Country Kitchen Clock

Turn those old vinyl records that are just gathering dust in your basement into something new and usable. By using simple decoupage techniques, you can turn them into wall-mountable clocks that are great for classic country kitchen decor. This Country Kitchen Clock is decorated with colorful napkins, making it perfect for a country-themed kitchen or an early fall decoration.

Materials:

One old 12“ long play vinyl record
Napkins with suitable pictures printed on them ~ for this project, napkins with apples and the word “Province” were used
Clockwork, with fitting clock hands
Set of plastic numbers for the clock’s face
One portrait hook
White water-based primer
Mod Podge
Water-based varnish
Acrylic paint in the following two colors: flesh and old gold
10/32” paint brush
Hairdryer
Pencil
Pair of standard scissors
Few sheets of old newspapers to protect the working area
Sponge ~ use one that was inside a medicine bottle
Strong bonding glue

Instructions:

With a slightly wet brush, paint a thin layer of the white water-based primer over the one side of the record and dry it thoroughly with the hairdryer. Do not use the highest heat setting on the hairdryer.
Clean the brush, and then paint a thin layer of flesh-colored acrylics over the same side of the record. Dry with the hairdryer.
Cut out the different sections from the napkins and decide how they will be arranged on the record. Making a collage, where the different cutouts overlap with one another and placing them on different levels, creates a more interesting end result.
Remove the bottom layers from all the napkin cutouts.
Put the first cutout in place and paint a substantial amount of Mod Podge over the top of the cutout, so that it will stick to the record. As the napkin can stretch or tear easily, it is best to start painting from the middle of the cutout towards the sides, and working in small triangles. The Mod Podge must only be applied to the top, and must not run underneath the cutout.
Use the hairdryer to dry the cutout.
Repeat steps 5-6 with all the other cutouts, until the collage has been completed. Turn the record around and cut of any pieces of napkin that may protrude over the edge of the record.
Using the sponge, give the record a wash with the old gold acrylic paint. Remember not to use too much paint when using a sponge, as this will cause the paint to smudge. Remove excess paint by dabbing it onto a sheet of newspaper before applying the sponge.
With the brush, paint a thin layer of Modge Podge over the record. The Modge Podge will protect the pictures and give the product a smoother finish. When applying the first layer of Modge Podge, be careful not to lift the cutouts at the edges when brushing over them with the paint brush.
Dry the record with the hairdryer.
Repeat steps 9-10 ~ you need to apply at least 5 coats of Modge Podge, but remember that with every layer, the direction in which the Modge Podge is applied, must be changed from horizontal to vertical to horizontal, etc. Also, remember that after every layer of Modge Podge, the placemat must first be dried thoroughly with the hairdryer.
Add a layer of water-based varnish to the record and dry thoroughly with the hairdryer.
Using strong bonding glue, glue the numbers in position.
Fit the clockwork, but do not yet add the clock hands.
Using strong bonding glue again, glue the portrait hook in position on the back of the clockwork and wait for it to dry thoroughly.
Fit the clock hands.

Tip: Napkin decoupage is a more delicate and advanced version of the art of decoupage. It is recommended that you only try napkin decoupage once you have had some experience of decoupage techniques.