Saturday, June 27, 2009

Mantle Clock and Patriotic Swap Goodies


We have been having some gorgeous weather here in Ohio!! Other than a thunderstorm and a humid 90 degrees on Thursday, the skies have been sunny with a few puffy white clouds and temps in the low to mid 80's!! Needless to say, I'm spending a lot of time outdoors. It's not all relaxation and soaking up the sun, either! (Well, maybe a little bit!)
I've been busy doing yard work and staining a privacy fence that we put up on Memorial weekend. We have my side of the family (25 to 30 people) coming over for the 4th of July and I always set the 4th as a goal to get big projects done. Nothing like having company over to get you motivated!! LOL I work best under pressure.

So among all of the hoopla of getting things done, I realized that it's been awhile since I've posted. And I did say that my next post would be a tutorial on making a mantle clock.
So here it is. . . . .

Supplies:
  • 11" x 15" 1/4" sanded plywood
  • 1 x 4 15" long (2 pieces)
  • 1 x 6 13" long (2 pieces)
  • 1/4" x 4" 10" long
  • knob
  • clock (WalMart)

The clock faces at my craft supply stores were smaller than what I wanted and sell for $11-$12 for a complete kit. I found a clock at WalMart for $3.97 that was the size I was looking for.


Remove the plastic cover by using a screwdriver. There are tabs at the 6 & 12 o'clock position.

Carefully remove the hands by pulling on the ends at the center of the clock. I stained my clock face with 2 coats of Minwax Aged Oak gel stain.


Using the lid as a template, trace a circle on a piece of paper.


Cut out the circle about 1/8" past the marked line.



Transfer the pattern onto the 11" x 15" 1/4" plywood. I laid the 1/4" x 4" drawer piece on the bottom and then centered the circle in between.

Drill a 1" pilot hole in the center of the circle to use as the starting point to cut out the circle. Whether you use a jigsaw or scroll saw, make sure to use a fine tooth blade made for cutting thin wood to prevent chipping and splintering. Take your time and go slow!!! You want to cut a perfect circle! I strongly recommend using a scroll saw; you have much better control. (Scroll saw tip - remove the blade and then center the pilot hole over the blade opening and then replace the blade through the pilot hole.)

Sand all of your wood pieces. On the fake drawer piece, I rounded the edges with a sander. Glue and nail the face piece onto the 1 x 4 side pieces. Center the 1 x 6 top and bottom pieces and then glue and nail in place. Center and glue the drawer piece on.

Let dry completely and then finish as desired. Don't forget to finish the knob!

The final step is to glue the clock in place and add the knob. I used Elmer's Stix-All Gel Cement and ran a bead of glue around the opening in the back of the clock base.


It's up to you whether you choose to put the plastic cover back on or not. I chose not to.


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I also wanted to share with you the wonderful goodies I received from Rene from Two Mile Creek Primitives. She was my swap partner in Char's Patriot swap. I was so excited when I got her package in the mail! She had a tutorial on making wood star holders on her blog and I was hoping that she would send me one and she did!!! She also sent me three prim fabric stars, a prim patriotic pear and wooden hang tags. Thank you so much, Rene! I love them!! I know exactly where I'm putting everything and they came just in time for my 4th of July cookout!



27 comments:

  1. Hi,
    I just love the clock!!! How nice of you to give a tutorial on making one.

    Your gifts came right on time for the 4th and I know you will find the right place for them, have fun on the 4th with friends and family:)
    Rondell

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  2. I love the clock! I want to try this sometime. It turned out beautiful! Wonderful job.

    Debbie

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  3. Great idea using the cheap clock instead of a kit!! Love that idea!! I have a clock that needs a new kit and I am going to look for a clock the same size instead!!

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  4. Kris, you did it again!
    I am definately going to save this in my favorites. That way when I am feeling creative, I can come back and try this!
    You are so super talented! But I think I have told you that before!

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  5. Kris...I have to say...great minds think alike!...hehehehehehehehee

    I was just thinking last nite about making a mantle clock!...well, lookie here!....thanks girlie!...I am making this one now!

    great tutorial!

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  6. Kris,
    Thanks so much for a great tutorial. I love your mantle clock. Great swap goodies ~ just in time for your family cookout. Have a great time.
    By the way, I always seem to work better under pressure, too.
    Pam

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  7. I love the mantel clock! What a great tutorial. I also love your Americana swap goodies they will look great for your 4th party.

    Donna

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  8. I'm lovin' the mantel clock! I paid over $20 for one this spring and it's smaller than yours.

    We've got a family get together planned for the 4th as well. My mom lives four doors down -- she will host the adults and I get the kids since we have the pool, play set etc. Have a great time!!

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  9. I love your clock!!
    Thank you for the great tutorial!
    I can't wait to make one!
    Have a great family cookout!
    Hugs, Shan

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  10. Wonderful tutorial Kris! I really love how your turned out..what talent you have!
    Enjoy your July 4th holiday!

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  11. What an amazing tutorial! And such sweet little swap goodies too. I just love my visits here.

    Happy Weekend!

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  12. Kris...I too love the mantle clock and will be making this soon for sure. Thanks so much!

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  13. Great job on the clock! Thanks for sharing your talent with us!

    Mandy

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  14. Kris, I love your tutorials. They are so easy to follow. Amazing tutorial!. I will try this very soon. I love it!!

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  15. Hi Kris,

    Love the mantle clock. Thank you so much for sharing.

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  16. Hi Kris,, SO glad you liked your goodies.. I'm sorry I shipped them so late.. Thank-you for the clock TUT. I came here to look for the stencil TUT again ,, I'm gonna try it soon.. Hugs Rene

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  17. Great tutorial!!!!...I'm definitely makningme one of these!!...THanks!!..hugs,Jen

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  18. I love this mantle clock! Gotta make one.....hmmmm which hour of the day have I got free? Too much to do and no time to do it!!! LOL!! Thanks Kris!

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  19. Oh my gosh, your clock turned out great! You've inspired me to attempt one myself!

    Thanks for the tutorial!

    Please stop by my blog for a visit! :)

    julie

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  20. Kris,
    You have the best tutorials! Your clock looks great. Thanks so much for sharing.
    Have a great evening.
    Betsy

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  21. Hey Kris!

    I just love your mantle clock! That was a wonderful tutorial. Another project for Jason.... (Thank you for sharing)!

    Tammy

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  22. Love the clock!! Thanks for sharing the great tutorial on how it make it.
    Also great swap goodies that you got!!
    Cindy

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  23. What a clever, clever idea with the clock! A clock kit cost more sometimes and you don't get the face of it. I have made 2 prim clocks to sell and painted the face myself. Pain in the rear! I will have to try this next time. LOL Great swap goodies! Online friends are the best!

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  24. What a great idea! Thanks for the tutorial. I'll have to try and make one myself.

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  25. The mantle clock turned out amazing. Thanks for posting this tutorial.

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  26. I think my husband is willing to try this one...he looked at your instructions and didn't even groan. I think they will be great for gifts.

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  27. Hi! Love your website :) Your tutorial on the mantle clock is so step by step easy to follow. I do have a couple of questions. I went to Walmart in search of the clock with no luck. (wondering if they still carry it) Found the minwax, but not the elmers stix all. Can you tell me which store I should look for the elmers or if there is something else I can use? (i've looked at walmart, hobby lobby, and lowes) Thanks so much! Karol

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