How to make a cardboard clock

Take the time to learn and play with your own homemade cardboard clock! This step-by-step guide will have junior makers learning how to tell time in a tick.

What you'll need

• Scru-Driver Explore the range
• Fold-Roller Explore the range
• Safe-Saw Explore the range
• 2x Scru and 1x Scru+ Explore the range
• Roto-Ring Explore the range
• Upcycled cardboard

Instructions

Step 1

Start by making the face of your clock. You can use something round from around the home to trace a large circle - the kitchen is a great place to find this! There is sure to be a pot lid or dinner plate that is just the right size for your clock face.

Once you have traced the round shape, use your Fold-Roller to mark out the cutting line. For this clock, we are cutting only the top half of the circle, leaving the sides of the bottom half straight so that there is a stand to hold the clock face upright.

 

Step 2

Next, use your Safe-Saw to cut out the shape of your clock. Follow the dashed line created with your Fold-Roller, extending the shape downwards from halfway through the traced circle. The extension should be more than two times the height of your traced circle.

Step 3

To make the stand, use your Fold-Roller to score three horizontal lines at the square end, on the reverse side. Fold the bottom over to make a wedge shape at the back of your clock. Use your Scru-Driver and two Scrus to secure it in place.

Step 4

The two hands of the clock will each be attached with a Makedo Roto-Ring. This will enable them to rotate freely!

Use a fresh piece of cardboard that is large enough to cut out two clock hands from. First, press the Roto-Ring firmly so that an impression is made in the surface of the cardboard. Next, punch holes in a circle and then insert the handle of the Scru-Driver to make a hole that is just right for the Roto-Ring to fit snugly.

Tip: For a detailed guide on how to use the Roto-Ring click here.

Cut out the hour and minute hands. Roto-Rings are designed to fit together so that you can stack them for multiple moving parts. Start with the smaller hour hand, and then stack the longer minute hand behind. 

Step 5

Connect the assembled hands to your clock face using a single Scru+. 
First, punch a hole at the center of your clock face. Then insert the Scru+ into the top Roto-Ring, and fasten through both Roto-Rings to your clock face. The hands will each now spin freely.

Don't forget to decorate! You can write your clock’s numbers with a pen or marker, punch out the numbers with the pointy hole puncher at the back of your tools, or paint them on.

In a great idea from @our.joyful.home on Instagram, a little tape down the bottom creates a reusable space for dry erase markers, so that you can practice reading and writing the time using your clock!

 

Time to play!

Just like that, in no time at all, your cardboard clock is ready! 

The possibilities don't end here, either. The same design could make a compass, a speedometer for your cardboard car or a control panel on a rocket ship.

What will you create?