Are a fan of the oversized wall clock that is actually a clock face in the Fixer Upper home of Chip and Joanna Gaines? I am. I love it and came up with a way to make my own large farmhouse wall clock to resemble it.
If you have followed me for a while, then you know one of my favorite things to decorate my home with are white faced clocks with black Roman numerals. Something about them just makes me happy. I have a kitchen wall clock, a sideboard clock, alarm clock, watches, art work, free printables of clock faces and more all around my house. I will never have enough.
I have always wanted an oversized one for the wall in my living room. I looked into mass-merchandised clocks and handmade oversize farmhouse clocks on Etsy, but they were all too small or didn’t have the appeal I sought. About two years ago, I bought a cut-out metal Roman numeral clock at Kirkland’s. I liked it and you have seen it in many posts of my living room, but I never loved it since it didn’t have a classic face.
How to Make a Large Fixer Upper Style Wall Clock
How to Make a Large Fixer Upper Style Wall ClockBack in the summer, when I was paging through an issue of The Magnolia Journal, I came across this image of a room in Chip and Joanna’s home.
Seeing a photo of the large clock that I had previously only glimpsed on the TV show Fixer Upper made my creative brain go into overdrive. I finally got an idea that I knew would work since the photo of the clock was taken straight on.
From my days of working in retail display where we had to make enticing store displays using only what was available in the store’s prop room, I knew I could use an inexpensive overhead projector to create my own oversized farmhouse clock just like Chip and Joanna have, using the image from the magazine.
This simple tracing projector allowed me to trace and draw the exact image onto a 48″ diameter circle that I cut out of plywood.
Here is my result!!! I LOVE it!
It may not be perfect, but that is OK since it is supposed to resemble an antique farmhouse oversized clock that may have a few dings, dents and rough spots. All last night I sat in a chair across from the clock and just enjoyed it and the fact that I was able to make it myself.
Placing items in our homes that bring us joy is what successful decorating is all about. Sometimes it is not about getting the right color scheme or staying on trend, but simply adding items that make you smile is the best way to decorate a home.
How to Make a Large Fixer Upper Inspired Wall Clock
If you have the tools and the woodworking skills, you could make a clock bigger that 48″ by joining wood together. I don’t have either, but I do have jigsaw skills, so I opted to use the largest piece of plywood available at the home improvement store to make my clock. I also didn’t want the clock to be heavy and thick.
I wanted it to be thin to resemble Chip and Joanna’s metal clock face. So I used 1/4″ plywood. Making it lightweight also made it easier to handle and hang.
After I cut the plywood into a circle, the finished diameter of my clock is 48″.
For the clock hands, I took them from the previous clock I had on the wall. The minute hand is 17. 75″ long. The hour hand is 10″ long. I have a resource in the supply list to buy these.
supplies needed:
- Download the free printable clock face: Fixer Upper Clock Face or another option: Classic Clock Face
- 1 half sheet of 1/4″ thick plywood – make sure it has one good side with no knots in the wood.
- 1″ x 4″ – cut into 4 – 28″ long pieces
- Liquid Nails
- String, twine or thin craft wire
- Pencil
- Sharpie Markers – Medium tip
- Thumb tack or push-pin
- Scissors
- Jigsaw and blade
- White chalk paint
- Black chalk paint
- Paint roller
- Small tipped fine art paint brushes
- Sandpaper and sanding block
- See through straightedge ruler
- Measuring tape
- 1/4″ drill bit and drill
- Clock mechanism and 15″ long minute hand for a smaller clock or 17.75 long minute hand for 48″ diameter clock
- Small Art Projector
How to Cut The Plywood Board into a Circle
- Find and mark the center of plywood. Place a push pin into the mark.
- Tie a piece of string or wire around push pin and bring string/wire out to the end of the plywood. Tie end of string/wire around pencil secure with tape.
- Hold the pencil straight up and down and pull string/wire taut. Slowly draw a circle around the plywood. Note: Pencil must stay straight up and down, don’t angle it as that may make your circle bigger or smaller on one side.
- Trace pencil line with marker.
5. Use a jigsaw with a Smooth blade to cut the plywood.
6. After plywood is cut, sand all the cut edges smooth with 100 grit sandpaper, followed by 220 grit.
How to Paint Cut Circle
- I set up a table in my foyer to paint the plywood circle and add wood support behind it. I rolled on three light coats of chalk paint, but you can use any paint you like. Let dry.
2. Attach 4 wood supports to the back using Liquid Nails. Let dry. My wood supports were 32″, but they can be made smaller. They are needed so the thin plywood will not warp over time.
