Simple DIY Clock
Isn’t it funny how something annoying can take so long to fix? For example: the large wall clock in our living room broke well over 3 months ago. We’d been limping it along – first with tape, then with glue, then taking it all apart. To no avail!
I’d been wanting to make a wood clock anyway; this presented the perfect opportunity! Never mind us being super busy and never home in the next several weeks. I was going to do it. The first month the broken clock was left on the wall – talk about confusing – no matter what time you looked at it, it was 11:38! So, I finally took it down. What was left was a blank wall.
In the meantime, I visited a flea market and some cute little shops while on a girl’s trip. While perusing I found an awesome metal basket. Wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do with it at the time, but knew I had to have it.
Later, I remembered an idea my mother-in-law gave me about adding dimension to the walls. Light bulb! I would hang the metal basket on the wall with some greenery, hang the clock above it, and add one other thing. Sometimes you just need something to push you into starting a project.
Back to the clock – right away I knew which wood I wanted to use. Jason got a log sawmill a while ago for Christmas and cut some boards out of a cherry log. They had that rough/weathered look I love. Little bit of playing around with which order the boards should go and I was ready!
Of course, I wanted to maintain the circle shape. No idea how to do that with the tools we had. Thankfully Jason helped me with that part. The rest was so easy I can’t believe I didn’t just start it right after the old clock broke!
The clock movement mechanism itself was around $12 from Amazon. They also have several to choose from at most craft stores. Just depends on what you want the clock hands to look like. Pick a font you like for the numbers and there you go!
Now that the clock is finished and hung, I smile every time I look at it. And it’s even more special because I was able to use the first boards Jason ever milled and we’ll have them around for a very long time!
Tools Used: Miter Box, Jig Saw, Drill, Drill Bit (size will vary pending size of clock mechanism, package should specify), Heavy Duty Stapler & Staples, Orbital Sander, 80 Grit Sanding Disc, Wood Glue, Tape Measure, Pencil, Decorating Supplies
Wood Needed:
Totally up to you on this one! Enough wood to make the clock as big as you want in whatever shape.
Note: Several craft stores have pre-assembled wood shapes you can pick from. Most common are square, rectangle, and circle.
Step 1.) Cut boards to desired length/shape. My clock has a 19″ diameter. I traced the circle shape from the old clock and then Jason used the jig saw to cut it.
Step 2.) Cut 2 smaller “brace” boards using the miter box. You will be attaching the clock boards to these.
Step 3.) Sand all boards using the orbital sander. I only used 80 grit since I wanted to keep the rough texture.
Step 4.) Attach the brace boards to the back side of the clock boards using both wood glue and staples.
Step 5.) Decide where the clock movement mechanism and clock hands will be. Drill a hole where required.
Step 6.) Stain and/or paint as desired. I chose a dark walnut stain. Let dry thoroughly.
Step 7.) Pick a font/stencil and paint the clock numbers! Many people also paint a design or saying on their clocks. I wanted the texture of the wood to stand out, so just numbers for me!
Optional: Paint the clock hands to match the numbers.
Step 8.) Once the boards are finished install the clock movement mechanism according to package directions.
Now sit back and enjoy! I love how the simplicity of the clock is in itself a statement. The basket provides the added dimension to the wall and I finally have a place to put one of our favorite wedding pictures!
