DIY A Vintage-Style Clock With The Help Of Your Old Vinyl Records

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When you're a giant music fan, you want to surround yourself with all the classics. In addition to listening to your favorite songs, incorporating vinyl into your décor can help transform a room into a music lover's escape. There's no better way to do so than with a vintage DIY clock featuring a beloved artist. Now, some enthusiasts may be screaming that they'd never dream of using one of their albums for a home project (which is understandable). But what you can do is put your scratched vinyl records to good use. If you have one you love that'll no longer play properly, give it a second life by turning it into a clock that can be displayed on the wall.

Another idea is to pick up a record from a thrift shop for this unique statement décor piece. While it's not easy to find a band you're passionate about when searching stores, you can use any old scratched record and have it be a nod to music in general. The next thing you're going to need is a clock movement kit, such as this DIY Wall Clock Movement Set for under $10. If you're making a clock out of a record that's not one of your favs, consider grabbing art supplies like colorful paint. Overall, to keep the project's price low, use one of your old records or a thrifted find. But if having a specific artist is important to you, check out a secondhand vinyl store.

The first thing to do is read the instructions on your clock kit. There are different kinds, so it's important to follow any specific directions your product might give. In general, you will push the mechanism through the record's hole, starting from the back. Secure it with the fasteners provided. If the mechanism is too big to fit through, make the hole in the record slightly bigger with a drill or pair of scissors (just be careful). Next, attach the clock hands to the piece. Add a battery, set the time, and proudly hang it on the wall. It would look great in a den, teen's bedroom, or anywhere in the home that needs some style, especially if the record is a classic.

This project can go in a different direction if you use a record from a musician you don't really care for. Before installing the clock kit, you could paint the record with a swirl of bright colors. Then, create numbers using a thin paintbrush. Let it dry completely before installing the kit and hanging it up. Keep in mind that if you're clock kit doesn't include an accessory for hanging, you can glue a picture hanger to the back of the record. Not only is this a very cool piece of home décor, but it would be the perfect gift for any music fan in your life. It's also an excellent way to make sure your scratched vintage records aren't just tucked away for good.