Canvas Clock

Here is a quick clock instructable using a canvas and a clock mechanism kit. Not counting the time to make the numbers, it took about 10 minutes to make. You can use a plain canvas or one with a image already painted on it. For this clock, we only put the four main numbers on it, but you could easily add more or lines to represent the other numbers.

Canvas - painted or unpainted

Clock movement kit (we used an Art Mind kit from Michaels)

Exacto knife/box cutter

Small scissors (optional)

Pen/pencil

Flush cutters (optional)

Adhesive (we used contact cement).

Numbers

3d Printer (optional)

You will need to gather your supplies. For our numbers, we used a 3d printer to print out the numbers. This took our machine 26 minutes to print so it is a good place to start. We used a bronze colored filament to print them. After getting your numbers started, gather the other supplies. We used an 8 by 10 canvas that we had previously painted.

If you want to see what the 3d print file looks like in Tinkercad, here is the link: Clock number preview

Alternative ideas:

You could use a different sized canvas. You could also purchase a canvas with a pre-done image. You could purchase one with your favorite tv show characters or a pretty background.

If you don't have a 3-d printer, you could also use the number file to cut the numbers out of vinyl or to make number stencils. You could paint them on or use stickers. Small fridge magnets could also be used for the numbers.

Measure the canvas and make a small mark on the backside where you want to cut. Make a very small incision with the knife on the backside. Flip it over and locate the hole. Make the incision bigger from the front side. Your cut should be just large enough for the tip of your clock mechanism to fit through. Take a pen and push it from the front into the hole. This will help push down the edges of the canvas back down so they are not visible on your canvas clock "face." You can use small scissors to trim the cut edges as well.

Now is when you will assemble the clock mechanism. Depending on the kit you purchased, you'll need to follow those directions. Insert the base from the backside of the canvas. If you feel like the canvas isn't a sturdy clock face, you may wish to add a layer of adhesive to the clock mechanism and press the canvas onto it. We did not. Following your clock's directions, add the hour, minute, and second hands.

Remove numbers when done from printing bed. They may be a little rough and need to be cleaned up. The flush cutters are a really useful tool for cutting off small bits of filament and the parts that adhere it to the 3d printer bed. You may need to change the color of the numbers. Spray paint is a quick and easy way to color them; just make sure your spray paint is plastic-safe.

Lay your numbers on your clock to check layout. Once you are satisfied, you can use your adhesive to attach them to your canvas. Insert a battery and hang your clock.