For those who don’t know what upcycling is, it’s the process of transforming by-products, waste materials, useless, or unwanted products into new materials or products of better quality or for better environmental value. (Thanks for the definition Wikipedia!) I love upcycling projects, and if Star Wars is involved, you know it’s right down my alley.
I came across this Star Wars Craft book at Barnes & Noble and I knew I had to have it. One of my favorite projects in it is the “Wookiee Bird House”, which I am going to tell you how to make in this week’s post.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1/2 – gallon milk or juice carton (cleaned)
- Black, white, and brown Acrylic paints
- Paintbrush
- Scissors
- Craft sticks (popsicle sticks) or twigs
- Spray on sealant
- Strong crafting glue
- 2 googly eyes
- Unsalted sunflower seeds, various birdseed
Here’s how to make it:
- Cut a hole midway in the carton for birds to go in and out. Paint the inside black.
- Paint the milk carton brown and paint the cap black (this will be Chewbacca’s nose). Let it dry.
- Glue twigs or craft sticks side by side to the outside walls of the carton. Snap sticks to fit smaller spaces. Let dry.
- Paint it brown like Chewbacca’s fur. Let dry.
- Now you need to give Chewie a face. Make the opening for his mouth by first painting a black outline around it. Then once it’s dry, paint teeth on the top and bottom. Paint Chewbacca’s bandolier on the bottom.
- Spray the carton with sealant. Let dry.
- Glue on googly eyes or paint eyes on the top on each side of his nose.
- Put birdseed into your bird house and place outside so your feathered friends can find their new deluxe Wookie home.
Stephanie Walters 