Wednesday 27 June 2012

Hickory dickory dock

Two birds perched on a clock...

My latest crafty adventure, I made this for MR's Mum's 60th birthday.  I used the instructions in Pip's first book as a guide, except I mod podged the fabric down rather than using spray adhesive.  It worked fine but I would recommend applying the glue quite thinly as I did it maybe just a touch too thick in some areas and it seeped through, leaving a little mark to the left of the 12 button.  Very sad, but I'm hoping it's only super noticeable to me.

I hunted everywhere for small numbers to add, I didn't like the traditional clock ones that I could find so I eventually settled on buttons.  I think it looks quite effective.  I have since found some small laser cut wooden numbers on etsy so I've ordered a few sets for the next clocks in the works.  That way I can paint them whatever colour I like, or just leave them plain.  I'm also toying with the idea of embroidering numbers onto the next clock...


The fabric is an ink and spindle one and I embroidered the birds with silk floss to look like fairy wrens, one of MR's Mum's favourite birds.


MR helped out a fair bit with this project, he cut the chipboard to size, drilled the hole in the middle and helped me get the fabric on smoothly and add the buttons.  He was more than happy to help because it meant he had to buy a jigsaw and a sander.  Any excuse for a good tool shop!  He also did the maths to work out where the buttons needed to go.  Numbers is definitely more his forte than mine.  My theory for working it out was just to turn the clock hands and stick the button where it pointed.  Very technical brained, I am!  We decided it was easiest just to hot glue the buttons on to be sure to get the placement all accurate.  I'm normally quite competent at hot glue guns but my medication shakes have been quite bad at the moment and it was just easier to manage with two.  


Apart from the stupid glue seepage, I was pretty damn pleased with this project, it turned out just how I had pictured it in my head which is quite a rarity in my creating world!  I'm making another, with a different fabric, for my best friend and then on the cards is one for our kitchen.  Haven't found the perfect fabric for that one yet though!





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18 comments:

San @ Made in Hem said...

Gorgeous!!! Pretty amazing for a first try! Love it!

Michelle {Jarrah Jungle} said...

Are you freaking kidding me, you made this and then gave it away? Crazy girl! This may possibly be the most awesome clock I have ever seen. I love the bird fabric it is absolutely stunning and the buttons totally work. You are so clever x

Jill said...

OH WOW! This is so beautiful! What a fabulous gift - I've never seen a clock like this - the embroidered birds are gorgeous!

Claire said...

Hey Megan, what a brilliant idea.....love it.
Your stitching is so neat and smooth, just love those little wrens.
I'm sure MR's mum will really appreciate it.
The buttons add a nice bit of colour to it as well.

CLaire :}

Cassandra said...

Oh! I love it! I've been seeing a few crafty clocks lately.. must add this to my ever growing to do list!
Thanks for sharing :)

Baa-Me Kniits said...

I love the clock Megan, your embroidery and the buttons have made it....Perfect birthday present!

BigLittle said...

Just gorgeous. Loving the beautiful fairy wrens in such a vibrant colour. buttons look sweet instead of numbers, I think they add something.... Lisa xx

Deb (Two Cheeky Monkeys) said...

Oh my, that is the most adorably ingenious clock I have seen - well done!

yardage girl said...

Stunning! The embroidery is really wonderful!

Cat from Raspberry Rainbow said...

Wow, it is stunning. So lovely you could make it with your man too!

2paw said...

That is absolutely fantastic. I love the whole idea and the embroidery is just so lovely!! Very clever!!

Amanda said...

Megan, your clock is incredible!! LOVE IT!! You are very talented - I love your choice of fabric and my favourite part is how you embroidered the birds. I like the buttons and I think hot gluing them is a wise idea. As for the glue seepage, I didn't even notice it until you pointed it out :) Can't wait to see your next one!! x

carolyn said...

It's gorgeous! I'm adding 'fabric clock' to my 'to make' list. As long as you don't mind if i steal your button idea...

E. said...

It is beautiful. I'm sure that MR's Mum will love it.

Lea said...

Gorgeous..I love the birds. Stunning. It will be well received no doubt.

Margret said...

Wow, that turned out so awesome! I love the embroidery you did on the birds, and I think the blue buttons tie it all together beautifully. Well done!

Sally said...

STUNNING! My goodness... look how unreal it turned out. Brilliant.

monika@mysweetprairie.ca said...

if you make more like this, drop me an email. I would buy this in a heartbeat!!!!