A few weeks back, our local arts materials exchange (MECCA) received several old, non-functioning clocks.  I went a bit crazy over them and bought almost every one.  There may have been some *polite* stalking of other interested customers but eventually they put them back on the shelf and I snatched them up!

I got one cuckoo clock and three wood, wall-mounted clocks.  The cuckoo clock was the classic dark brown but I’ve always felt that the brown doesn’t do cuckoo clock designs any favors.  I wanted to have fun with colors and make up the design as I went along.  While the clock doesn’t work, it sure is pretty to look at!

I particularly love the ombre effect on the pine cones and the sweet little birds.

I had an idea to turn the other clocks into table lamps.  I started with the clock that was just the wood case; all the clock parts were long gone.  It was a fun surprise to find that its original owners had written their name and date on the back!

I first removed the trim on the bottom and attached wood feet.  I also needed to make sure that the interior wouldn’t get too hot with the light bulbs running, so I drilled holes on the top of the wood case.

And, a pattern of smaller holes on the sides.  I drew the pattern on a piece of heavy paper and used that as a template for the drill.  I also located where the lamp socket would come out the back and drilled a hole for that as well.

Next came the fun part – paint!  I lined all the holes I drilled with gold pigment mixed with polycrylic.  To seal the distressed paint, I used a spray polycrylic.  Our local lamp shop hooked me up with a ceramic, double socket so that an Edison bulb shows out of each glass panel on the front.

I love the glow that the Edison bulbs cast, warm and not too bright.  The gold lines holes really shine when the lamp is on.