How to Make a Memory Clock

Tell time with a clock that also tells a story every time you look at it. Make a memory clock that features photos, memorabilia and themed embellishments on its face. Use the project as meaningful home décor or as a heartwarming gift for mothers, grandparents or teachers.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plain clock
• Card stock
• Pen
• Scissors
• Patterned paper
• Photos
• Memorabilia
• Embellishments
• Adhesives

1. Buy a clock that you can disassemble to get to the face. Models that you can alter easily are available at crafts or scrapbooking stores (see Resources below).

2. Take the clock apart, taking notes on how to put it back together again if instructions aren't included with the clock. Although it seems obvious, you may forget how to reassemble it if the project takes you longer than expected.

3. Use the clock's front glass (or plastic) piece as a template to generate the size of your layout. Trace it onto a piece of card stock and trim with scissors.

4. Affix layers of patterned paper, photos and memorabilia (like ticket stubs or clippings from brochures and postcards) to the card stock to essentially create a round scrapbook layout. Simply use favorite images or assemble specific photos and accents to evoke an event like a holiday or birthday. As you add embellishments, ensure they're flat enough so they won't impede the clock's hands.

5. Play with pictures to create a meaningful photo clock. Place small photos where the numbers typically sit, enlarge a single image to encompass the entire face or layer several pictures to create a photo collage.

6. Embellish the front of the clock as well. Use decorative rub-ons, stickers or images stamped with solvent ink along the edges.

7. Punch a hole in the center of your layout or photo collage to make room for the clock mechanism. Affix the artwork to the clock face using double-stick tape around the edges to prevent curling. Reassemble the hands, add the glass and ensure everything is working properly before closing the back of the clock.

Tips & Warnings

• Save time by buying a printed transparency overlay to decorate the clock. Place a piece of cardstock or patterned paper below it to add color or trim photos to apply to the surface.
• Make the project even easier by buying a kit that includes the clock as well as materials to decorate it. You'll only need photos and basic tools to complete a themed clock for yourself or as a gift for a loved one.

Resources

• Alter a basic clock.
• Decorative rub-ons add pizzazz to the clock front.
• Solvent ink creates smudge-proof stamped images.
• Add pre-printed clock overlays to save time.
• Try a clock kit with materials and instructions.