How to Make a R2D2 Costume

R2D2 costume: make your own at home.

In this simple guide, you can learn to make a very simple R2D2 costume out of ordinary materials you probably have around the home, or can at least find at your local retailer.

Things You'll Need

• 2-3 pieces of poster board.
• Newspaper
• Glue
• Water
• Hole puncher
• Scissors
• Tempura or acrylic paints in white, blue, black, gray, and red.
• Oversized plastic bowl

Instructions

Making the R2D2 Head

1. First, to start your R2 D2 costume, you will need to prepare your materials for papier-mache. Start by making a paste out of regular school glue and water. The ratio for this paste will be 1 part water to every 2 parts glue.

2. Tear strips of newspaper into long thin strips.

3. Using your oversized plastic bowl as a base, apply layers of newspaper to the outside of the bowl.

4. Use liberal amounts of your paste to stick the newspaper to the bowl.

5. Apply layers of newspaper and paste until your bowl is fully covered.

6. Let your newspaper dry for a full 24 hours.

7. Once your first layer is dried, reapply a second layer of newspaper and paste and let sit to dry for another 24 hours.

8. Reapply layers as necessary -- you wouldn't want R2D2 to have any holes in his armor.

9. Once your newspaper has hardened, you can remove it from the plastic bowl base if desired. Feel free to keep the bowl for extra stability.

10. Paint the head white.

11. 

    Using the movie as a guide, paint the bowl to look like R2 D2's head. You can follow the picture diagram as well for a general idea of how to paint the head. Be as detailed as you like.

Making the R2D2 Body

1. Form your pieces of poster board into a cylinder. Attach the sides together lengthwise with masking tape or duct tape on each side of the poster board.

2. Leave one opening in your poster board cylinder so you can put it on your body when you are ready to wear it. Once you have put it on, you may need assistance taping it closed around you.

3. 

   Once you have formed your poster board cylinder body, you will need to punch holes in the top of your poster board on opposite sides. The holes will be used to tie string so it will rest comfortably on your shoulders.

4. 

   Cut holes on each side of your poster board for you rarms to fit through. Use the diagram as a reference.

5. 

   Here R2 D2 will begin to take shape. Be creative in painting him. You will want to use the movie or pictures as a guide, though I have included a small diagram that might help you along.

Tips & Warnings

• Once the paint is dry, you can wear your costume. Wear the bowl/head like you would wear a hat. If you like, you can place it on top of a bike helmet so it is higher off your face.

• Get assistance being fastened into your R2D2 costume.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish