Sharing the most genius DIY Plate Clock today! With its beautiful DIY details, this baby will no doubt be a conversation starter…
With back-to-school on the brain, this DIY has college study space written all over it. Every study desk needs a clock.
So why not make it something that’s not only functional but also adds a loaded dose of style too? That’s why, I, Erin, am excited to share my newest project!
This DIY plate can be used not just for decorative purposes, but to make a clock as well!
This clock (which is made from a pretty plate and a battery-powered clock mechanism) could not be easier to pull together before you head off to school.
The end result is a simple, stunning, and functional DIY Plate Clock that will do its part to keep you running on time this calendar year!
Materials and Tools Needed to Make a DIY Plate Clock
Pretty plate — The Anthro plate I originally used is almost sold out! You can still find similar options in their tabletop section.
Cordless drill with 1/2″ glass and tile drill bit
Picture hanger
Spray paint — Optional
How to Make a DIY Plate Clock
My clock mechanism arrived with white hands. So I spray-painted them navy to match the plate’s speckle and for a bit more contrast.
Skip this step if your clock hands arrive in the correct color.
Step 1 – While the spray paint is drying, drill a hole in the center of the plate with a glass and tile drill bit.
Drill from the front of the plate to the back to avoid chipping on the plate face.
Typically you’d use the nut that comes with the clock mechanism to attach the mechanism/clock hands to the plate. But our plate is 1/16″ too thick to work with the enclosed nut.
So instead use industrial-strength adhesive to attach the mechanism to the back of the plate, placing the protruding piece through your drilled center hole.
Step 2 – At the same time, glue the picture hanger above the clock mechanism on the back.
Step 3 – When the adhesive is dry, flip the clock over and attach the clock hands. (They pop right on the protruding clock mechanism).
Shorthand first, long hand second, and topper last.
The DIY Plate Clock (which we hung above our Hexagonal DIY Desktop Organizer) together with your Geometric DIY Chalkboard Desk is now ready for display!
This plate also comes in blush pink, which means choosing a color is probably the most difficult part of the entire project!
Which color would you go with for your DIY clock?
More DIY Projects and Ideas
- DIY Printable Fruit Wall Art
- DIY Polka Dot Floppy Hat
- Christmas Decor – DIY Santa Footprints
- DIY Color Block Trivets
Equipment
- Cordless Drill with 1/2″ glass and tile drill bit
- Spray paint optional if you want to change the color of your clock hands
- Industrial strength adhesive
Materials
- 1 plate
- 1 clock mechanism
- 1 picture hanger
Instructions
- Drill a hole in the center of the plate with a glass and tile drill bit.Drill from the front of the plate to the back to avoid chipping on the plate face.Typically, you’d use the nut that comes with the clock mechanism to attach the mechanism/clock hands to the plate. But our plate is 1/16″ too thick to work with the enclosed nut.So instead use industrial-strength adhesive to attach the mechanism to the back of the plate, placing the protruding piece through your drilled center hole.
- At the same time, glue the picture hanger above the clock mechanism on the back.
- When the adhesive is dry, flip the clock over and attach the clock hands. (They pop right on the protruding clock mechanism).Shorthand first, long hand second, and topper last.
Don’t forget to share your DIY Plate Clock with us on Instagram using the hashtag #sugarandclothloves. We always love seeing all of your creations! Looking for more interior design inspiration? You can find all of our home decor tutorials and ideas right here!
Thank you so MUCH. I found the prettiest christmas plate at a yard sale and it will make a perfect clock for the holidays! Great idea!
Yay! Can’t wait to see yours! xo
What a cute idea!!!
Saw this on insta – LOVE it!!
<3
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
That suite one studio plate looks fantastic as a clock, great idea!
http://www.shopthecoconutroom.com
Right?! Love this tutorial as well.
Love this! You used such a pretty plate.
Suite One has the most amazing table top items! SO glad they are now selling in Anthropologie.