Time for a good book!


Ha. ha. :o)
I finally found something to do with (one of) the ancient books that my husband brought home from the "office". A clock! I love this, because I'm a little obsessed with clocks, and am working on a cool-clock collection.

All you have to do, is start with an inexpensive clock from the dollar store or Wal-mart, a pretty book, and an exacto knife.

Take the "guts" out of the clock....
Drill a hole in the center of your book cover (or wherever you want the hands to be) that is wide enough for the piece that holds the hands to go through. If you don't have a drill, you can probably start it with your knife, and then push a pen through or something!
Place the clock motor on the front page of the book and trace it. Then carve a hole in the pages, as far down as your motor is thick. Don't worry, the edges don't have to be smooth!
Place the clock motor inside....
Close the book cover, and snap the hands on to the piece sticking through.
Add some pearls or gems to the hands if you're feeling fancy!

You may also want to add some sticky-gems or something to the cover for "numbers". But I prefer the plain look myself :o)
I'd love to do this with "Pride and Prejudice" or a cute kids book in my daughter's room. Fun!
Hope you all had a great weekend!! Happy Sunday!

Comments

  1. I love this idea! I've been thinking of a way to make a clock for my family room. I won't be using this idea because I don't have a cool, old book like that. However, your clock is just lovely.

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  2. I saw this in a Better Homes magazine a few years ago and I'm totally making one for my mom for Christmas! -Kelsee

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  3. What a great idea for one of my husbands many old books. Thanks for sharing.

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  4. What a great tutorial - makes it look super easy!

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  5. Awesome job Disney! I LOVE this!! It's so classy.

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  6. That is brilliant. I've got to try that. Thanks!

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  7. They sell clock kits at Michaels and Walmart so you do not have to use the parts from a ready made clock. (other craft store probably sell them also)

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  8. How adorable!!! I'm not sure if you have a Barnes & Noble..but they have the Jane Austin books in the $5.00 section right now...the covers are hardback and very pretty...perfect for a little (or big) girl's room! :)
    Many Blessings!
    Jill

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  9. What a great idea (my husband and I both LOVE books)!

    Also, thanks for the link!

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  10. So beautiful! I'll have to try it soon.

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  11. That's amazing. I love it. It brings my love for old books and clocks together. Thanks for sharing.

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  12. You my dear are so clever! I love it! xx

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  13. As an avid book reader and bookseller, this post speaks so much to my heart. I'm definitely going to borrow this idea. Our house feels empty of clocks with a surplus of books. Time to shift things around.

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  14. That's going on my list to make for Christmas gifts-- I have a couple of book-lovers I know it'd be perfect for!

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  15. I have an old book almost just like that one (bought a thrift store recently). Thanks for this awesome idea!

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  16. Oh. My. Gosh. You've thought of everything. This would be cool in a child's room...Hmmmmmm

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  17. WONDERFUL idea! I've been looking around for a clock for my craft room, but I will definitely design this one instead! Thanks for the inspiration! Well done. Cheers, Julie

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  18. I love this! I need to find a great old book!

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  19. OMG. THAT is awesome.

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  20. This looks great! Highly impressive!

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  21. Looks WONDERFUL! I LOVE old books and old clocks too!

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  22. oh wow. i love that. that is just too cool.

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  23. Fabulous! Quite ingenious! Please keep giving us your ideas, they are great for the season. Pretty money-reasonable, as well. Thx, Maria

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  24. I found an old enclopedia, that I think will be great. thanks for the idea

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  25. Thanks for the inspiration. I actually finished a project for once! I posted it on my blog if you'd like to see my version.

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  26. Genius! I have an old copy of Huckleberry Finn that I want to do this with! Very cool idea.

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  27. LOL I am sitting here, grinning and thinking : WHAT an idiotic idea, but I LOVE it, lol. It is SO simple but adorable, and I am just jealous that I never thought about this ♥♥

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  28. I LOVE this book idea... Who would had ever thought this could be done so easily? Great Job!!!


    Michelle Torres
    cingulwasme@aol.com

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  29. I finally got around to making a book clock-- you can see my post about it here: http://inthemomzone.blogspot.com/2009/11/timely-craft.html

    Thanks for the inspiration-- I credited to you and linked to your post.

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  30. Ack! I have to say though it is a cute idea- any person who loves old books would be horrified to see an old book's cover destroyed like that!

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  31. omg. this is so amazing. it is adorable, and i cannot wait to make this myself!

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  32. This is a beautiful idea. I was searching for a book clock for my best friend's birthday (she works in publishing), and there was nothing on ebay...then I found your site in a google search and hit the jackpot! I bought a hardcover book from an op shop and the clock bits and made it over the weekend. It looks amazing, thank you so much for the idea and instructions.

    A hint for anyone without a ancient looking hardcover book - just sand back a newer one in places to give it a worn look, rubbing a bit harder along the spine to pull the material away for the torn effect. It worked for me, because I didn't have enough time to search for an authentically old book :)

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  33. Be VERY VERY careful with doing this to old books.
    A friend of mine ruined a 1st edition gone with the wind, worth thousands doing this

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  34. Great project! I just wanted to let you know that we featured this project on our Facebook page with over 14,000 fans. We’d love it if you’d use our Featured Blogger button, available at: http://www.dailycraft.com/thank-you-for-crafting/. Our audience loved the project and we look forward to sharing more from you. Please let us know if you have any questions or projects you’d love us to feature! Thanks!

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  35. For a bookworm, this clock is so amazing! I love that you used an old clock. Now to hit up used bookstores to see if I can make a book clock!

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  36. This is fantastic. Thank you.

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