Knowing my love of books and all things DIY, my then-boyfriend (now husband) came up with a great idea – with a little help from the Art of Manliness – to make a book clock. It’s so simple. It’s so practical! I do not like to waste time making things that do not serve a purpose and this craft has both beauty and functionality. In just a few minutes you can make a unique piece for your desk or a creative gift for friends and family.
DIY Book Clock
*This post contains affiliate links which means I may make a commission if you use one of my links but it won’t increase the price for you.*
Supplies for DIY Book Clock
- HARD-COVERED BOOK*
- CLOCK KIT
- X-Acto Knife
- Power Drill
*I chose “Sense and Sensibility” because I found it in an old bookstore. The book must be hard-covered so it can stand on its own. The size and color are up to you.
Instructions
1.) Choose where the clock face will go and maybe even draw a few markers with a pencil for later when attaching your numbers.
2.) Drill your hole for the center of your clock. You may have to experiment with drill sizes and drill through several times to make sure the stick part of your clock mechanism fits through.
3.) Place the “stick” through the hole so the clock mechanism with the battery is flush with the book.
4.) Cut out the inside of the book with the X-Acto Knife where the battery will go. It’s suggested you trace the clock mechanism and then just start cutting away. Full disclose – I did not do this step and therefore have no photo to show. I haven’t been able to cut into a book that I could still read down the line! Don’t be like me. Cut the book and make your clock more awesome looking.
5.) Place your numbers on the front of the book.
6.) Place the clock hands on the clock “stick”, following the instructions on the packaging.
7.) Proudly display your awesome new book clock!
I included this DIY on my Last Minute DIY Christmas gifts for everyone on your list post. Check out what else I recommend!
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Sarah Jean, this is adorable. There are a lot of book lovers in my family (including me). What a perfect gift!
I’m visiting from Mom’s the Word today. Blessings!
It really is! And also practical. Thank you for stopping by.
I love, love, love this Sarah. Totally awesome
Thanks, Michelle!
How cool! I love this idea, and it turned out really cute!
Thanks, Linda!
What a cute & clever idea! Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday! Sharing on Twitter! Have a great week!
Kim
Thank you, Kim!
This is such a neat idea!! My sister absolutely loves reading, this could be a neat gift for her!
Awesome you should definitely turn her favorite book into it!
This is awesome, I love it. Looks so elegant.
Yah it turned out way better than I thought.
How fun! Pretty and simple is right!
This is so cute! Would look adorable in a book shelf!
This is such a cute repurpose. We all have a ton of books we never use. This is a great way to make a quirky clock.
The post is absolutely fantastic! I love it:)
irenethayer.com
This is such a clever and cute idea! It also seems super simple, which is what I love about your tutorials! Thank you for sharing!
Now this is cool!! I definitely need to try this. It would be a great gift idea for a book worm 🙂
This is so cute! I love it! I’m actually sitting at my library job right now and sharing it with my coworkers. I am totally going to make this!
haha I love that! Plenty to choose from there. 😉
This is such an amazing idea! I love how doable it seems, and it makes a great impact!
Wow this is one of the coolest ideas I’ve ever seen!
thank you! I hope you get to make one.
A fantastic craft! Totally with you about making this with practical use in the home. Time well spent indeed (no pun intended 🙂 ) Thanks for sharing this on #shinebloghop this week! Happy you were able to join us.
Haha I love a good pun! Thanks for hosting each week.
So fun! I love how you have your book clock standing up on the nightstand table. What a great idea!
Still there!And still super cute. 🙂
Creative. I like it.
Such a creative way to use an old book. Great project. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Donna. Makes for a super cute gift too.
This is such a great idea. Love it!! #weekendblogshare
This is such a cute idea, especially for readers. Wish I hadn’t donated all those hardcopy Harry Potter books to Goodwill #alittlebitofeverything
haha might be able to find another awesome book at the Goodwill to use!
Hi Sarah, what a great idea. I’m sure this would make an appreciated gift for any book lover. I’m going to show it to my daughter for a gift idea for her friend who is a big book worm.
#WAYWOW
Awesome! I hope she gets to make one.
This is so neat!! I love any kind of book-related projects. Thanks for linking up with our Merry Monday party; I chose your book clock as my Feature pick for this week. We’d love to have you stop by our party & link up again – it goes live at 9pm EST tonight!
Emily – thank you so much. Excited to be featured!
Ingenious! This is such a cute project.
Thanks, Lux!
What a fun idea! There are so many avenues you could take this. A cookbook for a chef, or a Harry Potter Book for a child who loves the series. A car or golf book for a man.
This is so cool. I’m going to have to look for some old books at garage sales, this would be a fun accent to a room.
You’re right, it could definitely be tailored for anyone!
That is so clever and so effective! I’ve never seen anything like this but I guess the options are endless really. Thanks for joining the #weekendblogshare
They definitely are!
I love the book clock! It would fit in anywhere. It is simple, but classic. You and your husband are such a talented team. Thanks for sharing.
this is such a wonderful idea and came out beautiful
Brilliant idea! I am in the process of converting a spare room to a study/art/library space. A book clock would be perfect! Thank you! *pinned*
Sounds like it would look perfect there!
OMG…what a cute idea! This would be a great gift for my daughter who loves to read. Thank you for sharing the how-t!
Welcome! It makes a super cute gift and can be customized depending on the book.
I am definitely doing this to put beside my bed! I love to read and absolutely love this idea!!!
It is cute AND practical 🙂
Wow… That is so cool and creative! Thanks for sharing!
What an amazing idea! Thanks for sharing it