I’ve done the clock markings purely as a visual thing. Some people might want to add numbers and turn it into an educational clock as well as a fun one!

I would make this [...]]]> Here’s an idea to make a fun clock for kids. With a bit of imagination you could make all kinds of different animals.

I’ve done the clock markings purely as a visual thing. Some people might want to add numbers and turn it into an educational clock as well as a fun one!

I would make this clock out of plywood or MDF. All you need by way of tools is a jigsaw or scrollsaw of some kind, and a drill.

Not got those? A stiff card would actually work so all you really need is a pair of scissors! There are lots of other interesting sheet materials around so why not experiment? You could add contour by using paper-maché, for example.

For paint I use acrylics. They’re water-based and on wood they allow the grain to partly show through giving an interesting sheen. A water-based spray varnish should provide a protective coat. As with all finishes, test first. There’s nothing worse than spending time painting a clock only to find that the varnish makes the paint run, or produces a milky “bloom” as can happen with some combinations.

The colours are just a guide, if you want a blue bear, have a blue bear!

If you would like a pattern to copy I’ve prepared one for download – just sign up for my occasional clock making newsletter (top left) and I’ll let you have a copy straight away.

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No, I mean making quite simple clocks. You can make a [...]]]> I’ve got a thing about making clocks. I don’t mean big complicated Grandfather Clocks or Vienna Regulators – they’re lovely too but have you seen the price of a Hermle movement? Not something you buy very often unless you’re pretty serious about your clock making.

No, I mean making quite simple clocks. You can make a clock by just drilling an appropriate sized hole in a bit of wood and putting in an insert. If you think that doesn’t sound very interesting, try it with a lumpy, scarred bit of driftwood. Give it a bit of a scrub, make a hole, varnish the finished piece. Unique and interesting.

You can get a cheap digital clock mechanism and turn lots of things into clocks. Stick a copy of a favorite picture onto a bit of plywood, drill a hole, there’s a clock. Although I started with wooden clocks I’m now making clocks with paper maché. It’s early days yet but I’ll let you have a look soon and you can tell me what you think.

So anyway, I’m a fan of making clocks. That’s why I started this blog – to share some ideas. If you’ve got a favorite way of making clocks why not leave a comment?

Clocks can make you a few dollars too if you are interested in it from a commercial point of view. Have a look next time you’re near a shop that sells them. Not cheap. So you could be looking at a possible home-based business. I’ll be looking at that a bit as well.

In fact anything to do with clock making. Materials, methods, suppliers, you name it. Let me know what you like to make and maybe I can help show off your creations. Drop me a line if you’re a clock nut too!