The Force Will Be With You With This DIY R2-D2 Mug

Even though BB-8 has just possibly nudged its way to the title of "cutest droid," the lovable, loyal R2-D2 still holds a very special place in our hearts.

This May the 4th, we've decided to celebrate the classic Star Wars character by immortalizing it in the form of a simple but totally practical DIY mug. Who wouldn't want to sip out of their own personal Artoo?

Before you get started, you'll need:

• A roll of masking tape
• A ceramic mug (make sure it's ceramic—you don't want it to break during the curing process!)
• Permanent oil-based markers in silver, red, white, blue and black

If your markers are new, make sure to prep them before you get started based on their included instructions. Typically this involves pressing lightly on the marker's point, shaking the marker, and then pushing the marker against a surface for about 30 seconds to let the paint soak the tip.

Start by taking your masking tape and lining the inside of the rim of the mug, as well as in a straight, horizontal ring about one third down the base of the mug. Then, using your silver marker, fill in the space above your tape. This will be R2-D2's head.

Next up, carefully use your blue marker to draw a horizontal ring all the way around the mug. This should leave a thin line of silver between your blue ring and the ring of tape. You can use more tape for extra precise lines, but make sure to let the silver marker dry completely before doing so or it will lift up the paint.

At this point, feel free to remove the tape. Start filling out the details of R2-D2's face using your blue, black, red and white markers and the image below (or pics from the internet) as your guide. Allow layers to dry slightly before coloring on top with another color.

Once the face is done, move on to the body. Your shapes don't have to be super precise—they just have to give off the impression of Artoo's cylindrical base. Make sure to use the black, silver and blue pens to vary the look. If you're happy with the look, this can be the last step of drawing, but if you want to go the extra mile, there's more to do.

You can draw leg shapes on either side of the mug using just the black and silver markers. The other side will be tougher because of the handle, but if you draw around it you'll be fine.

And last but not least, flip the mug around and draw on the back details. It's a lot like the process drawing the front, but the top is less face-like.

Once R2-D2 is completely drawn on your mug, you have a decision to make. If you're just going to use the mug as a cute pencil holder, you can stop now—but if you want it to be suitable for drinking, you'll need to cure the paint. You'll want to do this after you've let the marker dry on the mug for three full days, so be patient.

Once totally dry, place the mug in the oven, turn the oven up to 425° F and keep it on for an hour. You'll want it to go through the entire preheating process, as a sudden increase in temperature may cause the ceramic to shatter. Once this hour is up, leave the mug in the oven to cool completely before removing. The paint should be cured on, making it safe for drinking, as well as washing by hand (we don't recommend the dishwasher!). It's sure to be the envy of everyone in the galaxy.

 

Not done celebrating Star Wars Day quite yet? Click HERE to find out which Star Wars hero you are based on your horoscope.