How to Make a Clock Out of Anything

You can make a clock out of almost anything. As long as it has a flat surface and a place to tuck the clock mechanism, you've got clock material. Clocks can be crafted from plain wood, skillets, plates, a serving tray or a favorite photograph. Your choice of numbers and hands are vast and can be suited well to your choice of materials for your clock.

Instructions

1. Decide what you want to make your clock out of. For the kitchen, it could be a copper skillet or pan, a plate or bowl, or a wooden cutting board. For the patio, it could be made out of a clay saucer or piece or weathered barn wood.

2. Purchase your clock mechanism, numbers and hands. Craft stores, such as Michaels, Hobby Lobby or Wal-Mart usually carries cock-making supplies.

3. Select the appropriate drill bit to drill a hole in what you've selected as your clock base. You'll need a special drill bit for glass, ceramic or metal.

4. Hammer a nail to make a dent in your metal or wood piece. If you're using glass or ceramic, mark it with a Sharpie, and drill your hole.

5. Run the stem of the mechanism through the hole you just drilled, and place the clip and washer on the back.

6. Tighten the brass washer and nut on the front of your clock, and put the hour hand and minute hand on top of the nut. Follow the instructions that come with your kit.

7. Glue the numbers on the clock face.

Tips & Warnings

• Clocks don't have to be round. Cut an interesting shape in a slab of wood.