Grate accent

decorating step-by-step

Even those who don't cook can appreciate this clever clock.

Looking for a great way to pass the hours? Birmingham artist Jason Burnett uses his spare time to make it-literally. He incorporates storebought clock movements and a bit of creativity to turn mundane objects into terrific timepieces. "I love transforming everyday objects into something unexpected," he says.

Jason suggests looking to your own kitchen for inspiration. You can cook up a unique clock with utensils, strainers, pots, and pans. Here, he turned a stainless steel grater into a clock. Follow the steps to create your own.

Step 1: Insert clock movement shaft through clean-out cover and grater hole to make sure of fit. (Tip: You may need to enlarge grater hole by drilling it.)

Step 2: Place movement shaft through a center hole in the grater, and then add the clean-out cover. Affix with washer and nut (included with movement).

Step 3: Attach clock hands according to manufacturer's instructions. (Instead of using those included with the kit, the hands pictured above were ordered from www.clockparts.com.)

Step 4: Glue hour markers (we used

four typewriter keys to mark the quarter hours) to magnets. Allow to dry according to manufacturer's instructions, and apply magnets to clock face. (Tip: The simplest way to be sure you get the elements properly placed is to set your clock to 12. Turn the minute hand once around the face, and add a magnet where the hour hand points. Repeat until all the elements are in place.)

Step 5: Turn the minute hand clockwise to 12 before setting your clock for the first time. Hold the minute hand in place, and gently turn the hour hand to 12. (This is the only time you should turn the hour hand.) Insert battery, and set clock.

For additional decorating ideas, including more on how to make clever kitchen clocks, see the fall issue of Decorating Step-by-Step, available on newsstands in late August.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Jul 2002
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