Ok finally, I got this done for you loyal blog readers.
and I made a few covered clocks as gifts, so yeah, that is just great.
Select clock.
I have covered clocks made from plastic, metal, and wood. Anything mod podge will adhere to should work. (Oh and I purchased all of mine at a local thrift shop for around $1)
Remove clock frame.
This will either require you to unscrew the back or to pop out the plastic pieces. Set these aside.
(arrows are pointing to plastic pieces that you need to pop out)
Mark the 12 and 6 o'clock spots (this will help you know where to start)
Select and trim patterned paper.
I found that using 3 double sided patterned paper or 6 different papers, achieved the look I was going for. Use a mixture of patterns such as; (this is why I stick with a coordinated line)
- symmetrical
- organic
- geometric
- text
- monochromatic
- multi-colored
- large patterns
- asymmetrical
Trim patterned paper
The size you trim will depend on the size of your clock. I found that I could fit 4-6 strips per quarter hour. To do that you measure the length of a quarter hour and divide by the number of patterns you have, then you get the width your strips should be. For the length you can wrap a piece around the clock to get the length needed for your strips. For all of my clocks, except the one in the samples below I cut mine approximately into 1 1/2" wide by 2-3" long.
(all papers are from Thrift Shop by October Afternoon)
For the sample clock (the one shown below) the strips measure approx. 3/8" wide by 2 1/2" long
Gather rest of supplies.
- mod podge
- spray bottle full of water
- paint applicator (make-up sponge)
- shallow bowl
- something to stir with
- wax paper (to protect your work surface)
Make secret adhesive mixture.
in shallow bowl mix 2/3 mod podge with 1/3 water, stir
Adhere paper.
I like to start at 12 o'clock and layer papers, clock wise. Cover a small section of your clock with adhesive. Then mist your paper strips. Place on clock, smooth over with sponge or fingers.
Keep layering paper.
Overlap second piece over first piece of patterned paper enough to hide clock. Layer paper at an angle in order to get complete coverage. If you have any pieces that won't lay flat, add a titch more of the adhesive mixture and mold it down. I used a rub-on tool to crease the outside edge. Keep smoothing paper as you go.
(If it is still curled after you have let it dry overnight, use hot glue to hold it down)
Avoid perfection.
This is supposed to look handmade, the papers do not need to be placed perfectly.
Cover completely.
Once all the paper is layered and adhered, go over at least once with a strong undiluted coat of mod podge.
Remove excess edges.
Trim off extra edges on back of clock using scissors or mini knife.
Let dry overnight.
If you have pieces of patterned paper that still stick out, flatten them with a dab of hot glue.
Reassemble.
add a fresh battery, set proper time.
Hang and enjoy!
Finished clock that used the fatter patterned paper pieces.
On this one I made for my mom I replaced the original paper watch face with patteredn paper and used chipboard accents to mark four numbers.
(products from Material Girl by Cosmo Cricket)
Other Tips:
Use medium weight pattern paper, too thin it i tears, too thick it can be a challenge to mold
Have wet cloth nearby to wipe mod podge mixture off your hands from time to time
Start with a small amount of mixed mod podge, it goes a long way, and better to mix twice than to waste.
Avoid concern over the direction of the patterned paper, it will look great when it dries. (think of text patterned paper)
Of course, have fun and post a photo of yours in my Flickr group. Scrappy clocks
