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The DIY Hipster: How to transform that old record into art

Learn how to make a fun clock. What else are you going to do with that worn-out copy of "The Sound of Music" soundtrack?

By Tiffany Reagan

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Published: Thursday, April 24, 2008

Updated: Wednesday, July 29, 2009

I do not remember who said "Don't count every hour in the day, make every hour in the day count," but what did that guy know? You will want to count every hour on your brand new record clock.

For the first installment of the DIY Hipster, you will learn how to take an old thrift store LP and transform it into a funky wall clock.

This project is a cheap and easy way to recycle junk and personalize your living space.

What You Need:

1 Record: $1

4 Guitar Picks: $ 0.10

1 Clock Mechanism: $6

Craft Glue: $2

Spray Paint: $0.99

First Step: Spray the guitar picks and clock hands at least an hour before you start the project. Make sure the items are completely dry or your clock might have unsightly finger smudges. Also, wipe the record clean with a paper towel or dry cloth before you begin crafting. Those things can get really dusty.

Second Step: Take the clock mechanism apart and place the battery pack on the backside of the record. Reconstruct the mechanism, placing the hour hand first, the minute hand second and the second hand on the top. Most mechanisms will fit perfectly in the record's hole but you may have to make some adjustments.

Third Step: Using craft glue, adhere the guitar picks to the record's surface in a cross pattern, creating markers for 12 o'clock, 3 o'clock, 6 o'clock and 9 o'clock. Let the picks dry for at least 10 minutes and it's ready for your wall. If it's a gift, slip it back into the record sleeve and you won't even have to wrap it.

Tips: Don't be afraid of a little creativity. Instead of guitar picks, try pop can tabs, bottle tops or nickels. You can also jazz up the clock hands by adding rhinestones, paper shapes or words. You can personalize the clock to fit anyone's style.

treagan@dailyemerald.com

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