Hallowe'en in Wonderland Nonsense Clock #G45DarkSide

The challenge this month over at Graphic 45 is to create a project using a dark colour pallet. I did create another project, which I can't show off just yet, but I couldn't help but make another with the #G45DarkSide theme when Hallowe'en in Wonderland arrived in the mail.

I've used a chipboard Grandfather Clock 1:12 from gslcuts.com as the base. It measures just 7.5" tall but if you're not comfortable with that tiny scale, there is a larger 11" version available too.

I toyed with the idea of putting a working watch face in the top of the clock, but opted for an antique metal clock key with the stem chopped off, and an ornate metal key hole with the top and bottom loops snipped off to fit. There are some brass stamped metal brads there too. I've snuck a Tim Holtz clock key from my stash on the top.

The bottom area, where there would normally be the clockwork pendulum, all of the characters have jumped in and are doing their thing. The Queen is shouting, the Hatter is spouting nonsense, Rabbit is checking the time, and the Cheshire cat is smiling.

The bottom The little drawer at the bottom (which I have thoughtfully accidentally glued shut) has a brass pull and a little chippy accent from Hallowe'en in Wonderland.

A bit of glitter, fussy cutting and curls and my clock is done! And because Alice is all about nonsense, and what could make more sense than a clock that doesn't actually tell time and with a drawer that doesn't open?!

Want to make your own? Here's the bits and pieces list:

Hallowe'en in Wonderland Deluxe Collectors Edition
Grandfather Clock 1:12
Antique Metal Clock Keys

Ornate Metal Key Holes
Brass Stamped Metal Brads

Tim Holtz Clock Key
Brass Drawer Pull
Glue
Acrylic Paint
Glitter

A Timeless Grandfather Clock

This month for gslcuts.com I've created a 'timeless clock' with Gypsy Soul's Grandfather Clock.

I've used a pretty floral scrapbook paper to cover my clock. Just one sheet will do the trick. The little drawer at the bottom, and interior of the clock, have been lined with a page from an old, discarded book.

The top section of the clock does not contain a time piece (although you certainly could add one), instead being home to a nest of little eggs.

The top has been decorated with moss, flowers, an acorn and some wee mushrooms.

Inside, a butterfly garden, with moss, paper roses and pretty flying things.

This particular clock measures 11" tall. It's a nice with a goodly amount of space to play with inside for creating a little scene or diorama.

If you're interested in making your own, I have a video of the construction of this piece HERE.

And here is your supply list:

Grandfather Clock 11 Inch
(psst, there is also a smaller 1:12 scale version)

Sheet moss
Floral scrapbook paper
Paper Roses
Plastic Eggs
Flat back pearls
Twig Vine Garland
Red Mushrooms on Wires
English Fairy Garden Collage Sheet
Mini Floral Dresden Borders - Antique Gold
Narrow Gold Fleur Dresden Borders*

Pronged Metal Handles*

Miniature Weasley Burrow Clock

I have a thing for clocks. There are clocks scattered all over the Pixie house. I even have a cuckcoo clock hanging above my work table in my studio. Not a single timepiece in this home tells the correct time.

So, I was excited to learn that 'clocks' were the theme at AlphaStamps this month and as soon as I learned that grandfather clocks were on the menu I knew I needed a Weasley Burrow Clock.

I chose not to paper the clock, but rather cover it in wood filler and gesso. I applied each, layer by layer, allowing it to dry and sanding before the next application. Two healthy layers of each, and a little touch ups to cover the chipboard joints, seemed to do the trick.

The piece is covered with acrylic paint, metal embellishments added, and then washes of earth tones give it some age and grime.

Inside I've placed a Glass Tube Pendant and filled it with magical time glitter. (I said it, so it's a thing, right?)

I've only used three spoons as the hands on the face. (It really should be 9 golden hands if you want absolute authenticity.) Any more seems to get a bit thick where they overlap. If you wanted to add more, I would suggest cutting the handles and placing them 'just-so' to circumvent the issue of over thickness.

For the clock face and Weasley family pictures, I just did a quick google search.

There is a drawer that fits into that bottom area of the clock. After applying so many layers of filler and gesso it becomes a bit of a tight fit. I like the idea of the Weasley's tucking things into every available space so I've used this area for storage. Paper scrolls, Half Scale Wine Bottles that look just like little potion vials, Pumpkin Pods and a Mini Black Cauldron are all crammed into that little space.

And although he's a rotter, I've painted a Tiny Metal Mouse to look like 'Scabbers'. After all, I'm pretty sure he would have kept a close eye on where the family was at all times.

I realize that there are variations of the clock (Mrs. Weasley is said to carry it around the house with her) but I have always thought of it as a grandfather clock as it is in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. 

Even if it ain't 100% accurate, I'm pretty darned pleased with my little burrow clock.

Here's everything in one place

And bit by bit:

Grandfather Clock 1:12 Scale

Tiny Metal Mouse
Glass Tube Pendant
Brass Flower Charms*
Bronze Branch Connectors
Half Scale Green Wine Bottle
Half Scale Red Wine Bottle
Mini Black Cauldron
Pumpkin Pods
Silver-Plated Teacup, Teapot, Spoon
Tiny Dot Dresden Borders - Black*
Victorian Drop or Handle - Raw Brass