*This post contains affiliate links. I will receive a commission if you make a purchase, with no extra cost to you. For more details read my full disclosure policy.My favorite DIY projects are the ones that I made for my loved ones. It’s so much fun making a gift, but even more fun when you know the recipient is going to love it! That was the case with The Dark Knight Batman Clock. My husband and I made this clock inspired by the latest trilogy of Batman movies for my nephew’s birthday this year. My nephew loves Batman, and we actually love to watch the Batman movies, too. So it was a no-brainer to make this clock, and it really did make the perfect gift for him.
When I first came up with the idea of a Batman clock, I asked my husband if he would help me with it. The deal was that I would design it and he would cut it out for me with the jigsaw. I had planned on taking care of the rest, but the more he thought about it, my hubby got excited about the project. I’m so glad he did because it’s actually his idea that takes the project over the edge and makes it truly unique. I must admit…after it was done…we kind of hated to let it go. Yes, this Batman clock really is that cool! Let me tell you how we made it.
My husband had a piece of 2 X 12 wood out in his shop, so he brought it in and I drew the Batman symbol on it for him. We chose a thicker wood for this project for 3 reasons.
- It was free because we already had it on hand.
- We wanted the clock workings to fit inside the wood so it would lay flat on the wall when hung.
- My husband had the genius idea to cut the wood at an angle to resemble the batman throwing knives used in the movies.
After I drew the Batman symbol on the wood, he took it outside and got to work. He used the jigsaw to cut the symbol out at a 30 degree angle for the top, and then a 45 degree angle on the sides and bottom.
See how cutting the wood at an angle added depth and dimension to this clock?
I bet you’re wondering what the white stuff is on the wood. Well, I’m happy to explain it to you! The wood wasn’t as smooth as we’d like and had some imperfections. My husband applied Bondo to fill in the gaps and lightly sanded until it was smooth. This stuff works wonders!
We purchased a clock kit designed for 3/4 inch surfaces. Errik traced the outside of the clock workings onto the back of the clock, then used a plunge router to carve out the wood. This way the workings fit inside the wood and the clock lays flat when it’s hung on the wall. This clock kit actually has a hanger built right in!
I didn’t want the clock to have a shiny, glossy appearance, so I used chalk paint instead. A couple of coats of FolkArt’s Home Decor Chalk Paint did the trick!
All that was left was to attach the clock workings to the wood, and voila! We had a Batman Clock!
We really loved the way this clock turned out. Lucky for us, our nephew did, too!
I truly believe this clock wouldn’t have been half as awesome without the angles. The angles really add interest to this piece, and this clock really does resemble the Batman shaped knives in the movies! If you haven’t seen them, you have to check them out! Christian Bale makes a great Batman!
Yes, my husband and I are considering making another one of these for ourselves. I know it won’t fit in with our decor anywhere in our home, but it’s just way too cool to pass up!! What do you think???
Shared with: Home Matters Linky Party, Your Turn to Shine Link Party, Two Uses Tuesday, Teach Me Tuesday, What’d You Do This Weekend, Merry Monday, Create Link Inspire Linky Party, Something to Talk About Link Party, Do Tell Tuesday
What a cute idea!! I want one!!!
I’ll keep this in mind when your birthday rolls around….:)
It’s always fun to come up with a creative DIY theme gift for someone you love…especially when it’s something they can use year-round. Thanks for sharing at the #HomeMattersParty – we hope to see you again next week. 🙂
~Lorelai
Life With Lorelai
Thanks, Lorelai, for hosting and for the nice comment. Have a great week!
This turned out so cool! I know someone that would love one of these.
Yes, this turned out so cool my hubby has already made another one! 🙂
This is such an awesome gift! I’m sure your nephew LOVED it, I know I would. 😉 You and your husband did a great job! Pinned and tweeted. Thanks for sharing over at Merry Monday!
Thanks so much for sharing! Have a great week, and thanks for hosting a great party at Merry Monday!
Oh boy I think you just gave my husband more work. This is an amazing project. I have ideas spinning in my head now for my son’s room. That is one thing he still needs. Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday.
Thanks, Rachel! My husband actually enjoyed helping me with this project, and I bet yours will, too. I’m so glad you like this project! 🙂
Wow. That is a ridiculously awesome clock!
Yes, my husband thinks so, too. I’m glad you like it!
This is very cool! Hello from Totally Terrific Tuesday – sending you Like love!
Thanks so much! I’m so glad you like it!