One of my favourite artists Christy Tomlinson showed a tutorial on how to make an altered Tim Holtz clock. I fell in love with it and I decided to give it a try as well. Christy's store Scarlet Lime was out of the clocks, so I decided to check my local Thrift Store to see what I could find. I found these 2 children's alarm clocks for $2.99 and $3.99.
I TURNED THESE
INTO……….
I think they turned out super cute! I made them to give my "favourite girls" for Valentine's Day! Now it sure would have been easier to use the alterable clocks from Tim Holtz that are empty, but I am proud of how I improvised and made these adorable clocks. I am going to try to give you step by step instructions how I made these clocks. I will just show the purple clock instructions so you don't get too bored LOL.
Ok so here we go:
1. I took a small screwdriver and removed the back of the clock, removing everything from the inside. I also took off the legs and bells. Remove the glass and set it aside.
2. Because I needed the back piece of the clock to be flat, I had to use the pliers to remove any of the plastic that was sticking up. (battery case etc)
3. I sprayed painted the clock and bells inside and out, allowing them to dry completely
4. I used the black back of the clock and cut out a cardboard circle. Use Gesso to prepare the surface of the circle.
5. I used Christy Tomlinson's She Art coffee filter words and my homemade modge podge to cover the circle.
6. Once it was dry, I used Gesso again and covered the paper with another coat, to give it a washed out look.
7. I then sprayed the circle lightly with Heidi Swapp mist and using a paper towel dabbed pink paint all over the circle, adding layers.
8. I tinted some Modelling Paste with my paints to match my theme colour.
9. I taped down the clock face stencil so it wouldn't move while I was applying the coloured paste.
10. Using a spreader tool I applied the paste all over the stencil, covering it completely. Gently lift the stencil off the cardboard circle and let it dry completely.
11. Using purple paint I painted the small wooden bird house and then decided to add a darker colour to the roof for more of a contrast.
12. I used my Cuttlebug and cut out a banner from cardboard and patterned paper. Glue the paper banner to the cardboard banner. I used cardboard to make the banner stronger
13. I used clear embossing ink and stamped "love" on the banner and embossed it with purple embossing powder.
14. I still wasn't happy with the birdhouse so using Washi tape I covered the roof with it as well as a strip on the bottom. I took Perfect Pearls and added a pearl border to the front of the roof as well.
15. Using the same patterned paper I covered a chipboard heart, added a "U" to it and then used purple stickles to make the U pop.
16. I wanted to add more dimension to the circle so I made a custom colour with 3 of my paints. I then used a flower stencil and added a random flower pattern. Perfect pearls for the centres completed the look.
17. Put the legs, bells and glass back in the clock. I took spanish moss and glued it to the inside
bottom of the clock. I adhered the banner to the circle, using pop dots to add even more dimension. Glue the birdhouse in and the heart. I then glued the finished cardboard circle to the inside of the clock.
18. I cut out another cardboard circle to cover the back of the clock up. (to hide the holes). I took some of Christy Tomlinsons' Doodles Art Coffee Filter Sheets and glued them on.
19. I used another stencil and stencilled a design onto the back for added interest and cover the holes.
20. Glue the circle onto the back of the clock and then glue the entire piece onto the clock. I then added a small bird to each of the clocks on one of the bells and embellished the other side with ribbons or flowers.
Once again I have to say I am happy with my finished results and I know the girls will love them!
That's all for now, if I get really brave I am going to try to do a video tutorial. I might even get a few more Valentine cards done tomorrow to show you!
Chat at you later!
Cheri