How to Make a Wall Clock Easy

A simple wall clock can be made from materials around the house.

Wall clocks add both utility and decoration to a room. A custom wall clock provides a quick decor upgrade. The clock movement can be purchased at any craft store or hardware store. You can use a base in any shape or material, including a cookie tin lid, to form the backdrop of your clock. Try matching the wall paper pattern or color in a room with the background of the clock to add an artsy touch to the room.

Things You'll Need

• Clock base
• Electric drill with 3/8-inch or 5/8-inch drill bit
• Clock movement
• Batteries
• Ruler
• Pencil or pen

Instructions

1. Clean the base of the clock well, removing all traces of dust and grime. The base can be any size or shape, but ensure that the clock hands fit within the perimeter of the base. Some projects even use skateboards as bases for wall clocks.

2. Find the center of the base using a ruler, if desired. Draw two perpendicular lines from top to bottom and left to right. The center is the point where these two lines intersect. Mark the center with a pen or pencil. The clock movement does not necessarily have to be in the center.

3. Drill the center with a 3/8-inch or 5/8-inch drill bit. Brush away any residue.

4. Add any paint, decoration, or wall paper on the base since you will not be able to do it after adding the clock movement. Make sure not to use protruding items like large beads that can interfere with the movement of the clock hands. Glue on wallpaper or stretch and staple fabric on the base. You can also use a vintage photograph or a cover from a memorable story book.

5. Insert the clock movement, following manufacturer instructions on the package. Place the machinery with the battery and winder at the back of the clock and attach the clock hands in place in the front by inserting them into the marked spot. Insert batteries in the clock movement and set the correct time.

Tips & Warnings

• Ensure the clock movement center shaft is longer than the thickness of your clock base so that there is enough room for the hands to move around smoothly.

References

• Apartmenttherapy.com: Make a custom wall clock
• Countryliving.com: Decorative wall clocks