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Faux Clock DIY ~ Repurposed Fun

I am a mama on a mission – a mission to declutter and make use of everything I can lay my DIY hands on. My home has been overrun by my business (kinda like living in a warehouse) and I need things to be normal, at least somewhat normal – as if living with 6 kids is ever normal. ha! My latest subject for renewal is this Art Deco mirror back that I think will make an awesome faux clock for my mantel. Do you see the potential?

Salvaged Art Deco Mirror Backing Before Repurposing | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Originally, this mirror back was going to be used in our boys’ bedroom makeover that had an industrial feel. You can barely see it, but we had already drawn on the word “GULF” as we were going to turn this into a vintage appeal gas station sign. In the end, we didn’t end up using it, so faux clock it is.

My mantel has been…well…neglected. I haven’t done much to it since my fall design and Christmas, but now it needs a summery makeover, don’t you think?

Rustic Farmhouse Mantel Before Summer Switch | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Enter in my new faux clock…I love it!

Faux Large Clock DIY by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

The best part about this new faux clock is that it is totally doable with materials from your local home improvement store. Also, it even has the potential to be a working clock too (see below).

DIY TIME

Here is what you need:

Materials:
  • 1 – 4′ x 8′ sheet of hardboard (it comes in 1/8″ or 3/16″ thickness, either will do) Don’t forget they can cut it down for you at the store.
  • gray paint (or whatever contrasting paint you like)
  • white paint
  • metallic paint
  • Roman Numerals printed out in Abraham Lincoln font at 384 pt. and prepared using my transfer method
  • clock hands printed to 18″ for the minute hand, and 8″ for the hour hand
  • 5/16″ dowel
  • wood filler (optional)
Tools:
  • jigsaw
  • drill with a 5/16″ brad point bit
  • no. 5 round brush
  • hacksaw
  • mounting hardware if you wish to hang on the wall

LET’S BEGIN

First, you want to cut yourself a 27.5″ (or size of your choice) from the hardboard with your jigsaw. Good news is that you can make several of these from the same board. I also use this board to make my chalkboards and other signs too. Then, I need to fill the holes with wood filler.

Using Wood Filler to Repair Faux Clock Face | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

NEXT STEPS

Next, you want to create a base coat using your gray paint or contrasting color of choice. Once your first coat is dries, use your white paint to dry-brush a light coat over top. *to dry brush just get the tip of your bristles slightly coated and lightly wipe side to side while leaving some of the base coat peeking through*

White Wash Clock Face for Faux Clock | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Now your clock face is ready for the numbers you have already prepared using the tutorial linked above in the materials list. Last, I laid my numbers out and did a visual check leaving about a ½” margin around the outside edge.

Hand-painting Faux Clock Face Roman Numerals | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Paint in the numbers using whichever color you prefer. I used the same color as I did for my base coat.

At this point, you can do one of three things: (1) trace and paint your hands on the face (2) buy a clock works to fit your clock to make it actually run as a real clock (3) make some 3-D hands yourself.

For the option 3, your next step is to create the clock hands using the template you created from the materials list above. Next, trace your clock hands onto a piece of your remaining chipboard and cut out with your jigsaw. I can’t tell you enough how much I love my Kreg Clamp Trak on my DIY workbench. They totally make cutting with a jigsaw a breeze.

ASSEMBLY

Now, this would be the best time to add any wall mounting hardware before you add the hands or works.

Cutting Out Faux Clock Face Hands with Jigsaw | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Then, to attach it all together, I drill my clock hands and center of clock with the 5/16″ brad bit. After that I use a short length of dowel as a center pin. However, before you attach them together, paint your faux clock face hands and dowel with the copper metal effects kit. (or whatever color and finish you choose) As a matter of fact, here is the same copper patina on my repurposed rooster weather vane, and I also used in on this Art Deco vanity.

Faux Copper Weather Vane from Reclaimed Parts by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

THE REVEAL

Finally, here is our super fun and easy giant clock face.

