My husband is a board game-junkie and we’ve reached the peer group that appreciates nostalgic toys, Which means that there are always an abundance of classic board games in our house. I love the colorful game boards and wanted to upcycle one into a clock; perfect as home office or playroom wall decor.
I had picked up this older game of Parcheesi thinking I would sell it in my (now-closed) Etsy shop.
Turns out, though, it wasn’t really sellable. The box was covered in tape, some of the wooden game pieces were missing, and the back of the game board had water damage.
BUT, the front of the game board was still in excellent shape. And let’s face it- Parcheesi is one of those classic board games that has a gorgeous game board.
Parcheesi game boards have a Piet Mondrian-meets-Danish Modern- meets-Partridge Family Bus quality that I just love. So, I decided to pair up a portion of the game board with a thrifted picture frame to make a clock!
Once I had everything I needed for this easy upcycling idea, I was ready to get to work.
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Making a Clock from a Retro Board Game
Now, if you’re having trouble finding a vintage game board at the thrift stores, check out what Etsy has, too. It’s amazing how many old game boards are out there. Ok, onto the tutorial!
First, I carefully removed the backing and “artwork” from the square picture frame. After cleaning the glass pane, I used it to trace out a square on the Parcheesi board.
As long as you’re careful about touching the edges of the glass (in case there are sharp nicks or corners), it makes for the perfect template. Because you can see through to the design you want to capture AND you know it fits inside your frame.
Next, I carefully cut out my tracing with a utility knife, and checked to make sure it fit the inside the picture frame well. And, as expected, it did!
The remains of my picture frame- the glass, the paperboard art, and the cardboard backing- were all recyclable. No waste!
I really, truly liked that the pattern was offset- it gave it an artistic, unique quality that it would have missed had everything been symmetrical. Proof that imperfection can be pretty darn perfect.
Then, we measured the exact center of our “clock face” and Jon carefully cut out a small circle in the Parcheesi board using an X-Acto knife.
Then, I simply assembled the clock kit on my game board. SO simple!
Now, all I needed to do was paint my picture frame to coordinate with the Parcheesi board. Then, I would assemble everything together and I’d have the perfect playroom wall decor!
Playroom Wall Decor from a Retro Board Game
Once I set the time and added a battery to the clock backing, I was all done!
To make it a wall clock, I’d just need to add a hanger to the back. But since made this by upcycling a picture frame, I could also reuse the “kick stand” flap on the back to prop it up.
I like having both options- either a table clock or a wall clock!
Either way, it works perfectly as home office or playroom wall decor.
Pretty cool, eh? I love that it adds funky charm and color without being TOO funky, if that makes sense. I can think of lots of places for a clock like this- basement Rec rooms, dens or game rooms, even a home bar or a child’s bedroom. Endless possibilities!
And if you enjoyed this upcycling idea for playroom wall decor with a retro board game, then you may appreciate this domino clock, as well!
Craft on!
S
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Sarah Ramberg is the owner of Sadie Seasongoods, a website that celebrates all things secondhand. From upcycling ideas and thrifted decor to vintage-centric travel itineraries, Sadie Seasongoods is a one-stop shop for anyone who loves thrifting and approachable repurposing ideas. Sarah is also the author of “Crafting with Flannel” and has been featured in numerous media outlets and magazines.
Another wonderful project. I love the “off centerness” of it too. So fun!
Thank you, Michelle!
Sarah, awesome clock!! You’ve given me a whole new perspective of old game boards!! Love the look of this clock!!
Thanks so much, Keri!
Loved parcheesi! One of my favorite childhood games. It makes a really cool clock.
Thanks, Mary Ann! I couldn’t get the front of that game board go to waste. 😀
How awesome is that. I love the look of old board games.
Thanks, Becky!
Is there no end to your creativity?! That truly looks like a piece of modern Art with a capital A~you’ve struck another home run! Perfect for a gamesroom or Man Den. Of course, this comes from a woman who bought a picture of dogs playing cards for her husband’s barn. lol He LOVES it! It’s right next to his John Wayne memorabilia. ; )
P.S. You think I’m kidding, don’t you? I’m not…heehee~
LOL, thanks, Denise!! And I can totally envision the man cave you’ve created!!
What a fun idea! Endless possibilities with old game boards. Pinned.
Alexandra
EyeLoveKnots.blogspot.com
Thank you, Alexandra! And yes, the sky’s the limit with game options!
I love it. I have several old game boards that have me thinking about clocks. So you have inspired me.
Thanks, Gilda!
Heck that clock would be pretty darned cute anywhere and what a conversation starter. I love that it’s off center, makes it more interesting. How clever you are to even think of that. Who wouldn’t want that clock? Nice you had square frame, do you find it hard to find square frames? Very seldom find them at any of thrift stores we go to. Once in while just need a square frame. Been looking for oval frames lately to do a collection on wall. Will print out graphics, photos off The Graphics Fairy or things in magazines I find.
