DIY Map Clock From Repurposed Spindles

DIY Map Clock from Repurposed Spindles

I’ve been wanting to make a diy map clock for quite a while.

Years probably.

It’s one of those projects that has been in the back of my brain just waiting to be brought into reality.

This month’s Thrifty Chicks spindles project challenge was the perfect time to get to it.

Sponsored: Decoupage product for my project provided by DecoArt. This project idea, choice of product used, and all opinions are 100% my own. See full Disclosure Policy here

On the second Wednesday of each month I join some very talented blogging friends for a Thrifty Chicks project challenge, and with a different theme each time it’s really a lot of fun.

If you missed any of the past projects you can find them here.

At first I thought I didn’t have any spindles, so I was looking at my local thrift store haunts and I wasn’t having any luck.

Then I remembered this table that I found a few years ago. It was lost behind a bunch of stuff in my greenhouse turned treasure storage.

I have no idea what this little table would have been used for.

I’m guessing some kind of display, but the small size of it makes it pretty useless to me as a table.

I brought it home because I loved the spindles and thought I might take it apart one day.

Well that day is finally here.

The table was put together with two-sided screws and was very easy to take apart.

For this diy map clock I’m repurposing some wooden spindles from that little table, as well as a vintage baking pan.

To get the nice round shape of the baking pan mark the shape with a pencil on the map.

You’ll see my cut out a little later.

Working with maps is a lot of fun, and I’d love to do more map projects. Like this silver tray map table.

Then spray paint the spindles with three light coats of whatever color you like.

I used a vibrant aqua blue.

It’s so happy and bright.

If your spindles have screw ends like mine tape them with painter’s tape to keep them free of paint.

Measuring, marking, and drilling the baking pan

To find the middle of the baking pan measure across from top to bottom, and then side to side.

I spray painted the baking pan because at first I thought I was going to show the paint on the side of the pan, but you’ll see later that I changed my mind.

To decide where the twelve spindles will go measure around the pan and mark with pencil.

Double check that the marks are evenly spaced before you start drilling.

Measure twice, drill once.

To create the holes start with a small metal drill bit.

It doesn’t really matter what size.

This makes it much easier to drill through with the larger bit needed for both the spindles and the clockworks.

Use whatever size bit you need.

IMPORTANT: Always, always, always wear eye protection when drilling because of metal shards. Always wear gloves as well. It’s helpful to keep a piece of paper below to catch them. I also always use a sticky roller thingy to clean the area once I’m done drilling just in case there are any stragglers that somehow made it off the paper.

Applying map to baking pan

To apply the map cut out onto the baking pan I’m using DecoArt decoupage medium for paper, and a craft brush.

I often use the one inch foam brushes for decoupage but I didn’t have any, but any craft brush will do the job.

Before doing the top I decided I wanted to cover the sides with map pieces as well..

To do this just cut some strips a little wider than the baking pan side, apply some of the decoupage medium and put the pieces in place.

Run the paper along the edge of the baking pan, and sort of fold it over the pan as you go.

Apply some decoupage medium to the top of the pan, put down the map circle, and smooth it out with your hand inside a small miscellaneous plastic bag.

Do three light coats to the top and the side, letting it dry in between.

Use a pencil to poke through the paper to reveal the holes.

Now it’s time to turn this baby into a clock.

Attaching clockwork and spindles for diy map clock

Once the map is all dry you can install the clockworks into the middle of the pan, and screw the spindles through the holes.

To secure the spindles in place use nuts that should be tightened just enough so the spindles don’t move.

Hanging my diy baking pan map clock

Because the clockwork that I’m using doesn’t have a hanger on it I’m just using a piece of jute for hanging.

For some contrast, and because I love the combo of aqua blue and red, I spray painted the black clock hands a happy red.

I have a thing for clocks with no numbers on them, like this lazy susan tray clock, and this vintage screwdriver sunburst clock, but if you prefer numbers you could easily add some stick-ons.

Here you can see the side of the clock.

I’m so glad I decided to apply map pieces there too. I think it makes the spindles stand out more.

And here’s my finished diy map clock with the my repurposed spindles marking the hours.

I took it outside so I could get a pic in natural light. My living room, where it’s hanging right now, is natural-light challenged.

Now be sure to check out what my friends did with their spindle projects.

Just click on the links below to check them out.

1. That’s me!
2. Itsy Bits and Pieces: DIY Wood Spindle Pumpkin
3.  Andrey Would! Vintage: Repurposed Spindles to Advent Countdown
4. Little Vintage Cottage: Repurposed Window Valance

Thanks so much for reading, and until next time…

keep on keepin’ on!

XOX