Playroom Wall Decor from a Retro Board Game

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

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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