After several years of not being able to “stay on target ” as it were, Jedi Master Heidi decided we needed a sign that listed the activities of our May the Fourth be with You Party.  Not that we have THAT many activities, but we are always so busy eating that we forget to make lightsabers… or take a group photo.  So to keep us organized, she made these (re-useable) chalkboard signs that R 2 cute… 

…and Thanks Linda for modeling 🙂

Needed:

• R2-D2 Pattern (see bottom of this post)
• Chalkboard Foam Board
• White Crayon or White China Marker (Grease Pencil)
• White Chalk
• Blue LED Battery Operated Christmas Light Strand
• Pencil
• X-acto
• Ruler
• Self-healing Cutting Mat
• White Paper
• Clear Tape
• Painter’s Tape

How To:

• Download R2-D2 pattern (see bottom of this post)
• Print out, tile and tape together (tape on the top side of paper only!).  Alternatively, Staples has pretty reasonable prices on large printouts these days, in case you just want to print it as one sheet.

• Tape (with painter’s tape) the template on chalkboard and cut along the outer edges.

• Remove template and take white chalk and lightly draw/dust the back of the pattern (under the lines to be drawn). 
• Carefully place the pattern back on the chalkboard (chalky side down).
• Tape the pattern on with painter’s tape (around the edges, and back) .  Be careful so you do not tape the chalkboard side!  
• Trace along all the lines – these will be your guides for your final lines. 
• Remove template. 
• Using a white crayon or China marker, draw neatly on top of the chalk lines. 
• Carefully wipe the chalk dust off.
• Cut the holes with the X-acto. 
• Insert blue lights. 
• Tape the lights in place on the back so they don’t fall out.
• Cover the back with paper – so it looks neater.
• Use a regular white chalk to write any important messages.

Get Supplies:

• Chalkboard Foam Board
• White Crayon or White China Marker (Grease Pencil)
• White Chalk
• Blue LED Battery Operated Christmas Light Strand
• X-acto
• Ruler
• Self-healing Cutting Mat
• Painter’s Tape
• R2D2_Outline (pdf)
  

  

Tips:

• I’m sure this would work really well with plywood and chalkboard paint as well!
• We had R2 standing against a wall.   If you want him to stand in the middle of a room,  just add a large foam triangle/easel-back in the back. 

Credits: