Table Clock from Classic Board Games for a Play Room / Game Room

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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