Learn how to make a pair of DIY Star Wars BB-8 earrings from wooden beads and permanent markers with this simple step-by-step tutorial.
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These BB-8 earrings are much easier to make than they were to photograph!
I’ve been planning to make these since “The Force Awakens” came out. Way too long, right?
But I was worried that I’m not great at drawing and I cannot draw an actual round circle to save my life. Fortunately, this project is very small, so perfection is not important. I looked at a few photos of BB-8 while I was working on this, so you might find that helpful for the details.
I’m going to take you step-by-step through how I made these. After the first step is done, the rest of the project took maybe half an hour. All you need is a few basic jewelry supplies.
How to make BB-8 earrings
Supplies
- 3 half-inch wooden beads (These are similar.)
- white paint
- Sharpie permanent markers in black, orange, and silver
- 2 earrings headpins
- 2 earring fishhooks
- jewelry pliers
Instructions
The first few steps will depend on the beads you’re using. You’ll need two that are whole and one that is cut in half.
If they’re not white, start by spraypainting them. Make sure you don’t fill the hole. Let them dry overnight before going on to the next step. If you have white beads, you can skip the painting.
Star by drawing BB-8’s face. Using the black marker, draw a large circle, and leave a small sliver uncolored to look like his “eye.” Draw a smaller circle next to it.
With the silver marker, draw a thick line around the bottom and top of the head. With the orange marker, draw several small squares and rectangles along the top of the lower silver line.
For the body, use the orange marker to draw five circles. Imagine BB-8 is a cube and draw a circle where each of the sides would be. I didn’t draw a circle on the side where his head would attach since it would barely be seen.
Inside each orange circle, draw four connectors. Use the silver marker to draw a circle in the center of each orange circle and add more silver marks to make each of his “cogs” look a bit different.
He’s really so small that too much detail won’t be noticed, so don’t stress about perfection here. You’ll notice that my lines aren’t entirely smooth.
To put BB-8 together, thread a head pin up through the body and head. Trim the top of the pin to be about 1/4 inch long. Fold the top around the earring hook and pinch closed with the pliers.
Repeat the whole process again for the second earring.
Here are a couple more close-ups so you can see the details.
Check out some other fun and creative ideas on One Mama’s Daily Drama:
These are adorable! What a clever idea!
Thank you so much!
This is such a cute project. How did you cut the top bead in half?
Hi Deb! My husband made the beads for me. I think he used a Dremel with a wood cutting wheel.
If you paint the beads with glossy paint, like in the link, wouldn’t the sharpie rub off? Very cute project!!
Hi Liz! My Sharpie didn’t rub off and has been fine over the years I’ve worn these. Make sure you let the white base coat dry completely. And be careful handling the Sharpie while you’re drawing, it could smudge just like wet paint would. Sharpie is a permanent marker after it dries. (I think to get Sharpie off the walls/furniture/etc you have to use rubbing alcohol.)