a red stain from food coloring and rubbing alcohol.) 7. Glue up the pixels with @dapproducts rapid fuse adhesive 8. Used remaining strips of wood for added support on the back side. It was a long and tedious process, but I’m really happy with how it turned out! . #pixel #pixelart #supermario #supermariobros #mario #2×4 #makersgonnamake #makeallthethings #diyhalloffame #woodworker #wood #woodcraft #dowoodworking #diy #challenge #woodworking #alldone #geek #geekcraft #nes #retro #retrogames #retrogamer #gamer #videogames @modernbuilds @foureyesfurniture @benjaminuyeda

A post shared by Ashley Grenon (@handmadewithashley) on May 31, 2017 at 5:48pm PDT

DIY Giant Mario Pixel Wall Art

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

DIY Supersize Pixel Mario | 8-bit Retro Home Decor

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DIY Supersize Pixel Mario | 8-bit Retro Home Decor

I’m linking up to:

• HerToolBelt
• Remodelaholic
• Abbotts at Home

The post DIY Giant Pixel Mario Wall Art appeared first on Handmade with Ashley.

DIY Star Wars Marquee Wall Art Sign

I love Star Wars, and I love making things.  Combine the two and we have this homemade Star Wars Marquee sign!  Follow along for steps on how to make one for yourself, or the Star Wars fan in your life!

Star Wars Marquee Sign with lights off

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

If you like this DIY, check out my tutorial on how to make a Star Wars TIE Fighter bookshelf!

Build a Star Wars TIE Fighter Bookshelf

Or this tutorial on how to make a BB-8 push toy!

BB-8 Push Toy in action!

Inspiration for this DIY comes from Pottery Barn Kids.  I was browsing their catalog and spotted this beauty!

Pottery Barn Kids Star Wars Marquee Sign | Source

Unfortunately, the price tag on the sign is $300 and thus way out of my price range.

I made my version of the sign over the course of a weekend, and  I was able to make my version for a tenth of the price!

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!  

What You Will Need

The following items are some of the tools and supplies I gathered to create the Star Wars marquee:

Tools

• Circular Saw
• Brad Nailer
• Silhouette (for creating the Star Wars stencil)
• Drill (equipped with a 3/4 inch wood spade bit)
• Staple Gun
• Parallel clamps
• Sander
• Ruler
• Pencil

Supplies

• String Globe Lights (I purchased them here!)
• 2 – 6″ long cedar fence picket* (~ $2.50 each)
• 2 – 8″ long 1×2 furring strips (~ $1.25 each)
• Black Spray paint
• ECOS Paints Woodshield Stain (Golden Oak)
• ECOS Paints Woodshield Varnish (Satin)
• Contact Paper (for Silhouette stencil)
• Wood glue

*Version 2 of the sign I made use of some scrap 1×6 whitewood boards.  The first version of the marquee sign, I used cedar fence pickets that have been sitting in my garage for a few months.  They were nice and dry.  Unfortunately, while I was in the home stretch for finishing this project my son managed to destroy the sign.  I visited my local hardware store to purchase some more cedar fence pickets, but the boards in their stock were very damp.

*You could save a few steps and use a piece of plywood or MDF (33″ x 22″).  I glued up boards to create a wood panel because I wanted to make use of lumber from my scrap wood pile.

How to Make a Star Wars Marquee

Step 1:  Cut the fence pickets in half and create a panel from the four boards.

If you are not using cedar picket fences, cut 4 – 36 inches long 1×6 pieces.

Cedar pickets cut in half

Otherwise, cut each cedar fence picket in half.  Edge glue the boards together.  Wait for the glue to dry before moving onto the next step.

Edge glue joints with the Damstom 38″ panel clamp

Gluing up the boards for version two

Step 2:  Trim the edges of the wood panel.

Panel with uneven ends

Trim about an inch off the ends of the panel to create a straight edge. The length of the panel should be about 33″ inches long.

Using the Rockwell Versa Cut saw (with track guide) to trim up the boards

Step 3:  Cut the furring strips and attach strips to each side of the wood panel.

Make 4 cuts from the 1×2 furring strips.  Each piece will cover a side of the wood panel.  Attach the pieces to the panel with a brad nailer and wood glue.

I recommend that you cut the trim to size.  My measurements were:

• 33 inches (2x)
• 23.5 inches (2x)

The trim measured and cut

Trim attached to the four sides of the panel

Step 4:  Sand the surface of the panel.

I recently witness the ill effects of not wearing a mask while sanding (it wasn’t pretty).   Wear a dust mask and sand the panel until the surface is smooth.  Clear the panel of sawdust before starting the next step.

I used my belt sander for the rough sanding and followed up with my orbital sander.

Sanding the surface of the panel with a Ryobi Belt Sander

Step 5:  Stain the surface of the wood  panel.

Stain the top surface of the wood panel.  I used ECOS Paints Woodshield in Golden Oak.  You will want to pick a color that contrasts well with your second color.

Staining wood with ECOS Paints Woodshield – Golden Oak

Step 6:  Create a Star Wars stencil.

Creating the Star Wars stencil with the Silhouette Studio Editor

I created a Star Wars stencil with my Silhouette.  I imported an image of the Star Wars logo into Silhouette Studio editor and used the trace tool to capture the outline. I used Contact paper to create the stencil.  I followed the Shanty sister’s tutorial on creating a stencil with contact paper to get the perfect cut setting on my Silhouette.

You can download the Silhouette cut file I created here!

Star Wars logo stencil from Contact paper

Step 7:  Attach the Star Wars logo stencil and spray paint the sign.

I carefully transferred each letter to the board, and applied a couple of coats of black spray paint.

Spray painting the sign black

Step 8:  Seal the Star Wars sign with varnish.

Next, I applied two coats of ECOS Paints Woodshield Satin Varnish.

The sign is pretty large and a little heavy.

Varnish applied and dried

Step 9:  Drill holes for the globe light sockets.

Before drilling holes for the globe light sockets, take care and plan where to position each hole.  The lights I purchased came with 25 sockets.  I planned for each letter to have  3 bulbs.

I equipped my drill with a 3/4″ wood spade drill bit and drilled 24 holes.  (Heh, I missed one.)

Drilling 3/4″ holes

Step 10:  Install the string globe lights.

Push each socket into the holes and secure the wire with a staple gun.  Take great care during this step and avoid stapling the wire.

Secured the lights with a staple gun

Flip over the sign and install the light bulbs.

Screwed in the globe lights

Attach hardware to hang the sign or lean on a wall.

DIY Star Wars Marquee Wall Art

I am really happy with how the sign turned out.  The lights give off a really nice, warm glow. If you build the this Star Wars Marquee sign, please leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @handmadewithashley or Twitter @handmadewithash.   I’d love to see your pictures!

Marquee lights off

Star Wars Marquee Wall Art Sign

Check out my other Star Wars projects here!

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DIY Star Wars Marquee Sign Tutorial

I’m linking up to:

• The Kim Six Fix
• DIY Show Off
• Remodelaholic
• Silver Pennies
• Home Stories A to Z

Reader Projects <3

Vintage style Star Wars Marquee sign by @crouch17

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