How to Turn a Vintage Book Into a Unique DIY Clock
I picked up a vintage book and turned it into something completely unexpected. With a few careful steps, that old book became a charming and functional clock.
This post was transcribed by a member of the Hometalk editorial team from the original HometalkTV episode.
Tools and materials
- Vintage book
- Gallon-sized bag
- Tape measure
- Clock mechanism
- Marker pen or pencil
- X-Acto knife
- Drill and drill bit
- Battery
- Mod Podge
- Paintbrush
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1. Preparing the vintage book
To make sure there was nothing funky growing or crawling around in the book, I placed it inside a gallon bag and put it in the freezer for a few days. This step helped ensure anything unwanted was taken care of before I started working on the project.
2. Finding the center for the clock mechanism
I opened the book to the cover page and used a tape measure to find the center point. Once I marked the center, I lined up the center of the clock mechanism with that mark so everything would be properly aligned.
3. Cutting space inside the book
Using a sharp X-Acto knife, I began cutting around the traced outline of the mechanism. I worked slowly until I had a large enough square cut out so the component could be nested neatly inside the book.
4. Measuring and drilling the hole
Next, I measured the outer cover of the book from the inside of the binding to the edge to find the middle point. I started drilling with a smaller drill bit, then switched to a larger one to accommodate the screw attached to the mechanism box.
5. Assembling the clock components
After the hole was drilled, I followed the directions for putting together the clock components. Once everything was assembled, I added a battery to the back of the box and set the clock to the correct time.
6. Arranging and sealing the pages
I stood the book up on its end and carefully arranged the pages so the box inside couldn’t be seen. Taking the time to position the pages properly made the finished clock look clean and intentional.
To keep the pages exactly where I wanted them, I painted clear matte Mod Podge along the edges of the book pages. This helped hold everything in place while maintaining the natural look of the book.
7. The finished vintage book clock
Once everything was secure, the transformation was complete. I now have a cute clock made from a thrifted vintage book that adds character and charm to my space.
This DIY vintage book clock is perfect for any book lover and would make the perfect, thoughtful gift. If you loved this project, check out how to create a faux concrete candle from a thrifted vessel.
Comments
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A bookworm might be horrified that you used a vintage book! Irreplacable.
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I am a bookworm and this it better than it being buried or burned in a landfill
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Most “vintage” books have little value unless a first edition or signed. Might have family sentimental value but using it for a project like this should not bother even an avid book collector. I’ve taken a couple “book art” classes and instructors address this right from the start.
Frequently asked questions
Have a question about this project?
I really like this idea. Thank you for presenting it. I have a question: is the book still readable? I have an old, hardcovered dictionary I would like to do this to, but I would also like to be able to turn the pages to read. Is this possible? Thanks much!
how do you change the battery ? You'd have to undo the pages to get to the center box ?
Yes! How do you change the battery??