Clock

What stands the test of time better than a clock? Well, actually, a clock is time. The classic lines of a clock can be used to great effect in the most unusual places. Some of the most beautiful clocks date back to the turn of the century and can be found in magnificent cathedrals. Many mail-order catalogs show beautiful crackle finish clocks that are very, very expensive. I'm going to show you how to get the same look, depending on your embellishments, for between $50 and $100.

Materials:

• Plywood round disc 24
• Clockwork mechanism
• Clock hands
• Roman numeral peel-and-stick numbers
• Stickers or decals in desired designs such as florals or angels
• AA battery
• Stain-blocking primer
• Latex paint base color of off white
• Latex paint accent color of sage green
• Crackle Finish Kit by Plaid Enterprises
• Spackling compound
• Putty knife
• Sandpaper
• Tack cloth
• Paintbrushes
• Electric drill
• Right-angle measure
• Tape measure
• Pencil
• Clear contact paper (optional)

1. Find the center of the plywood round by measuring from the edges and drawing perpendicular lines, using a right -angle measure to ensure accuracy. Drill a hole in the center of the disc for the clockwork mechanism to be inserted later.

2. Fill in holes or uneven surface marks with spackling compound. Let dry. Sand smooth and remove sanding particles with a tack cloth.

3. Apply a coat of stain-blocking primer to prevent imperfections in the wood from coming to the surface. Let dry.

4. Paint the face of the clock the desired base color using latex paint. Let dry. Paint a 3/4

5. Use a right-angle measure and tape measure to pencil in the vertical and horizontal perpendicular lines representing 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock. Begin at the center hole and measure 30-degree and 60-degree angles in each quadrant for the remaining time positions on the clock. You might use clear contact paper placed over the paint to draw the lines, if desired.

6. Determine the desired design you would like on the face of the clock and place stickers, decals or wallpaper cutouts on the base coat.

7. Peel off the back of Roman numerals for the numbers of the clock and stick them in place. There is a variety of styles and sizes available in peel-and-stick numbers.

8. Follow the manufacturer's directions on the Crackle Finish Kit and add a crackle finish to the face of the clock. The second step of the crackle finish adds very fine porcelain lines to the finish. The final coat is a tinted glaze that seeps into the cracks of the crackle and adds that wonderful texture.

9. Add the clockwork mechanism, securing it on the back of the plywood disc. Position the hands onto the clockwork mechanism on the face of the clock, following the detailed manufacturer's directions. Add a battery to the clock mechanism.

10. Add a mounting device of your choice to the back and hang on the wall.