Since my husband is a game-junkie, and I’ve reached the peer group that appreciates nostalgic toys, 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 table clock or desk clock – perfect for decorating a play room or game room

Parcheesi = Nostalgia
It wasn’t sellable in my (now closed) Etsy shop– the box was covered in tape, some of the “bits” 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.

Gotta love the colors and design…
Even though I had already completed a clock project for my blog, I was feeling the pull to create a new one using a board from one of the best known of the classic board games. Parcheesi game boards have a Piet Mondrian – meets – Danish Modern – meets – Partridge Family Bus quality that I just love, so I decided to give it a go. This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience.
Making a Table Clock for the Play Room from Classic Board Games
First, I needed a square picture frame- unsurprisingly, I already had one in my thrift store stash.

Be there, or be square.
I carefully removed the backing and “artwork” from the frame (which was paper and recyclable), and after cleaning the glass pane, I used it to trace out a square on the game board.

Creating a clock face…
I *carefully* cut out my tracing with a utility knife (gosh, I’m scared of those things), and checked to make sure it fit the inside the picture frame well- and it did! The glass pane can be recycled, set aside for another craft project, or tossed if there’s no glass recycling in your area (the problem I have).

Perfect fit!
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.
Anyway.
We measured the exact center of our “clock face” and Jon carefully cut out a small circle (with an X-Acto knife).

…for the clock kit…
Then, I simply assembled my clock kit on my clock face made from classic board games, based on the instructions included (each one is different).

Nearing the finish line!
Classic Board Games Turned into Decor for the Play Room (Desk Clock)
Once I set the time and added a battery to the clock backing, I was all done! Now, of course you could add a sawtooth hanger to the back and make this a wall clock. But since I upcycled a picture frame, I simply used the “kick stand” flap on the back to prop it up. Now I’ll have a table clock or desk clock for the game room or play room!

Well, aren’t you perfection?
And it’s “self propped” as a desk clock or table clock – and works perfectly as decor for the play room or game room.

Love it!
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 room…den or game room…even a home bar!…a child’s bedroom…the list goes on.
Love upcycling picture frames as much as I do? Check out this collection of upcycled picture frame ideas for even more inspiration before you go!
Craft on!
S
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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!