Photo Canvas Clock Tutorial

I recently created this photo canvas clock using up some scrapbook page elements that I had on hand, so I thought I'd type up a tutorial so that you could make one too! (Note: the photo is our engagement picture which was taken in March 1987...gosh, we were so young!!)

Here is a list of materials that you'll need:

• 8" x 10" canvas
• Battery operated clock mechanism
• Wooden letter
• Adhesive pearl gems
• Sentiment stamp
• Scrapbook paper & cardstock
• Paint (or you can mix your own paint by using CTMH create a shade pearl paint and adding several drops of reinker in a color to coordinate with your scrapbook paper)
• Teriffically Tacky Tape
• Liquid Glass
• Broad tip glue pen
• Brown distressing ink pad
• Hemp
• Buttons
• Satin Ribbon
• 8" x 10" piece of chipboard
• Photo anchor and brad
• Sepia or black and white photo
• Sponge brush
• Small paint brush
• Paper trimmer

Instructions:

If you don't have the exact paint color to coordinate with the scrapbook paper that you pick out, you can mix your own shade simply by combining a few drops of reinker to a dollop of CTMH create a shade pearl paint:

There's no exact science to this...just keep adding reinker and stirring with a wooden skewer until you reach the color intensity you desire:

Once you've achieved the color shade you're going for, use a sponge brush and paint the outer edges of the canvas, as well as about a 1/2" around the outer edge of the front of the canvas. Set canvas aside to dry. Also, set remaining paint aside...you'll need it in a few minutes...

Choose a coordinating scrapbook paper to adhere to your wooden monogram:

Turn the paper and wooden letter over on their "wrong" sides and trace the letter onto the backside of the paper:

Carefully cut the letter out. Apply adhesive to the front of the wooden letter and attach the paper letter to the front, smoothing out any air bubbles with a bone folder.

Once the glue has dried, carefully sand the edges and then distress with brown ink. Using the remainder of the paint, carefully paint around the outside edge of the monogram and then lightly dry brush across the front of the letter to add a little extra pizzaz. Wrap hemp around the letter and add a button for decoration. Set aside until ready to attach to front of clock.

Cut your scrapbook paper 8" x 10" so that it will fit on the front of the canvas. (I used paper that had a cream colored border around it, and utilized the border to stamp the "love" sentiment onto). Using Teriffically Tacky Tape, attach paper to the front of the canvas. Measure in about 2 3/4" from the top left of the canvas and 2 3/4" from the top of the canvas and mark with a pencil. Using the mark as a guide, carefully punch a hole through the paper and canvas using a paper piercing tool. Using scissors, carefully make the hole larger to fit the clock mechanism, and attach clock as directed on the clock packaging:

If the clock seems a little loose on the backside, use a scrap piece of chipboard to create a shim to slide under the clock mechanism:

Cut a piece of chipboard 8 1/2" x 11" to attach to the back of the canvas. Before attaching, cut a little flap door into the chipboard, to go over the area where the clock mechanism and battery are located. Use a photo anchor and brad to keep the little flap closed:

Attach the monogram to the front of the clock using Liquid Glass. Cut a cardstock mat for your photo, and distress using brown ink and a little of the left-over paint. Attach photo to cardstock mat. Wrap a piece of satin ribbon around the upper left corner of the matted photo and attach on the back of the mat using Glue Dots. Tie a button to the center of the ribbon with hemp. Using a scrap piece of cream-colored cardstock, fan fold and shape to go around the corner of the photo. Distress "ruffled" element with brown ink and attach to the back of the photo mat with Teriffically Tacky Tape. Attach adhesive pearl gems as shown in the photo below. Attach decorated, matted photo to front of clock using 3-D dots for dimension.

Using more adhesive pearl gems, decorate the border above the stamped sentiment:

Just add a battery and your clock is ready to display on an easel for use! Here's another close-up shot of the finished clock.

I hope you've enjoyed this tutorial! These clocks make lovely personalized gifts to commemmorate special anniversarys, weddings, graduations, births, etc.

On a final note, after much thought and consideration I have decided to no longer sell Close to My Heart products. I have thoroughly enjoyed being a consultant for the past 3 years, but due to time constraints and my desire to work more steadily on creating projects to sell on my Etsy store, I have decided to terminate my contract. The termination will go into effect this Friday, June 10th, so if you would like to place a Close to My Heart order with me, you may do so until that date using the little shopping cart link located at the top of my sidebar on the right. Orders placed through the link will be delivered directly to your home in 3 - 5 business days.

Wishing you a wonderful day!