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How do I Make a Star Clock?

Easily accessible clock mechanisms, found at craft stores, can be used to make a star clock. Start with polymer clay and add some copper sheeting to create this bright and shining timepiece. A star clock could make a handmade gift for an engaged couple, a housewarming gift or a birthday present to decorate a youngster's space-themed bedroom. With a little help from an adult, a child can make a shining star clock.

Things You'll Need

12-ounces copper-colored polymer clay
Rolling pin
Dinner plate
Salad plate
Knife
Pencil
Oven
Silver acrylic paint
1 sheet copper sheeting
Metal cutters
Epoxy glue
Clock mechanism kit
Picture hanger

Instructions

- 1
  Roll the clay with the rolling pin to a thickness of 1 inch. Place the upturned dinner plate on the clay and cut around the plate with the knife to create a clay circle. Smooth the edges of the circle with a damp finger.
- 2
  Gently press the upturned salad plate into the center of the clay circle to create a slight depression.
- 3
  Create a long snake from the extra clay about the width of a pencil. Place the snake-like clay in the depression created by the salad plate. Cut off the excess snake clay with the knife.
- 4
  Make a hole in the center of the plate with the pencil.
- 5
  Bake the clay in the oven at 175 degrees for 20 minutes to harden.
- 6
  Cut eight long triangular star beams from the copper sheeting. They should measure 8 inches long and 3 inches wide at the bottom edge.
- 7
  Attach the beams to the back of the hardened clay circle. Space them evenly around the circle with the epoxy glue.
- 8
  Use the silver acrylic paint to paint small squares on the raised circle of the clock face to designate hours.
- 9
  Insert the clock mechanism through the center clock hole. Glue the picture hanger to the back of the clock.

Astronomy