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Junk-mail, “Guts” Clock:
Using the directions from apartment therapy for wall clock made from junk mail, I edited it a bit to incorporate the guts of an old
wind-up clock on the face. The exposed clock parts are actually fascinating and add to the intrigue of of this unique maker project. It turned out to be a fun 1.5 hour evening project.
I simply used sheets of junk mail, mostly grocery ads and torn out pages from a national geographic magazine. I took apart an old Ikea clock for the clock mechanism, glass face and plastic ring. The whole thing came apart without any tools.
For my version of the clock you need:
- approximately 24-30 sheets of junk mail
- pen or pencil used for rolling guide (I used a long knitting needle)
- scissors
- tape (invisible works best)
- long needle (a yarn needle works best or even a crochet needle)
- embroidery floss, twine, or just anything string-like and durable.
- glass piece from the clock you dismantle
- a plastic ring about 2-3 inches in diameter to secure the back (salvage from clock)
- battery-operated clock mechanism with hands (reuse an old clock)
- Hot glue gun and sticks
Find the full instructions here.
Some changes I made to the apartment therapy version of Junkmail clock:
I modified the paper rolling instructions by using paper of varying lengths to add some variety. I also used the plastic ring from the clock face that I disassembled to glue to the back of the clock, keeping each paper roll from flopping forward once hung on the wall. The glass backing just behind the clock “guts” was from the clock face. Some hot glue was all that was needed to secure the clock guts to the glass and the plastic ring to the back of the clock.
On Black Friday we got creative instead of buying crap and trying to maneuver through
hoards of people. Here is what happened!
DIY project: Copper and wire clothes hanger for the studio.
Cost: $5 (materials only)
Time: 20 mins
Materials: 1 half-inch Copper tubing (about 2 feet), 2 half-inch copper elbows, 1 half-inch copper T joint, strong wire, codder pin (or you can use some other way to fasten), 2 long screws, 1 metal wall hook
Tools: Screw driver, Drill, drill bit, pipe cutter (the $8 ones work fine), pliers

The copper pieces before being assembled. The wire codder is in place.
1. For the long piece where the clothes will be hanging, cut a piece of copper tubing to length with a pipe cutter.
2. Cut two pieces of 2 inch long copper tubing for the supports.
(Optional: shine the copper pieces with steel wool)
3. Assemble with one T joint and two elbows.
4. Drill a hole through the end of the long piece for the wire
5. Screw large hook in the wall and measure about 10 or more inches down and screw two long screws in the wall for the copper “legs” to rest on. (The copper arms that rest on the wall will go over the screws)
6. Measure your wire from the hook to the end of the copper tube. Create a loop with one end for the wall hook and on the other end, slip the codder
through the hole in the copper tube, securing with pliers by bending the metal to fit the shape of the tube. (Optional: Solder the copper pieces together for extra strength and/or put an end cap on it for great looks.)
Give it a tug to make sure it will hold and you are ready to hang!
This is great for more hanging space, drying rack, etc. Put it up in your laundry room or closet. Once you have it put together, it can easily be taken down out of the way, just leave the hook and screws in place to put it back up again. Best of all it is 100% recyclable!







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