Are you captivated by the grandeur of oversized wall clocks, particularly the iconic clock face adorning Chip and Joanna Gaines’ homes on Fixer Upper? So am I! Their distinctive style, blending rustic charm with timeless elegance, instantly inspired me to craft my very own large farmhouse wall clock. This project isn’t just about telling time; it’s about making a significant style statement that anchors your living space with warmth and character.
For those who have followed my journey in home decor, it’s no secret that I have a particular fondness for white-faced clocks featuring bold black Roman numerals. There’s an undeniable charm and classic appeal to them that simply brings me joy. These aren’t just functional pieces; they are decorative accents that infuse a sense of history and sophistication into any room.
My home is a testament to this passion, filled with various timepieces. From a striking kitchen wall clock to an elegant sideboard clock, not to mention alarm clocks, watches, intricate artwork, and even free printables of clock faces – you’ll find them everywhere. It seems I can never have enough, each one adding its unique touch to the narrative of my living spaces.
For the longest time, I dreamt of an expansive, oversized clock for my living room wall. I meticulously searched through mass-market options and explored countless handmade oversized farmhouse clocks on Etsy. However, none quite captured the essence or the impressive scale I envisioned. They were either too small or lacked that authentic, time-worn appeal I desperately sought. About two years ago, I acquired a metal Roman numeral cut-out clock from Kirkland’s. While it graced my living room in many posts, it never truly resonated with me, primarily because it lacked that classic, solid clock face that defines the farmhouse aesthetic.
Crafting Your Own Majestic Fixer Upper Style Wall Clock
The quest for the perfect oversized clock took an exciting turn one summer. While leisurely flipping through an issue of The Magnolia Journal, a particular image immediately caught my eye. It was a photograph of a room within Chip and Joanna’s own home, showcasing that magnificent, large wall clock.
Seeing a clear, straight-on photo of the grand clock, which I had only previously glimpsed fleetingly on the TV show Fixer Upper, ignited a flurry of ideas in my creative mind. Finally, a practical method solidified – one that I knew would allow me to recreate this iconic piece with stunning accuracy. My past experience in retail display, where I learned to fashion captivating visual merchandising using only limited in-store props, proved invaluable. This background instilled in me the confidence that I could replicate Chip and Joanna’s oversized farmhouse clock using a simple, inexpensive overhead projector and that very image from the magazine.
This ingenious yet straightforward tracing projector was the key. It allowed me to accurately project and trace the intricate design of the clock face onto a substantial 48-inch diameter circle, which I had carefully cut from a sheet of plywood. The precision offered by the projector ensured that every numeral and minute mark was perfectly scaled, preserving the authentic look of the original inspiration.
And here it is – the magnificent result! I absolutely adore it! It embodies everything I envisioned. While it might not possess the factory-perfect uniformity of a mass-produced item, that’s precisely part of its charm. It’s meant to evoke the character of an antique farmhouse oversized clock, complete with subtle imperfections, perhaps a few simulated dings, dents, and rustic spots that tell a story. Just last night, I found myself sitting in my chair, gazing across the room at the clock, completely content and filled with pride at having created something so impactful with my own hands.
Successful home decorating, at its core, is about filling our spaces with items that genuinely bring us joy and reflect our personality. It’s not always about adhering strictly to the latest color schemes or chasing fleeting trends. Often, the most rewarding approach is simply to surround ourselves with objects that make us smile, that evoke cherished memories, or that we’ve poured our heart into creating. This clock, for me, is a perfect example of that principle in action.
Detailed Guide: How to Make a Large Fixer Upper Inspired Wall Clock
If you possess advanced woodworking tools and skills, you might consider constructing a clock even larger than 48 inches by joining multiple pieces of wood. However, lacking such specialized equipment or extensive expertise myself, I focused on utilizing my jigsaw skills. My choice was to work with the largest single piece of plywood conveniently available at my local home improvement store, ensuring manageability and a perfect 48-inch diameter. Furthermore, I deliberately aimed for a clock that was neither heavy nor excessively thick, prioritizing ease of handling and installation.
My goal was a sleek, thin profile to emulate the elegant metal clock face seen in Chip and Joanna’s design. To achieve this, I selected 1/4-inch plywood. This lighter material not only made the cutting process more manageable but also significantly simplified handling and hanging the finished piece, a crucial consideration for such a large item. Once the plywood circle was precisely cut, its finished diameter measured a commanding 48 inches.
For the clock hands, I repurposed those from my previous wall clock. The minute hand measured 17.75 inches long, and the hour hand was 10 inches long. Don’t worry if you don’t have existing hands; I’ve included resources in the comprehensive supply list below where you can purchase these, ensuring you get the right size for your grand-scale project.
