Thrifted Wall Clock Makeover: Steampunk Panda
- Tracey Bellion
- 3 hours ago
- 5 min read
I promise you....my house does not look like a circus.
I have so many people ask me if my whimsical style is over flowing in my home....and as much as it may surprise you....it is not.
However, I do love a good feature piece of furniture or unexpected piece of home decor in every room! And I knew as soon as I saw this $12 thrifted wall clock at Goodwill....that it was coming home with me.....to be just that!
Let's give this thrifted wall clock a makeover!
If you are a new reader, hello and welcome to the Fancy Fam! With over a decade of furniture painting experience, I can honestly say that sharing my projects through this blog is still my favorite way to inspire! I've got years worth of fun and creative ways to update your home decor and furniture through paint! If this sounds like something you'd like to have delivered to you every Sunday be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter here!
Design Plan: A Happy Accident
To be honest, I had no idea that I would be using this adorable Pet Panda decoupage paper by Mint By Michelle.
When Michelle first released this paper I knew I wanted to use it, but I had intended on using the large size (A1) on an armoire.
I mistakenly ordered the smallest size (A3)....and oddly enough I had just returned home with the thrifted wall clock when I opened the Panda package.
It was meant to be!
The size of his face was the exact size of the face of the clock and the arch at the top of the clock was perfect for his top hat.
Supplies Used: Thrifted Wall Clock Makeover
Bonding Boss White
You can also shop my favorite products and tools in my Amazon influencer list here.
This post may contain affiliate links. I could make a commission at no charge to you if you purchase my recommended products. Please read my disclosure here and my privacy policy here.
Striped Steampunk Panda Thrifted Wall Clock
So this is how the project went down:
Cleaning the Thrifted Wall Clock
The clock itself was a little bit shiny and needed a good cleaning and de-glossing. I used white lightning to remove all dirt grime and oils as well as to not back the shine on the clock.
I also removed the hands from the clock face at this time.
The number plate was glued into place so I was unable to remove that.
Priming with Bonding Boss
I primed the thrifted wall clock using Bonding Boss in white.
I most often use the gray option (just because I feel that it blocks better) but I knew I needed a white background behind the decoupage paper so this allowed one less step of painting behind the paper.
I primed right over the number plate as well.
Pet Panda Decoupage Paper Application
This part was much easier than I anticipated.
I simply laid the panda face onto the clock and traced around the inside of the clock with my fingernail....making a dent in the paper.
I lifted it out of the clock and cut along the indention that I had made in the paper. I also made the decision to cut off the top hat and just decoupage it to the outer part of the top of the clock arch rather than trying to glue it under and up and over! I'm always looking for a way to keep things simple and this for sure made it easier!
I applied a liberal layer of Clear Coat Satin all over the clock face and gently laid the panda face down into the wet clear coat.
I then applied another coat of Clear Coat on top of the face and used a wadded up ball of saran wrap to gently smooth out any air pockets and wrinkles.
I used an exacto knife to trim away any excess paper around the edges.
I then repeated this process to the upper arch area to apply the top hat.
Other Tracey's Fancy Steampunk Projects...
Painting the Whimsical Stripes
I painted the rest of the clock in two coats of my favorite soft white called Fluff. If you are looking for the perfect white....this is my most recommended color!
I used Caviar black to paint the little pillars on each side of the panda's face. I also added stripes to the bottom portion of the clock to sort of imitate the striped shirt that the panda is wearing.
I love how this part turned out!!
Embellishments:
My membership group (Curiously Creative) recommended I add a small finial to the top of the clock which was genius! The top hat in the decoupage paper actually had a little finial in the design and it didn't fit so I had to cut it away. Adding the little wooden finial and painting it gold is a tiny detail but really completed the overall look!
My daughter Zadie noticed it was missing a pendulum.
How had I not noticed that when I bought the clock? So I ordered one from Amazon!
When I went to attach it.....it just seemed so boring! And I remembered that I had several clock faces and pocket watch faces transfers from my Alice in Wonderland transfers that have since been retired! After a little bit of digging through my supplies I found them....and this clock face fit the circle of the pendulum perfectly!
If you love this whimsical home decor style, visit my blog with 14 Whimsical Home Decor Ideas!
The Final Look: Thrifted Wall Clock Makeover
All I had to do was reattach the clock hands.....and voila!
I really could NOT be happier with this project!
It's as if this Pet Panda paper was made for this clock!
It is the perfect addition to my black and white kitchen.....but it also looks really good on my collage wall in my dining room! I honestly can't decide where I like it better!
For now....its in my kitchen...making me and everyone else smile that walks past it!
More Inspiration:
I pulled a few blogs from past projects that came to mind when working on this piece! I love when I'm working on a piece and can pull inspiration from every directions. Here are some more whimsical clocks and if you are more drawn to the steam punk vibe...I've got some of that too! I hope you can use them to draw inspiration for your upcoming project. Here are the additional designs for your inspiration:
Steam Punk Owl Canvas Art - turning decoupage paper in wall art
Rusty Steam Punk Tea Set - who knew? delicate tea set with a steam punk vibe
Whimsical Grandfather Clock - my first painted grandfather clock
Whimsical Grandfather Clock II - it's a lot of work but the payoff is HUGE
And of course, don't forget to visit my blog dedicated to Whimsical Home Decor Ideas.
Click on any photo below for more up-close photos and all the design details
JOIN ME FOR MORE...with Curiously Creative
If you enjoyed this and want more of a deep dive into home decor and DIY processes, I would love it if you joined my exclusive online creative group, Curiously Creative. I show up LIVE to guide you through every step of updating, upcycling, crafting, and creating on-trend home decor and gift-giving ideas!
Want more fancy furniture & design?
Save & Share on Pinterest!
Please please please share my steam punk panda thrifted wall clock makeover project and follow me on Pinterest!
