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GOOD EATS Clock Using Vintage Wood Type

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Here's the finished Good Eats clock ready to be hung at the restaurant. It measures about 9" x 12".

Here's a snap of the back and how I put it together.

Measuring the height for the clock mechanism.

Clock mechanism installed

Here's a little Briwax demo - here's the letter before I cleaned it up.

...and here it is after. No, I don't get paid to plug this stuff but have found it to be the best out there. It comes in different colors, but I just use the clear to bring out the colors in the wood.

Here's the finished Good Eats clock ready to be hung at the restaurant. It measures about 9" x 12".

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As many of you already know, I have a thing for (and quite a collection of) old wood type and use it in my projects wherever I can. A local restaurant asked me to assemblage them a wall clock and after much puttering around in my lab with nothing striking me, I decided to pull out the type and see what sort of design I might come up with.

I thought spelling out Good Eats would be cool (thanks Alton!) as the balance of four letter stacked on four letters made a nice background. I used some of my larger & chunky 4” type that in a previous life were used to print old carnival and fair posters. I made sure the patinas worked well together and then I Briwaxed each one so they would look all clean and shiny.

I then laid out the design then put it together using glue. Once it was dry, I cut up a yard stick to use for the structure and glued/screwed it on making sure to catch each letter. I could have used a plain piece of wood to do this but you know how us repurposers like to do things!

After it was all put together, I measured the height the clock mechanism needed to clear and chose to use a ¾” size. Once I determined exactly where I wanted the hole I used smaller to larger bit sizes and gradually drilled it to fit the mechanism. This is an important tip just like measuring twice and cutting once. You want to be kind to the wood and go slow.

I spray painted the originally gray hands red so they would really pop off the dark wood and put them on after they were nice and dry. Last step was to add some little stoppers I pulled off of a typewriter so the top and bottom would balance when hung on the wall.

As I've mentioned in previous posts, you can make a clock out of darn near anything... Have fun!

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Comments (14)

Lizaroo writes: I also love the old wooden letters, where do you find these? Anyone know of an online outlet for these or have some to sell?
Posted: 1:36 pm on January 15th

Antiqlover writes: Great ingenuity! I am always amazed at the things people share. Posted: 10:51 am on January 9th

writes: Thanks for all the WONDERFUL comments on the clock! I so appreciate it!!

Posted: 1:45 am on January 9th

shabbychick writes: Jenny - This is simply WONDERFUL! Love the patina of the letters and putting it all together with a yardstick - very cool! I'm sure it's hanging in a place of honor at your local eatery!

You've done it again!!! :)

Kathy Posted: 4:05 pm on January 6th

georgiamoon writes: Oh, this one hits ya where you live...In the KITCHEN! Yay. I adore this piece and I especially like how the first and last letters are the only ones to be backwards. Nice touch. You are so cool and I am sure you friends are going to treasure this for a lifetime. good, good, good girl! Geo Posted: 1:33 pm on January 6th

CottageElements writes: Jen, ditto on being a fav. Great piece (I wouldn't mind swipping it for my kitchen either).

Lani Posted: 5:22 pm on January 5th

1DesignChick writes: This is fabulous! I just love the old wood type. Gotta get me some. The red hands really complement the warm browns of the wood. Such an awesome piece! Where do you get the type w/o spending an arm and a leg? I've been bidding on ebay, but can't make myself pay what it goes for there. Or am I being cheap? Anyway... terrific clock! Posted: 1:16 am on January 5th

FunktionalJunk writes: I love the look of this! What I really like is how you used the yardstick to hold everything together! I've had that dilemma with some of the things I've made and wondered what I could use that wouldn't be too bulky on the back or cost as much as metal brackets. This is pure genious...thanks so much! Leah Posted: 12:36 am on January 5th

csudderth writes: This is a really neat project. It turned out great--bet they will love it. Thanks for the detailed instructions and pics so us copycats can make one of our own.
Christy Posted: 4:50 pm on January 4th

MimiToria writes: Jenny-
Just love this project. Like Sue, it may be my favorite.
So very unique and cool for the new home it is going to.
Welcome to Cottage Rose, and we'll look forward to your posts.
Gretchen Posted: 10:14 am on January 4th

Junk_Sophisticate writes: You can't go wrong with an Alton Brown inspiration! Love that guy! Awesome job as usual JennyK. Love the detailed instructions as well.

Candy Posted: 9:47 am on January 4th

writes: Thanks Sue! It was a ball to make - I had that "AH!" moment when the letter all came together. And yes, I thought a little more recent photo of myself would be good. :-)

And welcome Cottage Rose! Glad you're here!

JennyK Posted: 12:43 am on January 4th

suewhitney writes: Hi Jenny,

This is amazing...one of my all time favs! It will look fabulous in the restaurant or even better in my kitchen. Ha! BTW, it's nice to see your face!

Cottage Rose, welcome to the site. I hope you enjoy it! I'll be looking forward to your projects. Happy junking to you too!

Take care,
Sue Posted: 11:46 pm on January 3rd

CottageRose writes: Hi everyone!!! I am new to this site and I am very excited to see all the idea's that everyone has. I hope to be making my own pieces to share also. Happy Junking to all!!!!! Posted: 9:38 pm on January 3rd

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