I am a collage artist, and enjoy applying collage work to surfaces like boxes, large wooden platters, etc.
Every time I’ve seen this clock at the store or online, I’ve thought “I have to do something with that clock.”
I was in the process of preparing for a one-woman art exhibit that I was calling “The Crazy Cat Lady Show” and decided I would use the clock idea to make a cat clock. Just for fun.
IKEA item used:
Photo: IKEA.com
Other materials:
- Paper
- Acrylic medium liquid
- Varnish
- Stitching
- E6000 glue
Instructions for naptime clock:
Sand the entire outside surface of the clock to remove slick finish. Apply 2 layers of gesso (primer) as a working surface.
Make a collage design that suits the shape of the clock, in this case a cat.
Remove clock mechanism and glass, cover the numbers with the word “NAP” created on my laser printer, and add cut-out face details (eyes, mouth).
Create the collage on a separate substrate of paper, then cut to fit the front of the clock and glue with E6000.
Replace glass after front has been glued, and then replace clock back.
Back and side of clock were covered with patterned tissue paper, using acrylic medium. Bottom of clock was painted black.
Make sure the hinges are still working so the door can open easily.
How long and how much did it cost?
Always a tough question when you talk about art. The idea was in development for a good month, but the actual creation of the piece took about 4 days, on and off, taking breaks to let glue dry, varnish dry, paint dry, etc.
It cost me about $40 for the clock, and perhaps another 10 for materials which I already had on hand.
What do you like most about the hack?
It’s fun, and was a big surprise in my art exhibit, in fact sold to an artist friend who was also a cat lover. I enjoy making an art piece that is also functional, in a surprising way. The fact that this opens to a small storage cabinet is charming.
What was the hardest part about this hack?
Taking out the clock and the glass and hoping it would go back in as I had anticipated. That did in fact work, but I wasn’t sure until I did it if it would.
What to pay special attention to?
Prepare the surface by sanding and priming (gesso in my case) to make sure that the elements will stick. Then varnish with a UV protective spray to help protect it from dust and fading.
Looking back, would I have done it differently?
No, I think the way I figured it out is probably the best technique and expect to do another one soon.
And other thoughts/comments you have received about the hack?
People found the finished piece to be fun, well constructed and unique. Most had to look close enough to see that each numeral had been replaced by the word “NAP”, hence the title, “It’s Always Naptime.” They were also impressed that it began with a standard IKEA clock.
See my art at janetblackart.com.
~ by Janet Black
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