Make a Clock from a DVD

Who doesn't have old DVDs lying around? Well here’s is a spectacular upcycle use for them! Ends up they are perfect for turning into mini clocks. Just grab an inexpensive clock mechanism and DOWNLOAD OUR 12 FREE CLOCK FACE PATTERNS provided.

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Here’s another perfect use for those old  DVDs and CDs!  They make great little clocks!  All you need is a small clock mechanism which you can get at most stores that have a craft area. Or use one from an old clock you have lying around! I bought mine for $2.95 on Amazon.  We’ve also got 12 FREE CLOCK FACES to download below and choose from.  And if it’s more DVD/CD upcycles your looking for we’ve got em! blank630x20

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Supplies

  • CD or DVD
  • Printed clock face (FREE DOWNLOAD BELOW)
  • Small clock mechanism. I used this one.
  • Spray adhesive or glue to glue clock face onto cd.
  • Mod Podge for sealing (optional)
  • Clear Spray (fixing agent so the ink won’t run if you use Mod Podge”

Other Clock Mechanisms that might work according to the details, though I’ve not used these personally. Double check things before purchasing.

Clock #1       Clock #2       Clock #3       Clock #4       Clock #5

 

NOTE ON CLOCK MECHANISMS: If your purchase your own you must check to make sure it will fit your CD and that the hands are the right size. Clock mechanisms come in a huge variety of sizes and only a certain size will work for your CD clock.  The largest hand can generally not be longer than 2 1/4″ (Seconds hands tend to be really long and you can opt to leave that hand off if you like.) Also, the thread sections come in different lengths and will stick out in front of your CD because it is so think. I didn’t find that to be a huge problem. I generally painted the threads to match if needed. blank630x20

Download

Download a pdf of free printable clock faces.  These should fit standard DVDs or CDs though there may be slight variances. Who doesn't have old DVDs lying around? Well here’s is a spectacular upcycle use for them! Ends up they are perfect for turning into mini clocks. Just grab an inexpensive clock mechanism and DOWNLOAD OUR 12 FREE CLOCK FACE PATTERNS provided.

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How to Print

Some printers will adjust a pdf to ‘fit to page”.  If yours does that your clock face might be a tiny bit too small, showing a sliver of the CD around the edge. To correct this, when you go to print your sheet change the printer settings as shown. (Yours will look different but you should still have this setting.) Another option is the spray paint the front of your CD or DVD so that if the edge does show it doesn’t matter. It will just have a nice border. P.S. It’s a good idea to print a fast “draft” quality of your template to make sure it will fit correctly. That way you don’t waste ink.

Who doesn't have old DVDs lying around? Well here’s is a spectacular upcycle use for them! Ends up they are perfect for turning into mini clocks. Just grab an inexpensive clock mechanism and DOWNLOAD OUR 12 FREE CLOCK FACE PATTERNS provided.

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Visual Instructions : Make a Clock from a DVD

Gather your supplies.  Who doesn't have old DVDs lying around? Well here’s is a spectacular upcycle use for them! Ends up they are perfect for turning into mini clocks. Just grab an inexpensive clock mechanism and DOWNLOAD OUR 12 FREE CLOCK FACE PATTERNS provided. blank630x20

Glue your clock face onto the CD or DVD. For an extra nice coating you can put a layer of Mod Podge on the face of the clock but we suggest before doing so that you give it a light coat with a clear spray to make sure the ink does not run. After it dries mark the exact center of it where you will insert the mechanism. DIY CD DVD Clocks 2blank630x20

Punch a small hole where you marked it. DIY CD DVD Clocks 3blank630x20

Carefully insert the clock mechanism into the hole.DIY CD DVD Clocks 4blank630x20

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Attach the hands onto the front  following the directions on the clock package.  Also, depending on the mechanism they can have a small place to hang them up or you can put them on a small easel. Get a small easel pattern or ideas here.Who doesn't have old DVDs lying around? Well here’s is a spectacular upcycle use for them! Ends up they are perfect for turning into mini clocks. Just grab an inexpensive clock mechanism and DOWNLOAD OUR 12 FREE CLOCK FACE PATTERNS provided. blank630x20Who doesn't have old DVDs lying around? Well here’s is a spectacular upcycle use for them! Ends up they are perfect for turning into mini clocks. Just grab an inexpensive clock mechanism and DOWNLOAD OUR 12 FREE CLOCK FACE PATTERNS provided.

