DIY “Perfection” Clocks

I love a bunch of old dried lavender, but I’m not usually drawn to purple otherwise. Despite that, I was excited about the challenge this past month from Country Chic Paint to create a project using a sample sized jar of their color Perfection. And with a name like that, how can you go wrong?!

Click through for step by step instructions to turn plywood scraps into gorgeous, working clocks!

And though I’m planning these as gifts because, like I said, I don’t have any other purple in my home, I had so much fun photographing them in my new attic space.

Click through for step by step instructions to turn plywood scraps into gorgeous, working clocks!

I love the bold, smooth, purple and gold against the soft, textured white.

Click through for step by step instructions to turn plywood scraps into gorgeous, working clocks!

And they were so fun to make. Here’s what you need…

  • plywood scraps (I found some 1/4″ in my shed, but you can use 3/8″ or 3/4″ if desired)
  • saw (if your scraps aren’t already the shapes you want)
  • sandpaper (rough, medium, and fine)
  • paint color of your choice (I used Perfection by Country Chic Paint) and brush
  • gold craft paint
  • number stencils or printed numbers and pencil
  • wax
  • clock mechanisms like these (important: buy the ones designated for the thickness of the wood you chose… I used 1/4″ plywood, so I bought 1/4″ clock mechanisms)

And here’s how to make your own fabulous, working clocks:

1. Cut plywood scraps to desired shapes… the sky’s the limit!
2. Sand all surfaces (especially edges). I used first 60 grit (rough), then 150 (medium).
3. Mark the center of your board (or wherever you want the clock mechanism to go) and drill a hole large enough for the shaft of your clock mechanism (this will make sense when you have one in front of you).

Click through for step by step instructions to turn plywood scraps into gorgeous, working clocks!

4. Paint the top of your boards (leave the sides unpainted).
5. If needed (most plywood is not very smooth to start), sand with fine grit paper between coats. I used 320.
6. Paint with 2 or 3 coats, going for full coverage and a silky smooth finish.
7. Paint the edges with gold craft paint.
8. Use stencils or the graphite transfer method (see below) if you want numbers.

Click through for step by step instructions to turn plywood scraps into gorgeous, working clocks!

9. Wax to seal your painted work.
10. Insert your clock mechanisms according to instructions.

**If you don’t have number stencils that you want to use, here is one of my favorite tricks: Print out the numbers you want on a regular printer, then color lightly with pencil on the back of the number. Place the number where you want on your clock and trace the edges of the front of the number, pressing firmly. The result will be a light pencil outline of your number. Now you’re ready to fill in with paint!

Click through for step by step instructions to turn plywood scraps into gorgeous, working clocks!

I think the bold purple with the gold touches turned out so chic!

Click through for step by step instructions to turn plywood scraps into gorgeous, working clocks!

And I especially love my little off-centered octagon.

Click through for step by step instructions to turn plywood scraps into gorgeous, working clocks!

So be bold, be creative, and have some fun with these! And tell me, if you do, how do you decorate with purple?

Click through for step by step instructions to turn plywood scraps into gorgeous, working clocks!

Disclaimer: As a part of the Country Chic Paint blogger squad, I do receive compensation in the form of goods and products from Country Chic Paint, but, as always, all opinions are 100% my own!

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4 Comments

  1. Okay, this is seriously the coolest project idea Rachel- totally hit it out of the park! Awesome!!

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