Ever wonder what to do with old books that no one wants to read? Save them from the landfill with this easy and clever DIY project that turns an old hardback book into a working clock!
I see lots of tattered books at yard sales and thrift stores. We’re not talking great literature or page-turning novels. These are books that no one wants to read anymore, like old textbooks, outdated encyclopedias and has-been hardbacks. These are books that are destined for the landfill, or the recycling bin, if they’re lucky.
I happen to think old books have a lot of character, and I love using them to create vignettes when I’m decorating.
But when it comes to new uses for old books, it’s fun to think beyond the stack…
And make something like this DIY book clock, an easy, low-cost upcycling project that takes no time at all.
It’s a perfect craft to do when you don’t have a lot of time on your hands! (I couldn’t resist the pun!)
And when you’re finished, you have a working clock that is functional with a lot of vintage charm.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Learn how to make this cute DIY clock using old books. Such a clever #upcycling project #oldbooks” quote=”Learn how to make this cute DIY clock using old books. Such a clever #upcycling project #oldbooks”]
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Supplies
- Hardback book
- Clock movement and clock hands
- Craft knife
- Pen
- Drill
Instructions
Open the book’s cover and trace around the clock movement.
Use a craft knife to trim a hole in the book to fit the clock movement. You may find it helpful to use a cutting board or cutting mat beneath the pages, so you don’t slice too deep in the book.
Continue slicing the through the pages the movement fits flush with the cover page.
Drill a hole in the book cover to accommodate the clock movement.
Close the book cover and finish assembling the clock movement, according to the manufacturer’s directions. If you like, add numbers to the clock with paint, stickers or found objects.
Or you can just leave the face blank as I did with my DIY book clock.
If you’re looking for more ideas for what to do with old books, check out these ideas for book page crafts, including a tutorial for how to make an adorable book page owl.
[clickToTweet tweet=”Great tutorials on making book page crafts & upcycling books here: #recycling #upcycling” quote=”Great tutorials on making book page crafts & upcycling books here: #recycling #upcycling”]
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