3. Mark the top board “TOP” and drill a hole in the center of it. This will be where the nail will go to hang the clock.
How to Enlarge and Trace Clock Face Numbers
- Print out free printable of clock face in supply list. Print to 4″ x 4″. Cut out image from paper and tape to the opening on the underside of the projector.
2. Hang the clock on the wall using a wood screw into the wall. Place the hole you made in the back over the screw. Make sure the clock is hanging right, adjust if needed.
3. Turn out lights in room and place projector at a distance so the image fills the circle. Make sure the minute notches come right to the edge all around.
The projector has a focus ring, play around with it to get the sharpest image.
I used a table, stool and a few books to get the projector to the height I needed it.
4. Once you have the image centered on the plywood circle, use a pencil to trace the numbers and minute notches. (If using the Fixer Upper clock image, you will see lots of rust spots since their clock face is metal. Just ignore these unless you want to paint rust spots on your clock.
If you look closely, you will see the pencil lines.
Remove clock from wall.
How to Paint Numbers and Other Markings on Oversized Wall Clock
- Place clock on work surface to paint the numbers and minute marks. I used my kitchen table.
- Use a see-through ruler and a Sharpie pointed marker to outline the pencil lines. (You can see I penciled in the rust marks, but decided I didn’t want to add them once I saw how much I liked the clock without them. I erased them with a magic eraser and some water and baking soda.)
3. Use a fine-tipped artist’s paint brush to fill in the outer section of each number and minute mark. Use a 1/2″ wide flat artist brush to fill the inner areas.
4. When painting the minute marks, don’t stop at the edge of the circle, bring the mark over the edge. It looks more finished this way.
5. Touch up if needed after first coat is dry. Let paint dry overnight.
6. Apply a thin layer of clear paste wax evenly over the entire surface using a lint-free soft cloth.
Do not use Briwax, it will remove the paint. I like to use clear wax made by Annie Sloan, Fiddes and Sons, or Magnolia Home. Then with another clean lint-free soft cloth, buff the surface using smooth circular motions until the cloth slips right over the surface and you start to see a subtle sheen. You may have to give it some elbow grease to get the sheen.
7. Turn clock over and place the clock mechanism on. Use hot glue or a little bit of Liquid Nails to attach it. Make sure it is parallel with the TOP wood support.
8. It will look like this.
9. Turn clock over and place the clock hands on. They will fit into grooves on the screw section that comes out to the front of the clock.
10 Hang the clock back on the wall.
I started making the clock back in the fall and worked on it a step at a time as I was busy doing other things, but it could be made in a few days. Letting the paint dry is what takes the longest.
It was worth the effort since I now have exactly the type of oversized wall clock I have wanted for so long. :-)
I tried to write this tutorial with as much detail as possible, but if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comment section.
Now that the clock is done, I started another project using the inexpensive art projector where no wood working is required. I can’t wait to show you… it is coming soon, so stayed tuned.
Sharing this DIY large oversized farmhouse clock project with Skip to My Lou
Janae says
Would you make mine if I paid you? Lol… seriously.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Janae – I wish I could make one for you, but there is simply not enough time to be able to blog and make things to sell. :-)
Cayla says
This is the EXACT diy I have been searching for! I will also be using plywood. How much would you say the clock weighs approx? I am concerned about it being super heavy when hanging. Also, I do not have a projector but was thinking of using a cutting machine and vinyl stencils for the Roman numerals. Would you mind sharing the approximate height in inches that the numerals are? I am super excited!
Diane Henkler says
Hi Cayla –
I am so happy you found what you were looking for. It is music to a bloggers ears. :-)
I am not sure exactly how much the clock weighs – maybe around 10 pounds. It is large, but I can pick it up to hang it on the wall. It is hanging from two large screws mounted in studs. The Roman numerals are 9 – 1/4″ high. Using vinyl would be a great way to add the numbers. When you finish, please share a photo with me and I will add it to my post to show others how you can make many different ways.
Sharon H says
Absolutely love it!l
I want to clone your brain, Diane! Lol looking forward to seeing the next projector project.
Rebecca says
I love your blog. You are one of the first blogs I followed. However, all of a sudden I’m getting everyone’s comments. It started with this post.
I don’t think I selected that option and I’ve tried to figure out to change it but I can’t. I prefer to follow comments on my own.
Can you help?
Thanks.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Rebecca –
Sorry that you were getting the comments. I was having issues with the comment system, but it is fixed now. You shouldn’t get anymore, only replies from me to your comment.
Teresa A says
You’re a genius!
Kim says
You just saved me SO MUCH time! I sat down to Google clock faces and decided to look at email instead and there you were with your clock tutorial. I have a small round table that I want to paint a clock face on. I was dreading figuring out how to get it the right size and you saved the day again with your little projector. Today was my day, thanks to you!!! Your clock is beautiful just like everything else you do.