Oversize Faux Clock on Rustic Farmhouse Mantel by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Rustic Farmhouse Mantel with Large Faux Clock by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Isn’t that patina gorgeous? I’m slightly addicted. tee hee.

DIY Copper Patina on Faux Clock Face by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Okay, so I have to tell you that I simply shopped my home to make this mantel. Most everything is either found or cost a few bucks at the flea market or thrift store.

Also, my old paint pails are my favorite planters with faux stems from the dollar store and a small plant from a Mother’s Day banquet.

Old Paint Cans Make Perfect Rustic Planters | Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Not only did I have fun sourcing natural items, but also this frame was found during city clean up along with my recent credenza makeover. I think it works perfect with our love for birds.Vintage Bird Vignette on Rustic Farmhouse Mantel by Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com

Further, my flea market sifter screen with botanical prints and magnets fills in the gap nicely on the side.

Eclectic Vintage Vignette on Farmhouse Mantel with Faux Clock by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Botanical Print Display on Antique Farmhouse Sifter by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

I am so happy with the whole look and hope you enjoy it too. Even more, you don’t have to break the bank to create your style. Just get thrifty with it!

Summer Farmhouse Style Mantel with Faux Clock by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Furthermore, if you love this clock idea, then you’ll also love this faux clock face table my youngest son and I did here from some trashure.

 Vintage Table Set Out for Trash Becomes Faux Clock Face Table by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.com

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

SHARING

Above all, pin and share this tutorial so you can whip one up to impress your friends. You can even make one for them too! ♥

How to Make a Large Faux Clock for less than $10 for Rustic Farmhouse Style Decor by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Additionally, next week is Trash to Treasure time and I will be giving this cedar chest new life. It was left for dead in the trash and is one of the grossest pieces I’ve had yet.  Come see HERE!

Curbside Cedar Chest Before Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

To get these DIY tips & tricks in your inbox, be sure to sign up for my newsletter. PLUS, you will get your FREE Furniture Buying Checklist and special discount to my shop. Until next time!

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Also, more of my handiwork like my faux clock:

Vintage Dressing Table Gets a French Country Makeover by Prodigal Pieces www.prodigalpieces.comBudget-Friendly DIY Farmhouse Style Bathroom Makeover by Prodigal Pieces | www.prodigalpieces.com

Comments

  1. Sherry Stuifbergen says

    The clock is wonderful. YOU are wonderful!

  2. Renee says

    Love the clock! Doesn’t seem too difficult to accomplish either. I think I will give it a try for birthday present f my sister! I have another question totally unrelated. Where did you get your stems of cotton? They look so realistic! The ones I find DO NOT!

    • Larissa says

      Thanks, Mary. 🙂 I am going to give the fireplace a makeover after our kitchen is done. I can’t wait to spice it up!

  3. Lynne says

    Very nice and as far as the t goes I know you will make it beautiful again I can’t wait to see it.

  4. Ivory says

    I love clocks, the larger the better. This one you made is a beauty. You did an excellent job.

  5. Kimberly says

    Larissa, I LOVE your beautiful clock. I was just trying to decide about painting a clock face (or not) on a small round table so I think this may have tipped the scales for me 🙂
    Thanks for your tutorial. I think most people will have to ask for hardboard or Masonite at the hardware store. A lot of places won’t recognize the term chipboard.
    Have a great weekend and thanks again.

    • Larissa says

      We did the same to a small table by my son, and I just added it to this post as I meant to do that initially. Thanks for that reminder and for correcting me on the hardboard. I ALWAYS call it chipboard, but the stores don’t use that term anymore…I’m getting old. geesh. 😉

    • Larissa says

      Thank you, Debra! This room is next on our remodel list and I plan to work on the fireplace too.

  6. Marie, The Interior Frugalista says

    Congratulations on the book feature, Larissa! How exciting is that! You know how much I love a faux lock, having made one myself. Love the patina on yours and it looks great on your rustic fireplace mantel!

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