In a galaxy far, far away, there’s a mom whose kiddo loves Star Wars. In the best Yoda voice, her inner thoughts are saying, “Make it special, you must.”
Okay, maybe that was just my head when my kiddo asked for a Star Wars-themed birthday, which also happens to be in May.
Hopefully, my research and development of Jedi-worthy crafts will help you if celebrating Star Wars Day on May the 4th is in your future.
Galaxy Photo Backdrop
Let’s start with the easiest of the projects, a great photo op.
What you need:
Black Rectangular Plastic Tablecloth
White and/or Yellow Acrylic Paint
Paint Brush – I recommend a fan-shaped brush because it gives a better splatter effect.
12-in. x 12-in. Yellow Cardstock
Directions:
- Unfold the tablecloth and place it on a flat surface like the garage floor.
- Dip the brush in the paint. I started with white and flicked the paint towards the tablecloth, creating a splattering effect. Repeat until you have the balance of stars you want.
- Pro tip: I concentrated the splatter at the center of the tablecloth and made the paint more sparse towards the edges.
- While the paint dries, you can create the headline. I found a great font on Etsy and used my Silhouette machine to cut the letters. The 12 x 12 paper worked great because I could make the letters a consistent 5- 1/2 inches tall, getting an average of four letters per sheet.
- Secure the letters to your tablecloth; Elmer’s Glue worked great.
- Use painter’s tape to secure the cloth to your wall.
- Pro-tip: We brought out our R2-D2 Christmas Droid and swapped his Santa hat for a birthday hat for some added fun.
Pool-Noodle Light Sabers
I got this idea from our wonderful librarian, Sam. This is perfect to do with kiddos as a craft.
What you need:
Pool Noodles -– one noodle will make two light sabers -– red, purple, green, and blue are the colors I went with to keep them “authentic.”
Electrical/Duct Tape – the standard silver duct tape and black electrical tape work great. If you want to add some personality, you can purchase other colors.
Small Flashlight – one that turns on from the bottom works best
Directions:
- Cut the pool noodles in half.
- Start about 12 inches from one end of the noodle, and wrap it with the silver duct tape until you reach the end.
- Pro tip – don’t tape up the end, and then you can place a small flashlight into the noodle to make it light up like a real lightsaber.
- Decorate with strips of the black electrical tape to mimic buttons.
- Be prepared for mayhem, depending on how many kids you have now armed.
Death Star Piñata
This one takes at least a week, maybe two, to get right. My attempt didn’t survive many kids’ attempts to take it out, because it wasn’t as strong as it should have been … but it looked awesome. When in doubt, there are videos on the internet to help with this project.
What You Need:
Newspaper – it took about four Alton Telegraphs to get our Death Star covered
Balloon
String/Rope
Flour
Water
Salt
Paint
Directions:
- Inflate a balloon, not with helium.
- Cut or tear one-inch strips of newspaper.
- Combine one cup of flour with five to six cups of warm water, stirring until it forms a paste. Add one to two tablespoons of salt to prevent mold.
- Dip strips of paper into the paste, and apply to the balloon. Make sure to leave a non-covered area at the top so you can pop the balloon once it’s dry and have a place to fill it!
- Once one layer of paper is applied, let it dry completely.
- Secure the string or rope around the balloon so you have a way to hang it.
- Repeat applying paper and letting it completely dry between layers. I did four full layers and set it in front of a box fan to speed up the drying process.
- Once finished, paint it gray and add the details. I used black washi tape to get my lines straight.
- Pop the balloon, and remove it.
- Fill your piñata, and you’re ready to go.
I love a good theme, and this was by far one of my favorites to put together. If you have a Star Wars project we should try, add it to the comments! And check out these local events below!
May the Force Be With You.
May the Fourth Events:
May the Fourth be with You Drop In
May 4 | 9 am
Jamestown Bluffs Branch, SLCL: 4153 N Highway 67, Florissant, MO 63034
Celebrate Star Wars Day with drop in activities in the children’s area!
Minifig May the Fourth Event
May 2 + 3 | 11 am to 6 pm
Minifig Shop: 200 S Kirkwood Rd, Kirkwood, MO 63122
Costumes encouraged! Meet characters and explore new builds.
Star Wars Trivia for Families + Teens
May 4 | 3 pm
Thornhill Branch, SLCL: 12863 Willowyck Dr, St. Louis, MO 63146
Get a table with your friends and family and be prepared to test your Star Wars knowledge on Star Wars Day.
May the Fourth Buttons
May 4 | 3:30 pm
Lewis + Clark Branch, SLCL: 9909 Lewis+ Clark Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63136
Make a button of your favorite Star Wars character
Star Wars Celebration
Hayner Public Library: 132 Alton Square, Alton, I 62002
May 4 | 4:00 pm
Wear costumes, meet characters, and play exciting training games!
Look ahead …
14th Annual Star Wars Fan Fest at Grant’s View Branch of St. Louis County Library. This is a giant celebration of all things Star Wars! Costume Characters, live music, swordsmanship demos, Kona Ice, Gateway Lego Builders, Games with Game Nite, crafts, and more! Come in Costume Friday, May 15 at 6 pm
The St. Louis Cardinals are celebrating Star Wars Days on Sunday, May 17, giving an exclusive Star Wars-themed Cardinals t-shirt. Characters will be available from 11:15 – 2 pm.
Star Wars: The Mandalorian + Grogu Fan Event at Marcus theaters on Thursday, May 21. Celebrate the return of “Star Wars” to the big screen with an opening night fan event for “The Mandalorian and Grogu,” where you can collect an official limited-edition Disney pin!
