this is the very last of the altoids tins diy projects, i promise! they are just so cute. i have several shopping weaknesses, and letterpress art is one of them. a friend of mine sent me this adorable card (by wexford girl)and i have been meaning to frame it. but since wall art is another thing i have kind a lot of, i decided to turn it into a little clock for the kitchen. instead of attaching the clock directly to the card (which you can do), i used the altoids tin for extra support. plus, it hides clock mechanism nicely and gives the clock more weight. i plan to add magnets to the back so it can stick on the fridge. have fun! – kate
CLICK HERE for the full project instructions after the jump!
What You’ll Need:
1. altoids tin
2 drill
3. card or small artwork
4. scissors
5. spray paint (optional)
6. clock kit (these are available at craft stores for around 5 bucks. get the smallest size.)
7. glue
8. foam core or cardboard scrap (a little smaller than the size of the card)
Instructions:
1. take the top of the alotid tin off and place the clock base inside. hold and press the top over the tin lined up with where it would be when closed and press down. the clock base will make a small dent in the tin so you know where to drill.
2. drill a hole for the clock shaft to poke through.
3. put a battery in the clock and stick the base through the top of the tin. follow instruction to secure the clock to the tin using the included hardware.
4. if you want to change the color of the clock hands, spray paint them with a primer and then the color of your choice and let them dry completely. you do not need to paint the nut or the washer, as they will not show.
5. when the hands are dry, place them on the card to eyeball where you want them to be. make sure that your desired spot will still hide all of the altoids tin when the clock is attached. mark the spot where the center of the clock will be on your card or art with a pencil.
6. cut a small hole where you marked with an exacto blade.
7. cut a matching hole in the cardboard or foam core so the clock shaft can poke through both. glue the card/art to the foamcore/cardboard.
8. place the art on the clock shaft, add the hands and tighten as directed.
9. now all of the clock mechanism and face is attached to the top of the tin. set the time with the dial on the back of the clock and then snap the top onto the base of tin. just snap it over the hinges, do not put the hinges back together. the tin will remain securely closed like this, and you’ll see the second hand moving if you attach the hands correctly.
10. add magnets or stickies to attach to a wall or magnetic surface. you could also fashion a stand pretty easily if you wanted it to be a table clock.
YOU’RE DONE!