Essential Supplies for Your DIY Oversized Farmhouse Clock:
- Clock Face Templates:
- Download the free printable clock face inspired by Fixer Upper: Fixer Upper Clock Face
- Alternatively, for a classic look: Classic Clock Face
- Wood & Adhesives:
- One half-sheet of 1/4″ thick plywood (ensure one side is smooth and free of knots for the clock face).
- 1″ x 4″ wood pieces, cut into four 28″ long sections for structural support.
- Liquid Nails heavy-duty construction adhesive.
- Drawing & Marking Tools:
- Strong string, twine, or thin craft wire for drawing the circle.
- Pencil for initial marking.
- Sharpie Markers (medium tip) for outlining.
- Thumb tack or push-pin.
- Scissors.
- Cutting & Sanding Tools:
- Jigsaw with a smooth-cutting blade.
- Sandpaper (100-grit and 220-grit) and a sanding block for smooth edges.
- Painting Supplies:
- White chalk paint for the clock face (or any preferred paint for a durable, matte finish).
- Black chalk paint for numbers and markings.
- Small paint roller for even paint application.
- Small-tipped fine art paint brushes for detailed work.
- Measuring & Drilling:
- See-through straightedge ruler.
- Measuring tape.
- 1/4″ drill bit and a drill.
- Clock Mechanism & Hands:
- Clock mechanism and 15″ long minute hand (ideal for smaller clocks).
- 17.75″ long minute hand (recommended for a 48″ diameter clock to ensure proper scale and visibility).
- Projection Tool:
- Small Art Projector (essential for enlarging and tracing the clock face design accurately).
Step-by-Step: Cutting Your Plywood Board into a Perfect Circle
- Begin by accurately finding and marking the exact center of your plywood sheet. This central point is critical for a perfectly round clock. Once marked, insert a push pin or thumb tack firmly into this center point.
- Take a piece of string or thin wire, measuring half of your desired clock diameter (e.g., 24 inches for a 48-inch clock). Tie one end securely around the push pin. Extend the string tautly to the edge of the plywood and tie the other end around a pencil, securing it with tape if needed to prevent slipping.
- With the pencil held perfectly straight up and down (perpendicular to the plywood surface), gently pull the string taut and slowly draw a continuous circle around the plywood. Maintaining the pencil’s vertical position is crucial; angling it will distort your circle, making it uneven.
- Once your pencil line is complete, trace over it with a marker. This creates a clear, visible line for your jigsaw, ensuring you can follow it precisely during the cutting phase.
5. Now, arm yourself with a jigsaw fitted with a smooth-cutting blade. Carefully and steadily follow your marked line, cutting out the plywood circle. Take your time to ensure a clean, precise cut. Safety first: always wear appropriate eye protection and ensure your work area is clear.
6. Once the plywood circle is cut, the edges will likely be rough. Smooth them thoroughly using 100-grit sandpaper first, which will remove major imperfections. Follow this with 220-grit sandpaper to achieve a wonderfully smooth finish, perfect for painting. A sanding block can assist in maintaining even pressure and a consistent edge.
Painting Your Plywood Clock Face for a Flawless Finish
- Set up a dedicated workspace for painting and assembly. I used a table in my foyer, covering it to protect the surface. Using a paint roller, apply three light, even coats of white chalk paint to the plywood circle. Chalk paint is excellent for its matte finish and adhesion, but feel free to use any paint type you prefer. Ensure each coat dries completely before applying the next, allowing for a smooth, streak-free finish.
2. Once the paint on the front is dry, turn the clock face over. Attach the four pre-cut wood supports to the back using Liquid Nails. These supports are crucial, as they prevent the thin plywood from warping over time due to environmental changes. While my supports measured 32 inches, you can adjust their length as needed to fit your specific clock size. Allow the adhesive to cure fully, typically overnight, to ensure a strong, lasting bond.
3. Identify the top support piece on the back of your clock. Mark it clearly as “TOP.” Using your drill and a 1/4-inch drill bit, create a hole precisely in the center of this top support. This hole will serve as the mounting point for hanging your finished clock securely on the wall.
Projecting and Tracing: Enlarging Your Clock Face Numbers with Precision
- Print out your chosen free printable clock face template from the supply list. For optimal projection, print it at a size of approximately 4″ x 4″. Carefully cut out the printed image and securely tape it over the opening on the underside of your art projector. This ensures the image is stable and clear for projection.
2. Temporarily hang your prepared clock face onto the wall where you intend to display it permanently. Use a sturdy wood screw, ensuring it’s anchored firmly into a wall stud or appropriate anchor. Place the drilled hole on the back of your clock over this screw. Before proceeding, verify that the clock is hanging perfectly level and adjust if necessary.
3. To achieve the best projection clarity, dim the room lights. Position your projector at a suitable distance from the clock face so that the projected image of the clock template perfectly fills the entire 48-inch circle. Pay close attention to the minute notches; ensure they extend right to the edge of the plywood circle all the way around. Utilize the projector’s focus ring to sharpen the image until every detail is crisp and clear.
