Crafty (& Handy)

DIY Abstract Art Clock and Serving Tray

All reviews and opinions expressed in this post are unbiased and based on my personal view.

I was able to chat with David Bromstad recently about his limited-edition labels for Coffee-mate’s French Vanilla and Hazelnut bottles. There are four designs — two for each flavor — and they will only be available at Target. I loved his approach to the designs, and being known for his painting skills and use of color, I was inspired by David and “the art of a fresh start” to do a little painting of my own. I customized a tray, and wanted to take on another project too. I suggested a clock last week and you were into the idea, so I went for it!

The tray was cute, but you guys. The clock? LOVE IT. Eleanor has already laid claim on it, so it’s going to be moving to her room, and August wants one too (in red). Here it is paired up for now though with it the tray that preceded it. I even snipped a few flowers from the yard for the table, remembering David’s fondness for his mom’s garden.

An #InspiredStart with David Bromstad's Coffee-Mate Designs | Making it Lovely

David Bromstad's Designs for Coffee-Mate

Want to make a clock or tray (or both) of your own? Here’s what you’ll need:

DIY Abstract Art Clock & Tray| Coffee-Mate & Making it Lovely #InspiredStart

Painting a Serving Tray

I started by taping off the sides of the serving tray with painter’s tape so that they would stay white. I used small (4-6″) strips of tape because it’s easier to work with than long pieces, and I let them overlap a little each time for complete coverage.

Serving Tray and Craft Supplies

I was aiming for an abstract look, concentrating on fields and splashes of color. (Eh? Inspired by David. Get it?) Magic animated gif painting process time!

Abstract Painting | Making it Lovely

I peeled the tape off carefully and let the tray sit overnight to be sure that the paint was completely dry.

DIY Abstract Art Painted Tray | Making it Lovely

The paint peeking out from the bottom of the tray is such a happy detail! Little things like that are always a nice grace note in the morning.

An Abstract Painted Serving Tray, with David Bromstad's #InspiredStart Designs for Coffee-Mate | Making it Lovely

An Abstract Art Wall Clock

Painting the clock was similar, but with a few differences to note. I chose the paint the sides and the face, so there was no need to tape anything off. I also wanted to add a bit of gold this time. I had picked up a bottle of gold paint to use on the tray, but I changed my mind. The raised numbers on the clock presented themselves as the perfect spot for it!

Clock, Taken Apart

I unscrewed the clock and took everything apart so I could paint the face. I let the colors mix together more here than I did with the tray. I also used a round brush instead of a wide filbert, so that changed the look too.

Initial Layers of Pink and Red Paint

The first few layers don’t look terribly promising, but the magic comes as you keep going. I had a hard time deciding when to stop because I kept wanting to tweak it here and there, but I had to call it and walk away so I wouldn’t overwork it or muddy the colors.

Abstract Art Clock Painting in Progress

I let the paint dry completely before coming back to paint those numbers gold. The metallic paint was semi-translucent, and I think it took about five coats for it to turn opaque. The numbers catch the light in the best way though, so taking the time to apply layer after layer of gold was worth it!

Painting the Clock Numbers Gold

After the paint on the numbers dried, I reassembled the clock and hung it. Not a bad way to check the time, right? Eleanor’s a smart kid, stealing that clock for herself.

Adorable DIY Painted Clock | Making it Lovely

Sources & Paint ColorsNeed design help? Let's work together.

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  • ANA
    July 27, 2015 at 8:59 am

    Thank you for sharing these 2 great projects!
    I love the abstract art clock. The combination of colors is really beautiful.

  • Michelle @ AM Dolce Vita
    July 27, 2015 at 11:10 am

    This is seriously adorable! The fun part is that the choices of what goes on the face of the clock are unlimited.

  • Marcee ... ILLINOIS
    July 27, 2015 at 4:40 pm

    Whoa ….. so very cute Nicole! ; )) You are a talented gal. If I was younger, would enjoy trying this. No one to give it to.

  • My Urban Family
    July 27, 2015 at 7:34 pm

    Thanks for sharing – this is such a cute post! I love anything that brings a fun bit of extra color to a room! The clock looks like a great addition to a neutral colored wall. :)

  • Annamarie H
    July 28, 2015 at 8:56 am

    Since the post is sponsored by Coffee Mate and not Target, can you give an honest review of how the Target paints performed? Specifically how they compare to other craft/acrylic paints (Martha Stewart, DecoArt…).

    Thanks.

  • Erin
    July 28, 2015 at 7:42 pm

    I love that clock! I have the same one in white I got from Target a few years ago… I sense an update in my future ;)

  • judy
    July 28, 2015 at 8:24 pm

    You are such a talented painter the clock idea has endless possibilities, also for those without the time or skills to paint might get a kick out of seeing a clock or a picture made with the stick ons of animals or cartoon figures. I think a Mom could color some figures in a coloring book and make her Child an Art piece. It could be a cute thing to hand down to the next little one in the family. I wish you would do a spring flowers clock for Target and sign it. I would buy it for my Kitchen.

  • Molly Kate @ The Sun Room
    July 28, 2015 at 8:39 pm

    This is absolutely adorable. And I actually have that clock from target! I’m in love with this painterly style, but you don’t see it often when you’re out buying things. But hey, making it yourself is much more fun (and probably cost efficient!) Thanks for sharing!

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