Make Clocks

Clocks don’t just tell the time and prevent us from running late – they can also serve as impressive pieces of art. Beautiful and ornate clocks can be expensive, but there are many ways to recreate these incredible statement pieces cheaply using DIY methods. All you need is a little time, creativity and the motivation to get started.

Steps

Making a Floating Clock

1. Gather the supplies. To make a floating clock, you’ll need the following tools: adhesive putty, wooden numbers ranging from 1 – 12, 4 different pieces of scrapbook paper, glue, an Xacto knife, pink ink and a clock mechanism kit.
   • Wooden numbers can be purchased on Etsy or in a craft store.
   • The clock mechanism kit can be purchased on Etsy or in a craft store for around $5.
   • For a funkier look, try buying your wooden numbers in different fonts and sizes.
2. Cover the numbers. Use the glue to attach each of the wooden numbers to a portion of the scrapbook paper. Use the Xacto knife to carefully cut around the numbers to remove the excess paper.
   • Set the numbers aside for a moment and allow the glue to dry.
   • Finish off the numbers by dipping the edges in the ink.
   • To seal the numbers further, paint on a protective coat of glaze.
   • For a more sophisticated look, forgo the scrapbook paper and instead spray the numbers with metallic silver spray paint.
3. Mount the clock. The clock will end up measuring about two feet wide, so pick a spot to mount it where you have a lot of room. Once you have selected the spot, use a ruler to determine the center of the spot. This is where you will hang the clock mechanism.
   • Secure the clock mechanism to the wall using the adhesive putty.
   • This clock looks great when positioned over a mantelpiece or low cabinet.
4. Determine where you will hang the numbers. Use a ruler to measure up one foot directly on top of the clock. Mark this spot with a pencil. This is where you will hang the number 12.
   • Measure one foot to the right of your clock and mark it with a pencil. This is where you will hang the number 3.
   • Measure down one foot below your clock and mark it with a pencil. This is where you will hang the number 6.
   • Measure one foot to the left of your clock and mark it with a pencil. This is where you will hang the number 9.
5. Hang the numbers and set the clock. Use the adhesive putty to hang the 12, 3, 6 and 9 on the pre-marked pencil spots. You can then use a ruler and pencil to space out and mark off where the rest of the numbers will hang.
   • Use the adhesive putty to hang the remaining numbers.
   • Adhesive putty is easily removable, so if you need to adjust the placement of a number, you can easily remove it from the wall and remount it somewhere else.
   • Insert any batteries the clock mechanism may require and set the clock to the correct time.

Making a Cork Trivet Clock

1. Gather the supplies. To make this clock, you will need the following materials: 1 cork trivet, 1 hanging clock kit, 3 contrasting paint colors, white spray paint, a power drill, painter’s tape, paint brushes, scissors, a mixing palette, a water cup and paper towels.
   • If you don’t have a palette, you can use a paper plate instead.
   • Try to choose paint colors in very bright colors.
2. Prepare the clock hands. Use a ruler to determine the center of the cork trivet. Mark this point with an X and use a power drill to drill a hole through the marking. The hole should be large enough that the clock part can fit through.
   • Clock hands come as part of a clock mechanism kit, which can be purchased online or in stores for around $5.
   • Clean up the cork board shavings and wipe down the area.
   • Spray the clock hands from the clock making kit with the white spray paint. Let them dry before proceeding.
3. Paint the trivets. Use the painter’s tape to create interesting geometric designs on the trivet. You might try using the tape to create intersecting triangles or a giant X. Fill in portions of the trivet with paint, while still leaving other portions blank.
   • Make sure to smooth out the tape to prevent color bleeding.
   • If you only have two different shades of paint, try mixing them together to create the third shade.
   • Give the trivets two or three coats before allowing them to dry.
4. Assemble the clocks. Once the paint has dried on the trivet, slowly peel the tape off the trivet. Touch up any scuffs or marks and allow the touch ups to dry. Finish the clock by assembling the clock making kit.
   • Make sure to set the clock before hanging it on the wall.
   • Buy three times the supplies and make three times the clocks. Hang them in clusters on the wall or give the extras away as gifts.

Making a Photo Clock

1. Gather the supplies. To make a photo clock, you will need the following materials: 2 sheets of 18”x24” newsprint or poster paper, tape, a pencil, 12 pictures frames measuring 2”x3”, 12 photos measuring 2”x3”, a clock mechanism kit, a ruler, a sheet of cardstock measuring 8.5”x11”, scissors, blue painters tape, a hammer and nails.
   • Try mixing and matching different colors and styles of picture frames.
   • A larger clock mechanism kit measures approximately 1 1/8" and costs around $10. This can be purchased online or in craft stores.
2. Lay out the clock. Place the two sheets of newsprint or poster paper on the floor, then attach them to each other using scotch tape. Place the clock mechanism kit in the center of the sheets, then arrange the picture frames around the clock mechanism.
   • Experiment with positioning some of the frames vertically and some of the frames horizontally.
   • Play around with the layout until you find a design that works for you.
   • When you’re satisfied with the layout, use a pencil to trace all of the frames onto the sheets of paper.
3. Insert the photos. Place the photos you’ve selected for this project inside the frames. Have fun choosing photos for this project. Try to come up with a theme for your clock and choose twelve pictures that fall under that theme.
   • Try choosing photos of twelve places you’ve been on vacation.
   • Choose twelve different photos of you and your significant other during key points of your relationship.
4. Cover the clock mechanism. Use a pencil, ruler and some scissors to cut the cardstock paper into a square or rectangle that is large enough to cover the clock mechanism.
   • If the clock mechanism is small enough, cut the cardstock to be 3.25”x3.75” – the same size as the picture frames.
   • Use scissors or an Xacto knife to cut a hole in the middle of the cardstock. This is where the metal portion of the clock mechanism will go.
   • Follow the instructions on the clock making kit and put the clock mechanism together.
   • Use the cardstock cover you made in place of the “clock face” that the instructions will call for.
5. Hang the clock. Find a blank wall where you want to hang the clock. Use scotch tape to hang the newsprint tracing you made in step one on the wall. Use the frame tracings as a guide and hammer in the nails for each of the frames on top of the tracings you made.
   • After you’re done hammering, pull the newsprint off the wall. The nails should stay in place and the paper should slide out easily.
   • Hang up all the frames and clock piece.
   • Place a AA battery in the clock piece and set the clock to the correct time.

Tips

• Clocks can be made out of almost anything, as long as you have a clock mechanism and a little time and creativity.

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Sources and Citations

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