Thursday, June 3, 2010

Tick Tock – A Newly Painted Clock

I am always amazed at how a simple coat of paint can transform the ordinary into something special. Case in point is the clock below. It has been part of my dining room décor for several years.
It is an Ethan Allen floor sample which was priced so very low I could not pass it by. I loved the lines of the clock but not the dark wood. After many years of going back and forth – paint or not to paint - last week, I finally took the painting plunge.

I began by taking the clock apart, removing the hardware, and lightly sanding. After washing off the dust, I applied two coats of Benjamin Moore’s November Rain with a small paint brush. I then sanded a portion of the paint off with a sanding block to reveal the darker color wood underneath.
A simple one day project that had me asking - what took me so long?
The funny thing about this project is after painting my clock, I went to the Ethan Allen website (to see if this clock is still available) and found this . . .
Evidently, this clock was (and still is) available in a painted finish. The clock face is a little different – this one has flowers and mine does not - but the rest of the clock is the same. I also smiled when I saw the price – no where near what I paid.
I have to say I am much happier with the painted clock. Next time I will just follow my instincts and paint right away!

Linking up to some of my favorite parties

69 comments:

House of Smiths said...

Oh my... JEALOUS!
I LOVE IT!
Girl... you have a great eye!
I would have passed this up... thinking it was a little too old school!

Wow... Thanks for sharing this! I'm on a hunt for a great clock like that now. lol.
Shelley Smith

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Oooh, yes, I love it in the white!

Unknown said...

I love the clock and your blog! I grabbed your button too. btw how do I get one for myself?

Cathy~Mille Fleur said...

Beautiful! It looks wonderful in your dining room!

Enjoy!
Cathy

FC88 said...

WOW, nice job. Looks the same to me. Very pretty!

Margitta said...

Definitely an improvement! Love the painted clock!

Bloggy Blog Designz said...

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white flower farmhouse said...

The clock came out amazing, love it painted. That is really funny that Ethan Allen had the updated painted version for a lot more money. You have great instincts! Lori

Decorchick! said...

Wow, that looks so pretty in white!! Great job! :)

This Wife Cooks said...

Awesome! You're right, a coat of paint can make all the difference!

Marcus Design said...

First off that clock was such a great find!! And with a lick of paint it looks stunning. You did such a fantastic job, I love the distressed look you created by sanding. Thank you so much for visiting my blog and leaving a comment, I really appreciate it!
Nancy

Anita @ GoingALittleCoastal said...

I love it in the creamy white! It's such a great size. I would love to come across something similar. I don't have any clocks!

Sue said...

That clock is now too stinkin' cute! Great paint transformation for it...

Unknown said...

Paint is always a saviour! Clearly, EA found the error of their ways and brought out the paint can as well. Looks great!
www.divinedistractions.blogspot.com

Leah said...

i LOVE it! i can't wait to get a new house one day and paint every single stinkin' thing white! LOL! i'm so tired of clutter! *sigh*

Tania Pelletier said...

Glad you took the painting plunge, the clock looks so much better! That's really funny that it is available on their site too in a finish JUST like yours!

Tania

Grace @ Sense and Simplicity said...

I love your painted clock. It's funny how long it takes us to make some decisions. It might have been easier if you had seen the white one on-line to see how gorgeous it would look. I have to say your paint job is fantastic - just as good as the new one.

Sherry @ No Minimalist Here said...

Yes, yes, yes...I love it painted white!
xo, Sherry

The Polka Dot Closet said...

It is wonderful!!! I wonder if it is just because we love shabby?

Unknown said...

I love the clock. It turned out beautiful! I have done that before, and when I finally follow my instincts, I end up loving it too!

Suzanne said...

I gasped when I saw your new version. Fabulous! It is gorgeous!

Atticmag said...

That is amazing. I am so regretting giving away a similar clock I had because I tired of the wood color. I am in awe of your 'new' clock. It's lovely ♥

Hope you will stop by and say hello. We're having a giveaway!
Jane T.

Allison @ House of Hepworths said...

Looks great!

KimMalk said...

Be still my heart - I just love it! (BTW, I did some checking around on ironstone myself ;)). I am making an announcement on my blog next week, too. You always to a great job...I think I'm becoming your 500th follower.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

What a great make over!!

I love it!!

Debbie

Lisa @ Fern Creek Cottage said...

Good for you for finally taking the plunge and painting the clock! It looks gorgeous in white!! I like yours better than the one Ethan Allen is selling now.

Bibi @ Bibi's Culinary Journey said...

It look fantastic. I love the white antique look you gave it.

I just painted my old and tired buffet & hutch and I couldn't believe what couple cans of spray paint could do.

Stopping by from Tickled Pink.

Victoria said...

Your clock looks amazing with the white paint! How funny that Ethan Allen got the same idea:)

Holly Lefevre said...

Another fabulous projects from you! Paint is just magical.

Anonymous said...

I just love how it turned out and I particularly like where you placed it - very fab!!!

brandi @ tales of a domestic goddess said...

beautiful!!
i'm new to the love of painting...trying to find more stuff to paint everyday. =)

great job!

Suzanne@Meridian Road said...

It looks so good! I think I like it better without the flowers on the face~it's a more classic look.

Well done!

Heather said...