Diane Henkler says
Hi Kim –
I LOVE clock tables. When I was painting my clock, I placed it over my round kitchen table to make it easy for me to sit and paint the numbers on. My clock was the same size as the table and when I stood back to look at the finished clock still on the table, I was seriously thinking to make a clock face on my round kitchen table. It looked really good! Please send me a photo of your table when you are finished. I would love to see it.
Cindy N. says
It’s AWESOME! Great job!
Tracy says
You are singing my song, Diane ♥ I, too, have a soft spot for clocks. Your over-sized creation turned out incredible! I am so thankful you made a tutorial for it!! How exciting. I’ll need to overcome my fear of power tools because my husband will say, “Cut out a circle for another clock”? Ü Yes, Dear….Diane said so ♥ Thanks for sharing!!
Shelley says
Great project. Thanks for sharing.
Marsha says
It looks amazing. You made it look so easy to do.
Vicki V says
You have the best projects and they are always executed flawlessly!
Rebecca says
This is just great. I had a friend who made her own as well but she used pallet boards and it’s so heavy. I hate to hang heavy things on my wall. I like the idea of using a thinner plywoon. I might try it but smaller and only a “mock” clock. Oh, my I rhymed! But you know what I mean. I’ll just paint the hands on. Looks wonderful in your room.
Erin says
Exceptional! The clock looks great on your sofa wall.
Love the new blog format?
Barbara Warner says
You did a fantastic job on your over-sized clock. I love it. You must have the patience of a saint! That is a huge focal point in your room – in a good way.
I love your purple plaid stool cushion covers, too!
Dianne says
You are so dang creative and original. That’s what I love about you, you don’t follow the predictable crowd. So many ideas in my head to use a projector like this!!!!
Thank you
Larain says
WOW, just goes to show” when in doubt, do it yourself”. I also love that show I.e. “Fixer Upper”. Unfortunately, the magazine is not available here, and sometimes they repeat the same show over and over.
Great looking clock, and I will look in the Cupboard for my racer machine. Here’s hoping I return LOL.
Nancy McHale says
Diane!!! It looks amazing!!! It fabulous in you Living Room!!
You are so talented!!!
Sharon says
You are so incredibly creative! What a fabulous project! I love all things Joanna Gaines so this is fabulous. Please come up with some more ideas from her shows. ? As always, I can’t wait to see what you come up with next! Your instructions are perfect.
Amy Bohner says
Ahhh, the overhead projector trick. Teachers also used it to decorate their classrooms. This projector is so much smaller and easier to handle. I may have to invest in one for old times sake!
Love the clock, too!
Jeanne says
I love thus! Once again I thank you for the inspiration. Like you I’ve been on the lookout for a large clock face but I’m too cheap for many that I find. Unlike you though I prefer not to have Roman numerals. It seems that when I find a deal that I like that the face has Roman numerals. Now all I have to do is find a clock face that I like without Roman numerals. Thanks once again for the inspiration. I’ve used projectors for wall murals before and for Christmas figures for my yard, but somehow never thought of this.
marlene fanucchi says
wow and i just paid 134 dollars for a 30 inch clock like yours.
Joy says
Oh my gosh. I have a spot for a huge clock and have looked for a few years to find an affordable option. I am going to try this. Thank you so much!
Laraine Larkin says
I absolutely love it! It is so cute.
Cathy L CLARK says
This clock is GORGEOUS!!! You did an amazing job & great, easily understood tutorial! Thank You!!!
Rhonda Steelman says
Oh my, what a statement piece. I love your ideas!
Cate says
OMGosh, I LOVE IT Diane! It looks fabulous! I have a very large metal clock for outside but am going to use it inside instead. It needs a new mechanism so I’m going to try to replace it myself before taking the whole heavy thing to the clock shop. Your project has inspired me once again. Thanks!
Rosie Fyffe says
Such a clever woman, after “me own heart”! Dang, I wish we were friends, every day would be full of ideas but I must admit that you are much better at executing them. Looks fantastic!
Alison says
Very cool project!
Lynn W says
Great project…..and what a result!! Love the look and it’s functional ?
Annette Clipman says
Absolutely beautiful!! You are so resourceful and talented. Thank you for sharing!!
Kathryn Rhyne says
Wow, that’s a big project. Good job, it looks fantastic!
Francy says
Brilliant! Looks fabulous!!!
Christine Reilly says
I absolutely LOVE it!! Btw, I giggled when i saw how tiny the clock mechanism looked in relation to the clock itself. Thanks for another great project idea Diane!!