Here is a fun and pretty easy clock to make if you have a few tools, glue, and pendulum clock mechanism.

Step 1: Supplies

Pendulum clock mechanism (Amazon)

basswood, thin craft sheets (you can also use foam core)

bandsaw or coping saw

sandpaper

5" circular plaque

air dry clay or equivalent

drill

white primer

acrylic (brushes water etc...)

wood glue, pencil, paper, sharpie marker, scissor, AA battery

Step 2: Design the Clock

First, do a sketch of the clock you want to make. I chose to make a cat with a fish on his tail. Next draw the actual size body parts. Plan on using a base for the animal which also needs to be cut from the basswood. outline the body parts with a sharpie, then cut and place on the base piece to be sure of the size. note that the 5" plaque will become the belly of the beast and also the actual face of the clock.

Step 3: Transfer to Basswood

Using the body parts as templates trace them to the basswood (or foam core, then you would use an exacto blade to cut)

Cut your wood pieces I used a band saw however when I have done this activity with my younger kids they use a coping saw.

sand all edges and spray prime...You do not have to spray prime but I find it is easier to eventually paint.

Step 4: Drill Hole

line the circular plaque and the base piece carefully together and drill a hole through both pieces.

Step 5: Extra Features

I used air-dry clay to mold eyes etc. for my creatures.

Step 6: Paint the Clock

Paint and decorate all the body and clock parts (I decided my cat needed whiskers!) When dry glue all the pieces together (including clay pieces.) When gluing clock face to base be sure the hole lines up exactly. I used wood glue except for gluing the pendulum rod to the fish.