LOVE! White is so popular right now, you are right on point! ;)Please come link up to my new Fabulous Friday party! http://www.savingmoneylivinglife.com/2010/06/link-up-for-2nd-round-of-fabulous_03.html
Thanks!

Marie said...

Hello - I'm visiting from The Inspired Room! I love what you did with the clock. It looks fabulous! And I really like its new home in between the windows and above that sweet chair. Great job!

Blessings,
Marie
http://emmacallsmemama.com

Lessons Learned said...

Wow, I am loving the white finish and i even make and sell clocks for a living. check it out:
www.memorableminutes.com

love all of your creativity!
www.sewineededapaycheck.blogspot.com

Cassie said...

Great makeover....love the shabbiness of it!

Funky Junk Interiors said...

That clock is absolutely amazing! Some things were simply meant to be painted and this was definitely one of them!

Thanks for linking it up to SNS!
Donna

Unknown said...

Elegantly Beautiful!

Jane, Naples, Florida said...

Absolutely incredible! I love your
blog!

Jane
Flora Doora

My Dream Canvas said...

Wow!! Lovely clock. I am hosting a Giveaway from CSN stores. Do stop by my blog. I would love to see you there! Take care Anu.

Becky said...

Love the clock!

Bonnie @ House of Grace said...

Awesome Job!!!! It turned out fantastic!!! I am following you from Sunday Showcase Party!!! Nice to meet you. I am your newest follower.
Bonnie

Beeutiful by Design said...

Paint is a magical thing! You did a great job - I'm joining from over at Met Monday - Jennifer

Allison Shops said...

How funny they carry an off white one now! Love your makeover - nice!

I hope you'll drop by to see the gorgeous kitchen JaneF posted for Met Monday, #1 Link. Don't forget to register for our vessel sink giveaway if you haven't already!

Allison
Atticmaag

Haven and Home said...

Ohhh looks so great! This reminds me of how much I want a swedish clock. Maybe I should find a clock to paint white!

Barbara Jean said...

hi. I'm just getting by to visit from Jan's Boardwalk party.

LOVE the clock in white. Guess you know what I will be doing soon.
And Ethan Allen? You need say no more about price. Out of my range.

blessings

barbara jean

Anonymous said...

Oh, my goodness! Your painted clock looks amazing! What a difference a little paint makes!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Melissa Miller said...

Who would of thought? It's truly amazing! Great job!

Blessings, ~Melissa :)

Michelle @ Sweet Something Design said...

Much better!! I've painted clocks before and am always so happy with the results. Yours turn out fantastic!

Julie said...

Very pretty!!!

Decor To Adore said...

I was just thinking "What took you so long?" and then you yourself said it. :)

One Cheap B*tch said...

Wow - now that's a transformation! I can't believe it's the same clock!

Jeanine

FLOWERSHOPGURL said...

Really love how your clock looks painted white, love it!
Hugz,
Kim

Katie said...

Gorgeous!

Marigene said...

What a difference...♥ the clock white.

Stephanie Lynn @Under the Table and Dreaming said...

Stunning transfromation! It looks fabulous white and I love the finishing technique...gorgeous! How funny that they still sell it in your updated version! Thanks so much for linking to the Sunday Showcase party! I greatly appreciate it! Hope you have a fabulous week! ~ Stephanie Lynn

Living It At Home said...

I like the painted version much better! Good for you that you decided to go for it. I love the color November Rain. Enjoy it! It looks beautiful above the chair.

Rory from Tools Are For Women Too! said...

Isn't it amazing what one simple project can do to a room! Nice job on the distressing, too! Thanks for showing your clock on Modern Craftswoman Monday! Rory

Ela@NewFamilyOnTheBlock.com said...

HI! I would like to invite you to join my new Pajama Party which starts Wednesday! (The link goes up tonight)

http://lifeinmypjs.blogspot.com/p/pajama-party.html

Thanks!

~Ela

Debbie said...

This looks wonderful painted white!
LOVE it!!!
Debbie@houseatthelake

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

What a perfectly gorgeous clock...because of your transformation, of course. ;)

I would like to invite you to visit the cottage, and join in on all the fun for my three linky parties:

ASK THE YANKEE - MONDAYS
TIPS & TRICKS TUESDAY
TIME TRAVEL THURSDAY

You can get the details here:

http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/2010/06/brambleberry-cottage-linky-party.html

Hope to see ya there!
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

chris said...

The shape of the clock is striking. Great job refinishing.

vosgesparis said...

wow! you have been feautered in s lot of magazines... I only once was in one of the major dutch magazines ;)

I'm having a great give away and would like you to invite to join in ;)
desiree

Miss Mustard Seed said...

Oh, I love the shape of this clock. It looks lovely in the white as well. Great choice.

Ela@NewFamilyOnTheBlock.com said...

Love what you did with the clock. It looks fantastic!!

Thanks for linking up to my Pajama Party! Please join me next week again =)

~Ela

Anonymous said...

How funny that you found the same clock after you painted it. :) It looks really great and even better that it cost so much less. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog so I could find yours. I'm looking forward to having a look around!

Victoria said...

Love the clock redo.

I just read your post on whitening ironstone! I had no idea this could be done and have several pieces that I will be trying this on. Thanks for sharing!

Marquise Style said...

I looks amazing!

Jessica @ My Quarter Life Crisis said...

My first time visiting! L-O-V-E this clock. i'm off to find more pretties around here!

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