DIY Arts & Crafts: How to Make a Clock

We adjusted our clocks for Daylight Saving Time this weekend  – or, we simply thanked technology for doing that for us! Today we’re going to make a clock to keep track of that time.

Make a clock to accent your room, or gift this to someone who might need a little help leaving on time.

I was inspired to make a clock when I spotted an unfinished, wooden clock face at Michaels. I bought the clock face months ago and finally made the clock as a gift in December. It’s a big hit, and it’s a great way to get creative, so let’s show you how to make a clock!

 

 

Please note: I bought all materials and assembled this clock on my own. The links below are Michaels affiliate links, which means I make a small commission if you click and make a purchase. Thanks for your support!

Materials:

• Clock face
• Clock movement kit
• Paint
• Mod Podge
• 1 battery (type may depend on clock movement)
• Clock charm (optional)

Always look for coupons before purchasing!

 

 

How to make a clock:

I recommend setting aside 1-2 days for this project to allow paint to fully dry.

1) Gather materials and open packages.

2) Paint the clock face. I recommend painting the front and back for a clean, consistent look. Mix colors, or use one, solid color. The paint look and texture will all depend upon your theme.

• I chose a light, pastel mix of white and blue because I was going for a breezy, seashore theme for the person I gifted this to.
• I also painted the border surrounding the clock face silver to give it a nice accent color.

 

 

 

 

3) Let paint dry for about an hour. In the meantime, paint the clock numbers.

• I painted the numbers dark blue since it went well with the theme.

 

 

4) Apply a second coat of paint to the front and back of the clock face.

 

 

5) As the clock face dries, apply a second coat of paint to the clock numbers.

6) Allow paint to fully dry overnight for best results. Lay this down on newspaper, and make sure the paint doesn’t smudge!

7) Glue the numbers on the clock face using Mod Podge. Press down on each number to ensure it stays in place. Allow clock numbers to dry for about 15 – 20 minutes.

 

 

8) Place the battery in the clock movement.

9) Assemble the clock movement in the following order: rubber washer, clock movement, brass washer, hex nut, hour hand, minute hand, second hand, open nut.

• Each clock movement might be different, so please read the instructions if you’re unsure how to do this.

 

 

 

 

10) Add clock charm on top of the second hand. Secure with Mod Podge.

 

 

 

11) Test out the clock. Set the time and let it tick.

12) Gift it!

 

Tick-tock. Set the clock!

Create something that you or someone you know will love. Test out different colors and different designs so you can tailor-make a clock on your own.

I’d love to hear about your custom clock or other creative gifts you’ve made. Let me know in the comments below!