Happy New Year, Nerds! With it being the last day of 2017, I thought I would end on a high note with a good, old fashioned DIY! Whether you’re cooped up with the kiddos waiting for the ball to drop, or you’re still on that Star Wars high, this is a DIY for all ages! All you need is some paint, a hot glue gun, and an empty wrapping paper tube (which should be plentiful this time of year).

If you’re bored and need something to waste some time with, then this DIY project is perfect for that. I completed two of these in an afternoon, and did other crafty things while the paint was drying. Then by the time I was done with that task, it was time to go back and finish up the lightsabers. Moderately quick, super easy, and tons of fun to do with others!

Let’s get started!

From Your Utility Belt, You’ll Need:

• An empty wrapping paper tube
• Hot glue gun
• Extra hot glue gun sticks
• Acrylic or tempera paint
• • I recommend green, blue, red, purple, silver, black, and white for mixing.
• Paint brushes
• Tall water or pint glass (you’ll see why in a minute)
• Yard stick
• Marker

Step 1

Take a yard stick and a market, and draw a line up from the bottom of the tube. This will be where you block off part of the tube to make the hilt and handle of the lightsaber. I did mine up 10″ so there would be room for both hands to hold the lightsaber. This measurement can be adjusted to fit the size of the tube and who will wield it.

Step 2

With the hot glue gun, trace the line you made, and add any decorations to the handle. If you’re doing this craft with kiddos, make sure they stay far away from this step. Leave the marking and painting to them.

Step 3

Taking your paint, mix up your desired colors, and begin to add it to the tube. Use the silver and black paint for the hilt and handle of your lightsaber. Paint a little on the inside of the tube to keep the paint job consistent. Let dry in between coats as needed.

Pro tip: As you’re waiting for the paint to dry, place a dry or unpainted end of the tube in a tall water glass or a pint glass. That way, you don’t have to worry about ruining one side of your paint job!

Step 4

Once dry, it’s time to battle! Wield your lightsaber with pride!

See? Wasn’t that easy? The good thing about using wrapping paper tubes–especially with kids–is that they inflict very little damage, and don’t hurt when hit. They’re also a great way to express creativity and individuality by letting them decorate it however they want, which is great if they’re bored on their holiday breaks.

Are you creating anything nerdy during this holiday season? Do you have any fun plans for tonight? Let me know in the comments below! And have a wonderful, and safe, New Year’s Eve! See you in 2018!

Life was meant to be lived nerdily, so what are you waiting for?