In this blog post, I’ll walk you through the steps to make your very own owl clock, just like the one I created in the video below. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or just getting started, this project is a fun way to learn new techniques and add a charming piece to your home décor. Plus, you can find all the pre-cut elements to create your own owl clock in my shop— get them here or if you prefer the ready-made clock you can get it here! Let's get started.
Step 1: Preparing the Owl Clock Design
The first step is to prepare the owl clock design in a graphic program. I found a lovely owl image but noticed it was missing a hole for the clock mechanism. To fix this, I made a small correction and added the hole to ensure the clock can work properly.
Step 2: Painting the Plywood
Next, it’s time to paint the material. I used 5mm plywood for this project and chose black as the base colour to give the owl a sleek look. Feel free to choose a colour that suits your style. It’s best to paint the plywood before cutting to get an even coat without worrying about small edges later.
Step 3: Cutting the Owl Shape
Once the design is ready, load it into your cutting software. For this project, I used a laser cutter, but a CNC machine or any other cutter you have should work. If you're using thinner materials like balsa wood, a Cricut Maker can also be a great option. Cut out the main shape of the owl and ensure all the details are captured.
Step 4: Preparing the Background
The next step is to prepare the background that will be visible through the holes of the owl. I decided to go with a red matte vinyl to give the clock a vibrant pop of colour. You can experiment with different backgrounds to match your décor.
Step 5: Cutting the Vinyl Background
To cut the vinyl, I used a vinyl cutter. Load your background material into the machine and cut out the shape, making sure it fits perfectly behind the owl.
Step 6: Cutting the Wooden Support
Now, we need to create a wooden support for the background. This support will hold the vinyl in place behind the owl. Cut it out using the laser cutter, ensuring the size is just right to sit snugly behind the owl’s main body.
Step 7: Assembling the Background and Support
Once the support and vinyl background are ready, place the vinyl on the support, making sure everything aligns properly. Once you’re satisfied, glue the support to the back of the owl. This will secure the background in place, making it visible through the owl's cut-out details.
Step 8: Adding a Grey Belly and Hour Marks
I decided to add an extra element to the design—a grey belly for the owl that wasn't included in the original plan. This belly serves as a focal point for the clock face, where we attach red dots to indicate the main hours. It’s a fun, colourful addition that brings the owl to life.
Step 9: Attaching the Belly and Dots
Once the belly is cut and painted, attach it to the owl's main body. Then, carefully glue the red dots in place, marking the 12, 3, 6, and 9-hour positions to make the clock easy to read.
Step 10: Painting the Hands
Before putting the clock together, I decided to paint the clock's hands white to stand out against the dark background. You can choose a colour that works best for your design.
Step 11: Putting It All Together
Now it's time to assemble the clock. Insert the clock mechanism into the hole we added in Step 1, attach the painted hands, and you're almost done!
Step 12: Test and Admire!
Once everything is in place, test the clock to make sure it works properly. If all goes well, take a moment to admire your handiwork - your very own custom owl clock is complete!
