Star Wars R2D2 and BB8 Wood Cutouts!

Star Wars R2D2 and BB8 Wood Cutouts!

Learn how to make your own Star Wars R2D2 and BB8 Droid cutouts using scrap wood, vinyl and paint. These cute droids make the perfect home decor, party decoration or the perfect handmade gift for a Star Wars fanatic!

Move over cardboard cut-outs, these wood pieces are where it's at! They are sturdy, totally high quality and super unique!

BB8 is by far, my favorite little droid. His big debut on Star Wars The Force Awakens was awesome. I threw a big "force awakens" birthday party back in 2016 to celebrate. These little guys were a huge part of the decorations.

I've always loved Star Wars. I watched Empire Strikes Back when I was just 4 years old and loved it. I grew up watching the Battle of Endor and Jabba the Hutt. I love that Star Wars has lasted through the generations and given us all a common theme/love/obsession that spans more than just one age group.

May the 4th Be With You is just around the corner and it's the perfect time to celebrate with a Star Wars craft!

Supplies Needed for Star Wars Droid Cutouts:

• Scrap Wood (actual wood, not a composite)
• Black Permanent Vinyl
• Transfer Tape for Vinyl
• Cricut Machine or other Electronic Cutting Machine
• Acrylic Craft Paint 
• Paintbrushes
• Jigsaw/Woodshop tools

Step 1: Vinyl

Begin by loading your image in your cutting machine software. It's easy to find a character black and white outline png file on google. Load it into Cricut Design Space and save it as a cut file.

Mine image is as large as the 24 inch mat. Weed the image, but keep the outline for the next step. 

Place transfer tape on the top of the vinyl so it's ready for step 4.

Step 2: Outline Vinyl

Place the outline of the vinyl right on the scrap wood. This gives us the rough guidelines for cutting out the droid images.

I've also done a cutout of Baby Yoda--Grogu! Check out the full post here too--lots more details and lots more pictures of the process.

Step 3: Cutout Wood

Take your piece of wood out to the yard, garage or wood shop. Use a Jigsaw to cut around the vinyl, giving a little space around the outline for a border. (pictured below for the Baby Yoda cutout)

Then sand the edges of the wood so it's nice and smooth.

Step 4: Apply Vinyl

Now, peel the backing off the vinyl and align it on the wood cut out. Start at the top of the droid and smooth the vinyl down. Then use a scraper tool and press down the vinyl to hold it in place permanently. 

Repeat the vinyl process for all the cut outs you are making. This process can feel complicated. Just peel the top of the backing and adhere the top of the vinyl to the wood. 

Then peel back, smooth and stick the vinyl down inch by inch.

Now on to the painting!

These are just like a big coloring book page!

This is the part of the project that brings them to life! These cute droids can be painting exactly like the Star Wars colors...or get creative and make them match your home decor, favorite color or get even more creative by adding some paint pour, sponge painting or fun effects!

Ooh, a galaxy pattern would be super cool!

Step 5: Paint Cutouts

Use acrylic craft paint to paint the shapes around the black vinyl. The vinyl can be wiped clean after painting, so you don't need to be too careful. I still try to be careful and stay in the lines...but I'm not that good at it.

Once they are painted, clean up any paint that went on the vinyl using a baby wipe or Lysol wipe. Then, let them dry. 

You can spray them with a clear coat sealer, but it's not necessary. Now they are ready to use as home decor or party decorations!

That's it! These 2 cuties, plus baby Grogu, have made a permanent place in my home as part of the decor. 

They are so cute and make me happy every time I walk by them. Oh ya, these are the droids you are looking for!

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Baby Yoda!

I've also done a cutout of Baby Yoda--Grogu! Check out the full post here too!