I get such a kick out of seeing what you bloggers can do, what incredible imaginations. Keeps my old brain ticking away with ideas to make for my gallery wall in living room which I like to change out now and then.
Keep on making those wonderful things you’re so good at. Happy week
Thank you!! I’m so glad I had that frame in my stash…you’re right, you just don’t see square frames as often. I love oval frames, too! They’re even HARDER to find…sometimes I find the plastic versions, but I’d rather have the older wood ones. 🙂
I love the idea of using an old board game for the clock face! Will have to try this out. Thanks for the idea!
Thanks, Jeannie!
Love it! Really eye catching. I will probably use it as a feature next week for Let’s Talk Vintage! Thanks for your great ideas! 🙂
Thank you so much!!
That is super creative!! Love it!
Hi Sarah, Love the clock!! I have been looking for a few vintage game boards for a project I had in mind and am having a hard time finding one in good shape. The clock is such a creative use. Thanks for sharing at Brag About It! Pinned and tweeted.
Thanks, Laurie!!
Very cute!
Parcheesi was our game of choice as a family back in the 50’s and we played it often and we played multiple games in the long summer evenings out in the screened in patio. Nice clock!
Thank you!!!
Another super creative great job!
Thank you!!
This is great. I think having it off center is artistic! Love the inspiration.
xo Dianne
What a cute idea! I love the juxtaposition of the vintage game board, and the modern clock works… very charming! Liz
Thanks, Liz!
We love games. I’ll be scouring the yard sale for vintage board games. Love this DIY. It turned out amazing. Thanks for sharing at the Inspiration Spotlight party! Pinned & shared. Hope to see you again soon!
Thanks so much- and thank you for hosting!
This is a terrific idea. The design reminds me of abstract paintings of Mondrian. So, you’ve taken something bright and attractive and turned it into something utilitarian as well. Great job. I saw your link at the Vintage Charm party.
As you probably saw in the post, Mondrian was an inspiration for this piece!! 🙂 Thank you so very much!
Love this!!
Thank you so much!
So cute and creative! I loved Parcheesi as a kid (who is kidding, I would still play it). I love how you made this into a treasure to display in your home, particularly as a functional piece being a clock! Thank you so much for sharing over at Celebrate Your Story! Pinning this one to my craft board!
I’ve said it before you are uniquely the most creative blogger around. Thank you for sharing at Vintage Charm and hope you have something to share with us this week. pinned and tweeted
Thank you so very much, Sharon- sincerely! And I sure do. 🙂
Sarah, Popping over from Snickerdoodle! I know I already commented, but I wanted to say thank you for linking up! Pinning and tweeting again 🙂 Have a great week!
You are so creative! I am so happy to have found your blog and thanks so much for sharing this at Celebrate Your Story link party.
Thank you so much, Sandra!!
Such a fun idea and a great save! I am thinking of all my kid’s fave games sitting in the closet! Thanks for sharing this with us on Throwback Thursday! Hope to see you next week!
Mollie
Thanks so much!! 🙂
You are so creative!! What a great idea…I love the nostalgia too! Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday – Link Party! Hope to see you again tomorrow! Pinned!
Thanks so much, Elaine!
I absolutely LOVE THIS. This is so unique and I am a sucker for old board games! I even remember playing this one!! Pinning, tweeting, sharing this like mad! Thanks for linking up to Merry Monday!
Thanks, Megan!
Girl… you are so talented! I really love vintage game boards and this is a beautiful idea.
Thank you for sharing at the Celebrate Your Story Link Up Party!
Thank you, Danielle!! Hope you’re having a great weekend. 🙂
I love, love, love this idea!!! It turned out beautifully!
Thanks, Laura!!
Amazing idea!!! I just love the clock! Pinned!
Thank you!!
Your Mondrian Reference is so right on! I see a workshop in my future!
Thanks, Dixie!!
This is so cool and graphic! I remember playing Parcheesi when I was a kid. Wonder if anybody plays it anymore.
Do you keep all the things you make, Sarah?
Thanks, Stacey! I keep some…sell some (in my Etsy shop and at a local vintage shop)…give some as gifts…and then, give some away! This particular project, though, I gave to our cat sitter because she loved it so!
You are so talented!
I love the graphic board combined with the clock face.
Thank you for joining us TOHOT!
Laura
White Spray Paint
Thank you so much, Laura!
You are just amazingly creative. I am a bit late to the party due to my college semester finals but I am so glad I am here now. Thank you for joining TOHOT. Fantastic post, have a great week!
Thank you so very much- I really appreciate it! And the same to you!
I LOVE this idea. If we didn’t still play it, I’d consider using the game board from my childhood game (I was one of ‘those’ kids who took exceptionally good care of her things). I’ll be on the lookout for one at the thrift store now. They come around quite often. Thanks for the fab idea. 🙂
Definitely!! Or yard sales this spring!