We are slowing working on changing our toy room into a bedroom for our youngest with a Star Wars theme, complete with a BB-8 paper lantern!
We already own lots of posters, bedding, and accessories but I want to add a few fun new details to finish it off. My first project is this Star Wars Paper Lantern to hang above the bed.
This Star Wars paper crafts idea seemed inevitable after our BB-8 costume using the same materials. This project is actually simpler than the costume because I was able to just use the standard wire bracket that came with the paper lantern to expand them.
Plus when I made the costume I had to sort of “wing” the patterns on BB-8 based on images from the Sphero BB-8 toy. Luckily BB-8 projects are quite popular now and I found a baker who shared the templates she created to make an incredible BB-8 cake!
BB-8 Paper Lantern Materials
- 10″ white paper lantern (I found mine in the Target dollar section)
- 18″ white paper lantern
- orange duct tape
- silver duct tape
- black duct tape
- BB-8 pattern templates
- parchment paper
Now you will need to enlarge the patterns to make them appropriately sized for your paper lanterns. If you are making a smaller BB-8 paper lantern then your patterns can be smaller.
How To Make BB-8 Duct Tape Designs
Trace each pattern that you want to use onto parchment paper. This step will be repeated multiple times throughout the project.
Once you’ve traced the pattern, turn it over and cover the back of the pattern with duct tape. Turn it back over and cut out your duct tape design.
Parchment paper is basically a duct tape miracle. With the duct tape attached to parchment paper, you can easily cut through it without gumming up the scissors. When you’re ready to use the tape, the parchment paper peels off easily.
To keep the lantern from moving around much, place it on a kitchen chair and push the chair in until the lantern sits snugly against the edge of the table. It’s best to figure out the placement of the pattern before removing the parchment paper backing.
Once you’ve added 4 orange and silver designs around the sides of the BB-8, you are ready to add an orange pattern on top.
I didn’t have any templates for the BB-8 head. It’s mostly just strips of orange and silver duct tape with a couple of black circles. Remember to use parchment paper helps you cut out duct tape designs.
Watch the BB-8 Paper Lantern Video Tutorial Above
You can see a little bit of the BB-8 head creation (and the rest of the paper lantern), in my video. Keep in mind I didn’t show every step and did speed up most of the video so it wouldn’t be 2 hours long. It should give you enough of a feel for how to make a BB-8 paper lantern on your own.
I hung BB-8 up in the bedroom and might add a lantern cord to turn it into a BB-8 light. It also makes a great decoration for a Star Wars themed party. You could even make a smaller version, just keep in mind the scale difference between the BB-8 body and head.
Star Wars Paper Lantern BB8
Create your own BB-8 Star Wars lantern using paper lanterns and duct tape.
Materials
- 10″ white paper lantern
- 18″ white paper lantern
- orange duct tape
- silver duct tape
- black duct tape
- parchment paper
Tools
Instructions
- Print (enlarge if necessary) BB-8 design templates.
- Trace templates on to parchment paper.
- Turn over the parchment paper and cover the back of the pattern with duct tape. Turn it back over and cut out your duct tape design.
- Repeat for all BB-8 designs/templates.
- Stick the designs on the 18" paper lantern.
- Freehand draw the BB-8 head decals on parchment paper. It's mostly circles and blocks and easy to do referencing an image of BB-8
- Then create BB-8 using duct tape designs and 10" paper lantern.
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
More Star Wars Ideas
- Baby Yoda Paper Lantern
- Star Wars Ikea bed tent
- More Star Wars bedroom decor ideas
- Star Wars Halloween tree ideas
This post was originally published March 4, 2016.
Sally says
What brand duct tape did you use for the orange? The Duck brand is neon, and not quite right for BB8. Yours looks much more dark and perfect.
Thanks!
Karen says
I honestly wasn’t a super fan of the orange hue of my tape either but there isn’t a ton of options. I did use the Scotch 3M brand of duct tape though. If you find a better option though, let me know!