10.06.2009

Tick Tock, I found me a clock

Once upon a time I had a clock.  It was one of those monster clocks that people in China could read if they stood on the horizon and looked east.  Or west.  She hung over my mantle for a long time, looking fine, if I do say so myself....but then I found a vintage mirror that was going to need the mantle.  Vintage mirrors can be pushy like that.  B'bye clock.

Hubby started complaining right away that he missed the clock over the mantle.  He doesn't 'get' the whole I-Need-to-Change-My-Mantle-Decor sickness and wasn't really worried that the Chinese could see it.  Since then, I've been on the look out for a smaller clock for that room (it is soooo not going on my mantle no matter what the Mister says, thankyouverymuch).  Found a solid oak clock sitting on the clearance shelf at TJ Maxx in the standard 'honey' color and knew I could show it some love.  And here we go:

Here's my 'before' shot.  Use your imagination to visualize the clock face under that tape.

Wearing her first coat of Espresso paint


Highly technical method of rubbing candle wax over most of her grooves after she dried


Stiff bristled brush to wipe away excess wax lumps (stiff because never cleaned them after the last paint job)


Now it's getting exciting....I sprayed and oversprayed an ivory satin until it started crackling (usually when this crackling appears on an object I start using bad words, but this time it was on purpose)


Once she'd dried, I took a course piece of sandpaper over all her curvies so the brown paint would show thru. That's what the wax was for.  In some places I went down to the bare wood.  I wanted this girl to be excessively shabby.  Finished with a once-over using a 'between coats' fine sanding sponge, and my stiff bristle brush to clean her all up.


The result






Sweet!  And I do apologize to all my Chinese readers who won't be able to tell the time anymore.



This has been linked to A Soft Place to Land's DIY Day

If you're into all natural handmade soap....head over HERE for my first ever giveaway in honor of nothing in particular.  I just like taking pictures of my soap. :o)

21 comments:

Tracy said...

What a great project. The clock is just lovely! You and your Hubby can both be happy now. Thanks for the great ideas and for stopping by yesterday! Have a wonderful day!

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

OMG, I was cracking up at this post cause it sounds so like some of the conversations that go on here! My husband so does not "get" the whole decorating thing. I love what you did with that clock though. I am going to definitely have to try that with a few things around here.

Signing Out said...

Your clock is fantastic! What a transformation! Thanks for the inspiration and for stopping by.

Jane

Sheri said...

She's a beaut!

Heidi said...

Oooooh, Aaaaaaaah, LOVE IT. Can you please send it to my house? it is GORGEOUS!! I'm horrible at distressing stuff, I wish I were better.

Molly Anne said...

Beautiful! I have never tried that wax treatment but now I really want to.

Pam @ bibbidi-bobbidi-beautiful said...

Your clock looks fantastic. If I saw it at Homegoods I would want it!! I have an cheapo wall clock waiting for a makeover- thanks for the inspiration!

Thanks for stopping by my blog and for the encouragement to do a slipcover tutorial. I've been meaning to for a while and it seems a little daunting, but I've had a few requests now, so I guess I better get on it!

Pam @ Frippery said...

Great Job. I have a clock that needs some help too. I may borrow your idea. Thanks for sharing.

Unknown said...

I love the clock! what a great job on it, so cottagy and vintage looking! Love your blog too, I can see we have a lot in common! Cindy

Keri said...

Very nice outcome with the clock. Thanks for the great tips. I like your blog site. Very cool. You got skills, friend. Keri

www.spitnglue.com

Gail said...

Love the clock.....AWESOME makeover. Enjoyed your blog and thanks for visiting mine and leaving such a nice comment.

Have a wonderful day.
Gail

Tammy@InStitches said...

You did a great job, it looks fabulous !

Debbie @ The Shabby Bungalow said...

Wow that is absolutely stunning - I think this is the best clock makeover I have seen in a long time :) thanks for popping by my blog I have added you to my bloglines as I can;t wait to see more of your projects :)

Jenn said...

Oh my! I love how she turned out! :)

Room to Inspire said...

Lovin' your new clock! It is beautiful - what a great transformation.

Chelsea

Roeshel said...

Your clock is beautiful! Love it!
R

Nice and Easy Antiques said...

What a difference!!! Now you can proudly display it...isn't it amazing what a little TLC can do???

Brittany at Mommy Words said...

Wow that is so much cuter than I thought it could possibly wnd up from where it started! Great job!

Brittany at Mommy Words said...

Oh - now following!

Anonymous said...

Love the clock...I have one similiar and I think this post has inspired me to do something similiar with it. I have not really liked the clock for a long time now but I might be able to increase it's status witha coat of paint. .. thanks for shareing.

Pine Tree Home said...

Do you know I've had a clock in the basement for the last 5 years...it was a wedding present, but the finish is that PINK pickled oak, so early 90's. I am now inspired to spray it.

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