How to Make a Photo Wall Clock

A drill comes in handy when making custom clocks.

A photo wall clock makes a functional gift or addition to your own decor that can utilize family pictures, vacation landscape shots or art photos. The clock can be any size you want, depending on the size of the photo or photos you use. Have the photos professionally printed on photo stock rather than printing them on a home printer for the best results. Clock hands and motor can be purchased at most craft shops.

Things You'll Need

• 1 large photo or several small photos
• Mounting adhesive
• Wood or foam board, 1/2-inch thick
• Microfiber cloth
• Scrap wood
• Drill
• Paint
• Hot glue or craft glue
• Photo lacquer
• Clock kit with hands, motor and numbers
• Paint brush
• Embellishments
• Brad paper fasteners
• Hammer

Instructions

1. Cut the wood or foam board to size using a handsaw or utility knife. Wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. Cut four strips of board, each 2 inches wide and as long as each edge, minus 1/2 inch. Set strips aside.

2. Mount the photo to the board using mounting adhesive. If you're using several smaller photos, create a collage. Choose and mark a place where the clock hands will go; they can be placed right in the center or in another area, depending on how you design it.

3. Place the board on a piece of scrap wood and drill a hole through the board at the mark where the hands will go. Check the width of the clock motor's dial to determine which size drill bit to use. You'll be drilling through the photograph, so be careful.

4. Wipe the clock face with a microfiber cloth. If necessary, sand the edges and the area around the hole with medium-fine sandpaper and wipe again.

5. Attach the strips of board to the back of the clock face along the sides with hot glue, creating an open box shape with the photo(s) on the outside. Hold in place until cool. If you're using foam board, hot glue may melt the foam, so use a cold craft glue to attach the sides instead. Lay the clock so that it's flush against the table to dry. If the back of the clock isn't even, sand or trim flat. Paint the sides, if desired.

6. Spray the clock face and sides with photo lacquer. Dry, and apply a second coat. Dry the clock face overnight.

7. Install the clock hands by pushing the dial through the hole and attaching the hands; many craft clock motors have hands that snap on. Check the instructions that come with your kit.

8. Add numbers from the clock kit, if you wish. Alternatively, you can use embellishments such as plastic gemstones or painted marks in place of the numbers, or no numbers at all.

9. Hang the clock with two brads in each corner, or use the hanger on the back of the clock motor, if there is one.

References

• Repair Home: Arrive in Time -- How to Make Your Own Clock