Tick Tock Transformation
June 19, 2009
It’s a strange thing. When I first started “thrifting” I was able to browse leisurely with just a few other patrons. Yet the other day, I couldn’t find a parking spot at the local Goodwill.
Perhaps this speaks to the state of our economy, or the opening of other’s eyes to the treasures that await at the local thrift. Better still, perhaps this is part of a growing movement to repurpose and revamp what already exists, without resorting to buying something new.
Despite the growing shoppers at the Goodwill, I did find a fabulous highboy dresser that I’ll be redoing for my entryway.
And I also found the TACKIEST oversized octagon clock for $10 with brass detailing and just had to give it a CG makeover.
Disclaimer: The final product may not be your favorite, or even your style, but the point is to “thrift outside the box”. Happy hunting, friends.
Here it is BEFORE in my garage:
And AFTER:
I spray painted it with our favorite, Rustoleum’s Heirloom White.
I carefully pried off the brass detailing with a screwdriver. Then I removed the leftover adhesive goo with a razor blade, and some “Goof Off”.
I dismantled the clock face, and painted the hands:
I used my Cricut machine to create new vinyl numbers for the face.
Here is the clock face before and after the new numbers:
And yes, this clock actually works !
I must tell you, it is nearly impossible to photograph mirrored decor, because in my case, it is always reflecting the mess in the background. And there tend to be many messes in the CG household. Well, I had made my bed, so I propped it up in my master, just to show you the detail. I have plans to hang it in my office opposite the window, when that space is complete.
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Finally, I have this wonderful gift assortment to giveaway from my visit to the Lavender Bee Farm, a $60 value. Basket not included. These all natural products include:
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Linen napkins with embroidered lavender detail
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Satin beaded sachet of fresh lavender buds
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Lavender hydrosol linen water
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Bee Bar (beeswax and olive oil) for elbows, heels and rough spots
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Tin of lavender & sea salt culinary blend
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Fresh sprigs of Provence lavender, cut this week
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One dozen lavender recipes, including salad dressings, desserts, and savory dishes
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Jar of all natural honey
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Sonoma County Farm Trails booklet
To be eligible, simply leave a kind comment ! The winner will be chosen by Random.org. Giveaway ends Sunday Jue 14th at 8 p.m. PST.
Happy Father’s Day Weekend !
Tags: mirror
I love visiting your blog. You inspire me to look beyond my own visions and think "outside" the box. I would have passed by the tacky mirrored clock, shuddering because my parents had one in the 70's. You have made it beautiful and functional.
Love the clock re-do, I just may need to steal that idea. Thanks for the chance on the giveaway, love me that lavender.
OOoooh! I am addicted to large clocks and this one is beautiful. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I win. :o)
It just goes to show that even the most hopeless looking item should be studied for possible redemption! I really didn't believe you would be able to transform that ugly thing into something so classy and beautiful. Good job!
I love your blog and the beautiful inspirations you create
thanks
Sabrina
What a great ideA
|!]
(my dog was so impressed he had to comment, too)
Seriously, I would have just passed by that clock without a second glance. My husband and I just finised a project that I'm really excited about – here's a b/a picture: http://twitpic.com/7kd2h
Beautiful transformation of that mirror…you are an inspiration!
What a great job on the clock…I'm not sure if I'd have seen that 'vision' in it…and oh, lavender…yummy. I could marinate in the stuff…oh wait, I do! Whenever possible!
Just found your blog recently. Love it. Love bees (and their products) and lavender, too.
Barbara
Hello Centstional girl! Don't even remember how I found your blog – u know how that is – but I'm lovin' it! Thanks for sharing all the inspiration!!
What a great idea! I'm pretty good with seeing something and thinking what else it could be. The problem comes in when I try to think how ;)
I have really enjoyed reading your blog and have been so inspired! After reading an idea here, I get almost desperate to get to the Goodwill to see what I can find – you take thrift store shopping to another level.
LOVE how you take "le gar-bajjjj" and turn it into treasure:-) -mmz
Kate,
I love your blog & i've recommended it to a few of my girl friends! Also, lavender is one of my favorite scents!
Keep up the great work I alway love your DIY's!
Wow, Awesome job on the clock. I would not have seen the possibility there. My Goodwill is overpriced on most things worth scooping up, every once in a while I find a treasure. Thanks for all your great tips!
WELL, i LOVE YOUR BLOG.. i LOVE THRIFTING TOO.. i FIND SO MANY COOL THINGS.. i LOVE THE TRANSFORMATIONS YOU MADE.. i THINK i AM LATE FOR THE GIVEAWAY BUT, THAT IS O.K.. i WILL RETURN.
The revamped clock is actually very cool. The pic in your master makes it look very chic with the chandelier reflected in it.
It just goes to show that with a little imagination almost anything can be improved:>) I just found your blog and love it! I may be here all night catching up.
Wow! This is such a great diy! Thanks for the step by step. I had to add you to our link luv roundup again :) Come take a peek:
http://www.luvinthemommyhood.com/2009/06/link-luv-roundup_24.html
I was sitting here wondering HOW in the world is she going to make over that clock??? No way will it look cute…but I was SOOOO wrong! I love it you did a great job. I have to start think outside the box….maybe if I keep reading your blog it will help me!
Wow. Way to modernize the mirror. Most people would have sent that to a corner to be yard saled but you pulled it off nicely