How to Make a Memory Clock

Track a Memory instead of the Passage of Time

Dec 20, 2007 Melissa Howard

In this fast paced world, we know that time flies. Make a clock that keeps track of the good times and maybe even makes it seem that time is going backwards.

Are you tired of looking ahead and racing to catch up? A memory clock is a delightful way to stop time and cherish the moments. Think over the year or dig through some photos and decide to memorialize a special event with a memory clock. The clock in the example is of a grandfather dancing with his granddaughters and reminds you that there is always time for dancing.

Supplies

• clock base (commercial or a suitable surface)
• clock mechanism
• paint or stain
• sheet music
• dancing steps
• photos
• scissors
• decoupage medium
• acrylic spray finish
• letter dice or tiles (if desired)

Instructions

1. Paint or stain the base if desired.
2. If you want to cover the entire base of the clock as in the example, trace your sheet music and then trim to the appropriate size.
3. Glue down with decoupage medium; make sure to smooth out all air pockets.
4. Allow to dry.
5. Cut out photos or other images.
6. Arrange on clock face and glue down with decoupage medium.
7. Allow to dry.
8. Cut out dancing steps and glue to face of clock in the place of numerals.
9. Seal the entire clock face with several coats of decoupage medium.
10. Sand gently.
11. Finish with several coats of acrylic spray finish.
12. Add clock mechanism according to manufacturer’s instructions.
13. Glue tiles or dice to clock with a meaningful message such as ‘time for dancing.’

Suggestions and Ideas

• If using a nontraditional clock surface, remember to prepare a hole for the clock mechanism.

• Memorialize a summer horse-back ride. Use an image of a meadow for the background paper, cut out friends or family on horseback to parade across the clock. Use horseshoes in place of numerals.
• Memorialize a snow winter day. Decorate the clock with your children making snow angels or with their completed snowman. Use snowflakes in place of the numerals. Use tiles or a phrase sticker saying “Let it snow!” to convey your message.
• Memorialize your wedding. Use bells for the numerals.
• Memorialize spring with a photo of your children counting the o’clock’s of a dandelion. Use dandelion seeds in place of the numerals. Print out the phrase “I only use dandelion clocks.” to include on the face of the clock.
• Memorialize fall with photos of the family playing in the leaves. Cut the silhouette of a bare-limbed tree to fill the face of the clock. ‘Hang’ leaves with glue in the place of the numerals. Use photos of people playing in the leaves across the bottom.

• Make a miniature memory clock inside a pocket watch then when you are at a meeting or waiting for an appointment and time drags, pull out your watch and check the time (see Mini-Memory Collages for ideas and basic instructions). .

The copyright of the article How to Make a Memory Clock in Crafts is owned by Melissa Howard. Permission to republish How to Make a Memory Clock in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Memory Clock

Pocket Watch Memory Collage

What do you think about this article?

---

NOTE: Because you are not a Suite101 member, your comment will be moderated before it is viewable.

post your comment

What is 1+3?