1. Ping-Pong Ball LED Clock
This DIY clock uses ping-pong balls as diffusers for a set of LED lights that display time. When turned off, it looks like a set of ping-pong balls stacked in a frame, but when on, the LED light show creates a stunning visual effect while displaying time. And it’s pretty easy to make too.
First, find about 100 ping-pong balls (reduce or increase the number to create a clock as big or as small as you want), cut each one just beneath the midline to form a hexagon, and then glue them together. Finally, stack them into a frame (any shape you like) where the LEDs and Arduino are already on the backplate to complete the setup.
2. The Light Clock (IoT)
If you like analog clocks, this DIY light clock is the perfect way to give one a techy and modern spin. Unlike a standard analog watch, this DIY model uses light to tell time. You can use any color combinations you like, and the best part is that it uses Arduino, meaning it can be programmed to run on Wi-Fi, allowing easier remote control. Check out what you’ll need to make it in this guide.
3. Linear Clock
A linear clock is usually straightforward, minimalistic, and a great addition to any office table. So make one by following this simple DIY guide, and skip the costs of buying one. It runs on an Arduino attached to a motor driver and uses a stepper motor to control the clock hands.
You’ll need a foam core board, a pair of curtain rails, pulleys and stepper motors, four sewing bobbins, thick thread, an Arduino, and a 6-9V power source. Follow the steps shown in the guide, and then run the code to watch your linear clock tick away.
4. Digital Papercraft Clock
This is yet another easy but highly functional DIY clock. It has a remarkable white 3D design, where digits move in and out of the pane, creating a shadow that lets you see them and tell the time.
For this project, you’ll need Arduino Uno, a servo motor controller, about 28 servos to move all the digit segments, and a DS1307 clock breakout to track time. You’ll also need cardstock to set up the digits, double-sided tape, sticky pads, aluminum tubing, a paper cutter, a glue gun, and a knife.
Once complete, you’ll have a stunning DIY clock with a unique 3D digit-changing mechanism. Check out this step-by-step guide on how to successfully complete this project.
5. Gear Clock
This DIY clock has to be one of the coolest-looking timepieces you’ll ever try to make. It’s like a giant version of mechanical watches with quartz movements, only that it’s made of MDF and uses the PIC 16F628A microcontroller to track time and a stepper motor to control clock hand movement.
6. Wooden LED Clock
Are you looking to add a rustic touch to your home or office touch? This wooden block LED clock is the perfect DIY timepiece for you. It is simple to make and uses materials you can quickly source, such as a microcontroller, super-bright LEDs, pieces of laminated veneer MDF frames, low power transistors, and a real-time clock. Once complete, it displays time in different LED colors instead of regular digits.
7. Reconstructed Clock
Are you tired of staring at the same old analog clock? Upgrade it by adding a rotating numerical dial to show the time in a different way.
The best part? You’ll only need easily accessible tools and materials such as scissors, a printer, glue, cardstock, paper, and an existing analog clock (a desk clock is the easiest to reconstruct).
Start by dismantling the clock, and then maximize on this easy-to-follow guide to complete the setup.
8. Lunar Phase Clock
If you’ve always been fascinated by celestial bodies, this DIY lunar phase clock is your chance to bring one to your office or home. It accurately tracks different phases of the moon and is the perfect addition for your nightstand, mainly because it can double up as an alarm with lamp mode, moon FX modes, date, temperature, and even features a wake-light alarm.
To build it, you’ll need an Arduino Nano, OLED display, super-bright LED strip, real-time clock, DHT11 sensor, buzzer, and three push-buttons.
9. Lunchtime Clock
Hate how time seems to fly during your lunch breaks at the office? Well, this DIY clock lets you sneak an extra 12 minutes into your break, by slowing down during that time!
It uses an Arduino with an extra ATmega chip and a few other components to slow the time down by about 20% at 11 a.m. and then speed it up at 11.48 a.m. by the same percentage, gaining you an extra 12 minutes of guilt-free lunchtime. If your boss comes around while you’re still on that break, point out the time and they’ll be off your back.
Check out this step-by-step guide to successfully completing this project.
10. VFD Magiclock: A DVD Player Hack
Need a compact but unique clock for your office or bedside table? If so, there’s no doubt this stunning DIY clock idea will transform your home or office space instantly. Plus, it’s an excellent way to put your old DVD player to good use.
Once it’s complete, you’ll not only have a standard clock but one that also boasts wireless control, a temperature sensor, and can even be activated via a PIR motion sensor. Check out this guide for step-by-step instructions.
Spruce Up Your Clock
Just because we live in an era where people use smartwatches and smartphones to tell time doesn’t mean your home or office clock has to be boring. The ten stunning DIY clock ideas above are proof it can be both aesthetically pleasing and functional. So use them for inspiration, and have a blast making your favorite one.
