DIY R2D2 Lamp from $10 IKEA lamp

DIY R2D2 Lamp from $10 IKEA lamp
This one came from shear distraction and procrastination, things that invaded my everyday life.

I am building a full size R2D2 from scratch, when you are scratch building everything begins look like a potential part, well this lamp I just got from IKEA really reminded me of the little domed one so I got bored and with a little bit of tweaking I got him looking pretty good.

I happen to have access to a cutter, and while it makes it a bit easier it is not necessary to complete this project.  You could just get the vinyl and cut it with scissors, or you could even just use regular labels that you painted blue.  I would bet that even with sharpie you could get the point accross.

the great thing about R2 is that he has such a an iconic look that you really only have to capture a few bits and pieces to make him look right.  The main eye, the stripes and the top sections.

I think from the pictures you can get an idea of panels I had made up.  (I might be able to make these available)


Update: sorry folks for the disappearing act, I'm on baby watch and my wife is due any day now so I had to make a mad dash to complete some stuff for work. 

I did manage to get these up on ETSY, figured that would be an easy way to make them available.

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=44441643

ETSY LINK


http://www.etsy.com/shop/nylanan



Let's see these R2 lamps everywhere :D



 
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Step 1Materials

Materials
first you'll need a lamp that looks like R2.  I used the Tertial lamp from IKEA.  It was $9 at my IKEA and only comes in silver.  It also has a pixar-ey kinda look to it too with the springs I liked it as a lamp before I decided to sticker it up.

You will also need stickers.  I used sign vinyl.  you should be able to pick up vinyl sheet stickers at any craft store.  If you are not going to use colored vinyl, you could paint plain white stickers or use a sharpie and just draw them in.

an exacto blade is also helpful.

Here's a pic of the vinyl material I used (Like I said I had my stickers cut on a machine)

You can use these pics to get an idea of the shape of the panels, you can also find pics on the internet of R2, but like I said so long as you have the main parts pretty much everyone will know it's R2. 









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24 comments
May 16, 2010. 9:12 PMrc jedi says:
Hey, I got one!
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Jan 8, 2012. 7:22 AMruthiesnaps says:

This creation has inspired my dear friend and I and we've decided to have a contest on who can create the most geekiest star wars DIY lamp.



My friend created another version of this R2d2 Lamp using a Blue lamp instead of a silver. I decided to go for the iconic Darth Vader. Below are some pictures for your reference:



For more info, visit our albums:

R2d2 lamp:


http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150487931813553.368857.717818552&type=3



Vader Lamp:


http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150444070467714.350324.544457713&type=1




Geek Out!!! @_@
photo.JPGDSC02138.JPG
Jun 10, 2010. 6:32 PMPunching Grampas says:
LOL. step 8 "I Love Lamp", Anchorman is awesome.
May 4, 2010. 3:55 PMabehambino says:
has anyone ever maybe think about a pen holder/cup that looks like R2's body to accompany the lamp? then it would look like R2's being built and the pens are the insides and a crane is putting on the head. just an idea. anyway, great instructable.
Apr 8, 2010. 7:18 AMShadowHawk says:
I like!!  BTW - DO you happen to have the R2D2 vinyl layout available - maybe as an .eps file? (for those of us who DO have a vinyl cutter at the home/office?)

Thanks again for a neat looking lamp!
Apr 16, 2010. 1:46 PMkcls says:
What kind of cutter do you have?
Apr 16, 2010. 3:36 PMShadowHawk says:
Several years back, I bought a Chinese knock-off - the Master Tiger 1000.  Not the quietest cutter in the world, but does a full 24" wide roll of vinyl, and is very accurate.

I've used it to make vinyl signage for retail shop windows, vinyl coroplast signs, custom cut names and numbers for heat transfer to tshirts & caps... etc...  I also use it to cut vinyl masking for doing glass etching...  The first job I used it for - paid for itself when I used it to cut vinyl to re-do the oputside lettering on a Dr's office that faced a western setting sun in the Dallas, Texas area.  The old vinyl had cracked badly, and was unsightly... After a window scraping, cleaning, and new vinyl application - I was happy, and so was the Dr.


Apr 10, 2010. 8:39 PMbloomautomatic says:
I made one of these for my boy's 4th birthday and he loves it.  I cut the stickers by hand, and kept track of the sizes.  You'll have to do some trimming to get it just right, but this will at least get the scaling close. 

1 @ 5/16" x 21" (this length will vary depending where you place the pinstripe)
3 @ 1.5" x 3/4"
1 @  1.5" x 1/2"
2 @  1.5" x 1.5"
1 @ 2" x 1" w/ 3/4" circle cut out
1 @ 1/2" x 1"
1 @ 2.5" x 1.5" w/ 1" circle cut out.  this is the main "eye" piece, you'll need to cut the edges on a slant.
1 @ 1" x 1.5" w/ 2 squares cut out
1 @ 5/16" x 1.5"
1 @ 1.5" x 3.5"

You'll also need 2 circles about 3/4" or 1".  I forgot to measure these.

The top arc "pie" pieces were the toughest to figure.  See the pic for that.  I started with a piece 1.75" x 1", then used a 3" diameter plastic cup to trace the bottom curve and a ~2" diameter play-doh lid for the upper arc.  I eyeballed the angle on the sides.

Hope this is helpful.  I think I covered all the pieces.  If I missed something, feel free to post a correction.
r2 lamp.JPGr2.bmp
Mar 29, 2010. 4:35 PMshc32 says:
Any issues with the heat from the lamp & the stickers?  Would imagine there to be some warping.  That said, cool idea!
Apr 8, 2010. 11:54 AMgvardaman says:
 Plus, vinyl decals are used on cars every day ( I have some on my Mini Cooper now) and they sit in the sun and with a hot engine underneath and after years and years, there might be very small cracks...

Nice job Nylanan!
Apr 8, 2010. 7:17 AMWHEELER56 says:
Where can i get the stickers.. I want to make them for my friends for Christmas need about 7 sets of stickers. Best idea i have seen in a longtime and so simple. Love it. chris@a1fargo.com can i get you to make them for me or order them somewhere?
Apr 8, 2010. 6:45 AMhellpeace84 says:
And now your Lamp is trying to hack your computer ;) Very nice job
Apr 1, 2010. 11:49 AMModMischief says:
I hope you sent this to Ikea Hacker!
It's awesome!
Mar 30, 2010. 10:23 AMmatstermind says:
do you have a pdf or other type drawing for the stickers?

thanks
Mar 29, 2010. 6:35 PMrobj98168 says:
Cool! A droid for the desk!
Mar 29, 2010. 3:42 PMeblisster says:
That's just awesome! 
Mar 28, 2010. 3:01 PMlemonie says:
That's very nice.

L
Mar 28, 2010. 6:52 AMstephenniall says:
 I have the lamp in my lab ..

Cant find the knife so ill have to make a cnc sticker plotter to cut it !
Mar 27, 2010. 9:32 PMChrysN says:
Nice, it does look like R2's head.

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