Literary Clock

by mdhaworth

216K56977

Intro: Literary Clock

Super easy project, make a book into a clock. Perfect for a child's bedroom--use a storybook. Or the kitchen--use a cookbook.

I made one for my friend's two-year-old (who is currently obsessed with clocks) and it went over well.

STEP 1: Gather Supplies

This is a really easy project that hardly needs explanation. Once you see the idea, I'm sure you'll come up with all sorts of cool variations.

Supplies:

A book*
A clock set**
spray paint (optional)

Equipment:
A drill

*The book needs to be hardcover with a reasonably simple cover (not too much text). It should also be quite thin and large enough for the clock hands. Save money and get your book at the thrift store, no point in ruining a new book and it doesn't have to be in perfect condition.

**I got my clock set at Michaels. I've also seen them at Wal-Mart. Easy to find. Pay attention to the length of the "stem" of the clock. They come in 1/4 to 3/4 inch lengths depending on the thickness of your book.

STEP 2: Remove Pages!

I forgot to do this and I'm mad at myself! Before you start, you may want to cut out a few pages of the book to frame to complement your clock. Imagine framed children's book art on the wall next to the clock made out of the cover. So cute but less cute when there is a giant HOLE in the pages :(

Also, mark the center of your book by going corner to corner with a straight edge. Or maybe your clock will be off center on the book? Mark wherever you want to drill.

Ok, moving on....

STEP 3: Spray Paint

This is optional but all the clock sets I found were in a nasty brass color. I spray painted my hands and numbers matte black.

STEP 4: Drill

While your paint is drying, drill a hole in the spot you marked. I used a 5/16 bit but you'll want to follow the instructions that came with your clock pieces. A drill press is great. A cordless drill will be fine.

STEP 5: Assemble Your Clock

Follow the instructions that came with your clock parts. The only tricky part is the thickness of the book. I kept finding my book too thick for the post on the clock. In this case your options are:

1. Buy a clock with a longer post (they vary in size)
2. Make a table top clock by opening the book and inserting the clock back between the last page and the back cover
3. Cutting a large, square hole in the back cover to inset the clock mechanism (or maybe removing the back cover? That might look weird from the side.

STEP 6: Stick on the Numbers

You may want to use glue, the stick-um on the numbers is weak.

Also, use the longest hand as the guide for where the numbers should be. If you have time, make a circle template so your numbers aren't as lopsided as mine. Either way, start with 12, 6, 9 and 3 and then fill in the other numbers.

STEP 7: That's It

Seriously easy, eh? And a great gift for a kid. Or for anyone. There is a book for every hobby...

Have fun,
Melissa
http://underconstructionblog.typepad.com

76 Comments

CrazyTicker 8 years ago

My toddler brother tears a lot of books, so I am sure glad to see them recycled!

snopek 10 years ago

love this kids will love it

Blu smoke 10 years ago

You've just given me really cool idea. Granted it will be similar to your design, but with personal modifications. If I ever add it as an instructible I'll be sure to credit you.

dkimmel-1 10 years ago

Just made this for a friend. Came out great!

poofrabbit 12 years ago

Oh I think this is fantastic! We have books that get discarded due to age and wear and tear at work all the time. I'm going to look for some cool covers and make one and gift it back to the library, I think it will really spin kids wheels and imaginations! Great 'able!!

porcupinemamma 12 years ago

Fabulous!!!!! I buy books at the local thrift store that kids have scribbled in. There are always pictures that haven't be attacked. I use those pages for gift wrap or I frame them in dollar store frames. Love your clock idea! Thanks so much for sharing!!!

bravesfan13 13 years ago

Any chance you can make one of these clocks with a chapter book? I want to make one for a teenager. Can you just do it on the cover or something?

mfuller3 12 years ago

If you get a piece of wood the size of the book and use the dust jacket to cover the wood it should be fine. Also you wont have to ruin your book to do it.

jonnadee 13 years ago

Yes, you can do this with a chapter book. Just have to make sure you have enough space.

at383 14 years ago

Do you absolutely need a drill to do this step? I want to make these for my flatmates and am in university so I don't have a drill handy.

ktorruella 12 years ago

In a university you should have an art department with a sculpture studio and an artist there who will very willingly drill you a hole with a dremel or drill right there on hand. Just take a walk with your book and see what you find!

Weirdfro 13 years ago

I just used one of these. Then I stuck a pen through the hole to make it bigger. It looks fine.

mdhaworth 14 years ago

A drill would be MUCH easier if you can borrow one but you might be able to do it with some patience and an exacto knife.  Or a dremel but if you don't have a drill I don't imagine you have a dremel. As long as the front cover looks tidy it doesn't matter how hacked up the inside is. Good luck.

jonnadee 13 years ago

We made these ages ago in Girl Scouts, using old Readers Digest Condensed Books. We spray painted the covers a color we liked, then decoupaged a picture on the front. They turned out very nice.
Since then I've used paperbacks, simply gluing the pages together before beginning the process. (Spray glue works best.)
It's a great project, and the one I had hanging in my preschool classroom was very popular.

LeJudge 14 years ago

Thanks M, I'll try one of them cause I'm interested.  Cheers.

LeJudge 14 years ago

Hi Melissa,

Great time-piece.  Very interesting.  Ideal for my grand daughter's bedroom.  Where did you buy the 'movement'?  Or did you dismantle another clock? :-)

J. Attard
http://folkloreinterest.blogspot.com

mdhaworth 14 years ago

J, the clock parts can be bought at almost any craft store (like Michaels) or online from Clockworks. They come as a kit.

mdhaworth 14 years ago

Hi Nancy,
Thanks for letting me know about the link. It's fine with me for you to link back here and it's great to see so many folks enjoying this instructable.
Melissa
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