Funky Finds – Vinyl Records into Clocks!
Over the past few weeks, View Finders have been re purposing old and unused records to become colourful and funky clocks. By doing this, we are changing the original purpose of the product to make it more useful, as records are not used as often as they were in the past. Up cycling products prevents unused products from entering landfill, extends their life cycle and preserves the energy and resources used to make the product.
We used biodegradable cups to mix paints and reused the records that were being thrown out on the street. These paints were used to create a marble effect on the records before glitter and gloss was added to finish the look.
Here’s how you can make your own:
Step 1: You will need to collect a few old records that you don’t use anymore. Op Shops are a great place to look if you don’t have any at home!
Step 2: After you have your record, you need to paint it with a light layer of Gesso. This is needed to stiffen the surface and add a bit of texture.
Step 3: After painting the layer of Gesso, you have to wait for 24 hours for it to dry.
Step 4: After this you are ready to paint! Find some biodegradable cups that you can mix the paint in.
Step 5: Pick a paint colour. Fill your cup ⅓ liquid glue, ⅓ paint and ⅓ water. Repeat this for all the other colours you would like to use.
Step 6: Make sure to put a strip of tape under the clock and over the the hole in its centre to make sure paint doesn’t drip through!
Step 7: Once your paint has been mixed to your liking, put the record on top of the cup and then flip it over while holding both.
Step 8: Once flipped over, slowly remove the cup from the record and spread it across. The paint should easily spread across and have a galaxy-like effect. When the paint reaches the edges, collect it with the cup you used to mix your paint so you don’t waste anything. Feel free to add glitter or flick across another layer. Let your creative juices flow!
Step 9: Wait for 24 hours for the paint to dry.
Step 10: Once dried, spray the record with a gloss finish spray.
Step 11: You can now add electric clock parts and battery to make it a clock or leave it as it is. Then you can choose where to put it, enjoy!
