How to Create a Garden Clock Out of Vintage Garden Tools

Just in case you have a pile of vintage garden tools lying around, I have the perfect solution for you.

I adore the style and colors of vintage garden tools. They sure don’t make them like this anymore, but the good news is that you can still find them at yard sales and estate sales.

Today’s garden tools are much more practical and all about getting the job done.

Are you looking for unique garden decorations? Why not make a garden clock out of vintage garden tools and an oil drum can lid! This fun project is easy to complete and will add some personality to your outdoor space. This blog post will show you how to make your garden clock using simple supplies. So gather up your materials, and let’s get started!

Gather your materials to create your garden clock

Wire Cutters

12 vintage gardening tools

1 24-30″ lid of an oil drum or any large round flat item

Electric drill with a bit made to drill through metal

One box of clock parts

22 gauge green wire

1 piece of white paper

Pencil

Scissors

Black sharpie marker

Selecting your vintage garden tools

I love to collect old vintage garden tools. It’s essential to find the right tools. I mostly find them for good deals at estate sales and yard sales. I love the ones with color on the handles and always try to get a reasonable price. Typically am willing to pay $5.00 a tool. Start to look for them, and remember to check the backyard if you are at an estate sale. Sometimes you have to do a bit of digging. Some of these tools were used for moving soil, planting plants, weeding, and raking leaves. Try to find an assortment of essential tools, like a shovel, clippers, pruning shears, weeders, a hoe, etc. You need to be patient and wait for availability as it took me some time to gather enough to make the clock.

Where to find an old oil drum lid for the base of your garden clock

I found this drum lid at an antique shop for $10.00. You might even want to try a junkyard. You never know where you are going to see one.

Now, let’s get started.

Instructions to make the vintage garden tool clock

Hopefully, it will be a beautiful day. You have excellent weather and can work outside. Working outside will make the process easier.

1. Drill a hole in the middle of the drum lid. The hole needs to be large enough that the stem of the clock works will fit through. Again, it is essential to use the right tool. It must be a bit that is made to drill through metal. You can see the image of this square clock part.
2. I used the arms marked on the image as items numbered four and five. Next, measure the length of the long hour hand and cut a circle out of paper that is the same circumference. It should be around 5-6 inches. Next, cut a slit in the paper on one side to the center. Finally, put the paper around the base of the clock part on the front of the clock. This circle will show you where your tools need to go.

Place your tools where you want them to go to see their placement.

You can order the clock parts here.

I attached the number twelve first, then the 6, then the 3, and the 9.

Place the tool where you want them to be, and put a dot on either side near the edge of the lid. Next, place two dots towards the end of the handle, one on either side. And one drop in the middle of the handle if it is wood.

5. Hang your new garden clock and enjoy!

Now that our gardening clock is complete, it’s time to hang it up in the garden. We chose a beautiful spot above our back door, so everyone can see it when they come in the house. I love how the clock looks here, and it adds some extra color to our patio.

Have you made any DIY projects for your garden this year? I would love to see what you have created.

Garden art can be anything that you make and put in your garden. It can be functional, like a birdbath or garden clock, or it can be purely decorative, like a statue or piece of metal art. There are no rules when it comes to garden art, so let your creativity run wild!

If you’re looking for some inspiration, check out these garden art ideas:

– Wind chimes made from vintage garden tools

– A birdbath made from an upcycled sink or bowl

or a planter made out of shovels and rakes

And check out this fountain we made out of a tractor disk

And just in case you need some gardening inspiration, I have you covered.

SHOP THE GARDEN