32 Comments

  1. Very creative idea. Looks like a lot of fun to build. I am going to build a few with my grandchildren . I have a question. What do you cover the center hole with. It looks like a piece of round plastic. I am not sure how to secure the clock mechanism to the CD. The regular hole is too large. Thank you for sharing your wonderful ideas.

    Reply
  2. BJ Sagmoe

    Hi Nancy…
    Thank you so much for your instructions. I love these precious little clocks! I made 6 of these for Christmas gifts, 2 years ago and now am in need of another one this year.

    Reply
  3. Beverly Phelps

    This is my first time visiting your blog, and I am very impressed. I signed up for your newsletter. Thank you so much for the lovely clock face printables. This is such a great idea! I have looked at quite a few and could not figure out how to make them print at the right size for a CD, so this is just perfect Going to make one and will let you know how it goes!

    Reply
  4. stephanie

    just came across your lovely CD clocks and i would like to make one. What’s stumping me is use clear spray so the ink doesn’t run. What exactly is clear spray and did you use plain paper or photo paper to print the template. Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Therona

      Hello. I want to paint cd and make them into clocks. How do I know if the diameter of the clock’s shaft is the right size for the cd? Do they come in standard sizes?

      Reply
  5. Cheryl

    Our Garden Club is thinking about making these as small sale items for our annual sale. Do you know if the clock templates are copyright free? Did you get them from the web and if so, do you remember the web site so that I could check the copyright?
    Also, on the Easel Pattern page, there are downloadable quotes that can be put on the easels. Do you know if those are copyright free? It’s difficult to find this information, and if you have a sale (even if it is a fundraiser for a nonprofit group), you still have to be careful.
    Thanks for your help. This craft idea is really attractive!

    Reply
  6. Sandra

    Well Nancy I am from New Zealand and I know the CD/DVD size is 4 1/2″ in diameter is the same for USA or wherever you are I bought my clock parts which look the same size in your photo @ gather your supplies but the parts change size most noticeably by the end product. I was very disappointed to be led astray A great idea to use up the CD

    Reply
    1. Nancy Author

      Hi Sanda! I’m so sorry if yours didn’t turn out as you would have liked. I was a little confused by “the parts change size most noticeably by the end of the product.” The clock mechanisms come in a HUGE variety of sizes so you would have to be very careful to get the correct size for sure. I linked to the exact one I purchased so people would be sure to get the right one. Again I’m sorry if something wasn’t clear enough.

      Reply
  7. Cathy

    These are awesome! Thanks for sharing your post at the Happiness Is Homemade Link Party! Your post will be featured this week! Can’t wait to see what you share this week!

    Reply
  8. Judi Johnson

    Oops didn’t get a chance to finish my sentence. I really love the cd-dvd clock and the free faces. Thank you and I am now a subscriber and look forward to your future ideas. I am so glad I clicked.

    Reply
    1. Nancy Author

      I’m so thrilled you found some things you like Judi! I try to do a unique craft among other things, every week! I post on Tue, Wed and Thur then Thurs night the newsletter goes out listing all the posts for the week. Thanks so much for subscribing. I hope you enjoy your stay!

      Reply
  9. Hello, Just wanted to say I really think your crafts- ideas are so clever! I especially love the C. D. clocks which I plan on making for a few friends in our retirement community for little Xmas gifts & also I’ve all ready saved up four of the cardboard rolls to make my DIY bracelet stands, looks like a lot of fun, thanks for sharing your ideas with us.
    Best regards, Cindy

    Reply
  10. Oh my, oh my, OH MY! I absolutely LOVE this idea! After I finish adding a flair to my folding chairs, I’m going to make a couple of these. They would be great Christmas or birthday gifts. You guys are so creative! I’m jealous.

    Please share this idea at my Grandma Ideas Sharing Time link party before it closes tonight at midnight Mountain Daylight Time. I would deeply appreciate it! http://grandmaideas.com

    All the best,
    Nina

    Reply
  11. Today I received my first email from you. I must tell you right away, I love your thoughts and ideas !
    Thank you for your creativity and your site. I feel I should always let someone know when things are a positive note.
    will be looking forward to more things to come.
    thanks alot Ann

    Reply
    1. Nancy Author

      Thank you so much Ann for that thoughtful and kind comment. I so appreciate you taking the time to write. My goal with this site is to inspire in positive ways so it sure means a lot to hear when that happens. This was a great way to start my day! Have a wonderful weekend!

      Nancy Ü

      PS I copied this and sent it to my husband Roy and he does a lot of behind the scenes stuff.

      Reply

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