Are you and your kids Star Wars fans or do you know someone who is? R2-D2, that lovable droid that’s been appearing in movies since the beginning, is a fan favorite. With kids heading back to school, and the new Star Wars movie coming out in December, now is a great time to make this R2-D2 pencil can straight out of my new book, Star Wars Mania!
Make an R2-D2 Pencil Holder
When my publisher told me that the fifth book in the Mania series was going to be Star Wars crafts I was so excited! I loved making all the other books too, but this one was by far my absolute favorite. This R2-D2 inspired pencil can sits right here on my desk where I work everyday. If you look at the photos below, you’ll see a few other projects from within the book’s pages, such as my salt dough Jabba the Hutt, Princess Leia bookmark and my plastic spoon Admiral Ackbar!
This is a great craft for both kids and adults. Star Wars appeals to all ages, as does R2D2. So whether it’s for your desk at work, or your kids want to make one for their homework area, this R2D2 craft is easy and fun.
There are a total of 43 projects in Star Wars Mania and while it doesn’t officially go on sale until August 15th, it’s available for pre-order on Amazon for 50% off (affiliate link) right now!
I have so many favorite projects from this book, including C3-PO made from tin cans and Chewbacca crafted from fake fur and a paint stir stick. I would have to say my absolute favorite craft would be Jabba the Hutt made from salt dough. So fun!
Note: some links below are affiliate links. That means if you happen to buy something, a small percentage of that sale goes back into this site, which enables me to continue to bring you free tutorials such as this one. So, thanks!
As always, a full printable supply list and instructions are at the end of this post.
For this project you will need the following supplies:
- Tin can
- Felt: gray, white, blue, red, black
- Felt glue
- Scissors
Cover can with one layer of white felt, tucking excess felt inside the can.
From the bottom of the can, cover two-thirds of the can with more white felt.
Cover the remaining top third of the can with gray felt.
Use felt glue to tuck excess inside the can.
Cut a thin strip of blue felt and glue it where the gray and white felt meet.
Cut small rectangles from blue felt to create the blue sections of the droid. Glue rectangles around the gray top section, also gluing one larger rectangle in the center for his camera lens. Cut a black circle for the lens and glue it in place.
Glue a small red circle below the camera box and glue three long blue strips in the white section.
Glue three gray rectangles below the blue strips.
Attach clothespins around the rim of the can to secure in place while the glue dries, about an hour or so.
Remove the clothespins and fill with pencils!
I hope you enjoyed this project. Remember, if you know a Star Wars fan or are one yourself, this project or the book makes a great gift!
Do you love R2D2 as much as I do? Well my friend Amy does! Check out these easy and adorable R2D2 Luminaries over at DIY Candy!
My books:
R2-D2 Pencil Holder
Supplies
- Tin can
- Felt: gray white, blue, red, black
- Felt glue
- Scissors
Instructions
- Cover can with one layer of white felt, tucking excess felt inside the can.
- From the bottom of the can, cover two-thirds of the can with more white felt.
- Cover the remaining top third of the can with gray felt.
- Use felt glue to tuck excess inside the can.
- Cut a thin strip of blue felt and glue it where the gray and white felt meet.
- Cut small rectangles from blue felt to create the blue sections of the droid. Glue rectangles around the gray top section, also gluing one larger rectangle in the center for his camera lens. Cut a black circle for the lens and glue it in place.
- Glue a small red circle below the camera box and glue three long blue strips in the white section.
- Glue three gray rectangles below the blue strips.
- Attach clothespins around the rim of the can to secure in place while the glue dries, about an hour or so.
- Remove the clothespins and fill with pencils!
(Project by Amanda Formaro, author of Star Wars Mania; reprinted with permission from Studio Fun International)
Amanda Formaro
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Claire says
Where did you find the Tin cans? I need 26 by next week and know we won’t go through that much soup:)! Thanks
Amanda Formaro says
Hi Claire. I only made one pencil holder so it wasn’t difficult to obtain one can. If this is for a children’s group like a club, troup or class can you ask parents to provide a can for their child? Or maybe contact a local recycling center?
Jennifer R.P. says
I want to make this in a craft class with kids ages 5-9 and am wondering if it’s possible to use something other than a can?
Amanda Formaro says
Sure! Cardboard oatmeal containers or small plastic coffee cans or jelly jars would work too :)
Valerie Turker says
Thanks for the EASY and adorable R2 D2 pencil cup craft. My students will love this addition to my new Star Wars themed resource room. BTW, my 47 year old brother (a true Star Wars fan!) wants one, too!
Amanda Formaro says
That’s awesome Valerie!
Beth says
Hi! Planning to use this as the craft for my son’s Star Wars party – its such a wonderful idea! How did you adhere the felt to the can? It seems like its not the same felt glue you used for gluing the felt to itself for the grey and embellishments. Thank you!
Definitely buying this book! My son will flip for it!
Amanda Formaro says
Ah yes, you’re right! I used Aleene’s Clear Tacky Glue http://amzn.to/1NiC6X2 for that, thanks for pointing that out. I will get that corrected in the post.
Amy @ Magic Moments Preschool says
Seriously cute! I have not seen many Star Wars themed crafts around blogs. I love this idea and the simple supply list. Thanks for sharing my kids will love this.
Amanda Formaro says
Thanks Amy! i have a feeling with the new movie coming out in December they are going to start popping up!
Amy @ Magic Moments Preschool says
You are totally right! We are looking forward to it. Thanks