DIY Button Clock

I found a tutorial online at Epheriell Designs for making a button clock with a embroidery hoop, and I worked on it yesterday.  I like the way it came out, and I think it fits in perfectly in the sewing room.  I used a khaki linen color, which I was a little unsure about at first on the grey walls, but as I studied the room, I have a lot of khaki and taupe in the room, so it actually fits in well. 
First, I folded my fabric into a square and marked the center and the 12, 3, 6, and 9 o'clock positions.  I laid out the buttons and marked a dot where each one would go.

The dot for the clock mechanism doesn't look quite in the middle,
but don't worry--it is!!

Then I sewed all the buttons on.  I coordinated the threads to the buttons, which meant I threaded the needle about 10 different times!! (And that's when I'm feeling old...it's hard to see that little eye!!)

All the buttons are sewn on and I'm ready to work on the back.

First, I traced the circle on the inside with a pencil:

This way, I'd be sure to get the placement correct after I take it apart to iron it.  Then I took the fabric out and traced a circle on a lightweight piece of chipboard.  This gives stability to the clock mechanism and, I found out, also keeps the fabric from sagging in the embroidery hoop. 

I used spray adhesive to fix the cardboard onto the fabric, and then I put it back into the hoop.

I have learned to use a tarp or piece of scrap fabric as a backing on whatever I'm gluing.  That spray adhesive goes everywhere!!

So here it is--I pressed the fabric, glued the cardboard onto the back, and reset it into the hoop.  I cut the fabric to about 1 1/2 inches around and just stuck the unfinished edge onto the cardboard. 

The fabric was still sticky enough on the edge in most spots to just adhere it to the cardboard, but in a couple of places, I used a little more adhesive so it would stay put.  Then I used an awl to make the hole in the center, and I assembled the clock mechanism.





As we say, "Ta Dah!!" I'm pretty happy with how this turned out, and as soon as I decide where to hang it, it'll be all finished!