To achieve the precise height required for accurate projection, I creatively stacked a table, a stool, and several books. This improvisational setup allowed for fine-tuning the projector’s angle and distance, ensuring the image was perfectly centered and scaled on the plywood surface. Precision in this step will save significant time and effort during the painting phase.
4. Once the projected image is perfectly centered and scaled on your plywood circle, use a pencil to carefully trace all the numbers and minute notches. If you are using the Fixer Upper clock image, you may notice various “rust spots” from the original metal clock face. Unless you explicitly desire to replicate these antique imperfections, you can simply ignore them during your tracing. Focus solely on the clean lines of the numerals and marks.
Look closely at the image above, and you’ll discern the faint yet precise pencil lines that now guide your hand for the painting process. These lines are your roadmap to a beautiful, accurate clock face. After you’ve completed tracing, carefully remove the clock face from the wall to transition to your painting station.
Bringing It to Life: Painting Numbers and Markings on Your Oversized Wall Clock
- Position your clock face on a stable work surface for painting the intricate numbers and minute marks. My kitchen table, covered for protection, served this purpose perfectly.
- Using a see-through ruler and a Sharpie fine-tipped marker, meticulously outline all your pencil lines. The ruler helps maintain crisp, straight edges for the numerals and marks. You might notice I initially penciled in the rust marks from the original design but later opted against painting them, preferring a cleaner look. These were easily erased with a magic eraser, water, and a touch of baking soda.
3. With your outlines complete, use a fine-tipped artist’s paintbrush to carefully fill in the outer sections of each number and minute mark. For the larger inner areas of the numerals, switch to a 1/2-inch wide flat artist brush. This dual-brush approach allows for precision in details and efficiency in covering broader areas, ensuring smooth, even coverage with your black chalk paint.
4. When painting the minute marks, extend them slightly over the edge of the plywood circle rather than stopping precisely at the line. This technique creates a more polished and intentionally aged appearance, mimicking the authentic look of antique clocks where markings often appear to wrap around the edge.
5. After the first coat of paint has dried, inspect your work. Apply touch-ups if necessary to ensure opaque coverage and crisp lines. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly, ideally overnight, to prevent smudging or smearing during the subsequent sealing process.
6. To protect your beautiful new clock face and give it a subtle, elegant sheen, apply a thin, even layer of clear paste wax over the entire surface. Use a lint-free soft cloth for application, working the wax into the paint. It’s crucial to avoid products like Briwax, as they can potentially lift or discolor chalk paint. I highly recommend clear waxes from reputable brands such as Annie Sloan, Fiddes and Sons, or Magnolia Home. Once the wax is applied, take another clean, lint-free soft cloth and buff the surface using smooth, circular motions. Continue buffing until the cloth glides effortlessly across the surface and you observe a gentle sheen. This step may require a bit of “elbow grease” to bring out the desired subtle luster.
7. Turn your clock face over to the back. Carefully position the clock mechanism onto the center of the wooden supports. Secure it firmly in place using either hot glue for a quick bond or a small amount of Liquid Nails for a more permanent attachment. Ensure that the clock mechanism is perfectly parallel with the “TOP” wood support you marked earlier. This alignment is vital for the clock hands to hang correctly and for the clock to function accurately when mounted.
8. Once attached, your clock mechanism should look similar to the image above, securely fastened to the back of the plywood, with the central shaft protruding through to the front of the clock face.
9. Turn the clock face over again, to the front. Carefully attach the clock hands. They are designed to fit into specific grooves on the screw section that extends from the clock mechanism through the front of the clock. Ensure they are aligned correctly and move freely.
10. Finally, hang your magnificent, newly completed oversized wall clock back on the wall, securing it on the screw you installed earlier. Step back and admire your handiwork!
Although I began this project in the fall and worked on it intermittently amidst other commitments, taking it one step at a time, it’s certainly possible to complete it within a few dedicated days. The longest phase is often simply waiting for the various layers of paint and adhesive to dry completely. Patience is indeed a virtue when it comes to crafting beautiful home decor.
The effort was undeniably worthwhile, as I now possess precisely the kind of oversized wall clock I have longed for, a truly personalized statement piece that perfectly complements my home’s aesthetic. The satisfaction of creating something this substantial and beautiful with my own hands is immense!
I’ve endeavored to provide the most comprehensive and detailed tutorial possible for this project. However, should any questions arise during your own crafting process, please do not hesitate to ask them in the comment section below. I am always happy to help and share further insights.
With this impressive clock now complete, I’ve already embarked on another exciting project, also utilizing the versatile and inexpensive art projector. This next endeavor requires no woodworking skills at all, promising an accessible and fun creative outlet for everyone. I can hardly wait to reveal it to you—stay tuned, as it will be arriving very soon!
