If you have searched how to make a clay wall clock, you probably have a blank wall and a mass-produced clock you never liked. The good news is that a clay clock face is one of the easiest slab projects there is. It is a flat disc with a hole in the middle. Everything else is decoration.
This guide walks you through the whole build using air-dry clay. No wheel. No kiln. One weekend and a cheap clock movement from any craft or hardware shop.
Why a clay wall clock is a great UAE project
Most UAE apartments come with large plain walls and very little personality. A handmade clock fixes that in one piece. It also suits the climate. Air-dry clay cures well in a dry, air-conditioned room, and a wall clock never gets handled, so it stays looking new for years.
The only real requirement is patience while it dries. A thick disc needs a few days. Rush it and it may warp. Give it time and you get a flat, solid face that hangs straight.
The answer: everything you need in one box
The Sawa Pottery Kit gives you the clay, the tools and the finish for this project. The Solo Kit at AED 198 has enough clay for a 20 cm clock face plus a couple of small extras. If you want to make clocks with a partner, the Duo Kit is AED 228. Free delivery UAE-wide.
The only thing you add is a quartz clock movement with hands. They cost around AED 15 to AED 30 and come with a threaded shaft, a nut and a hanging hook.
Get the Sawa Solo Kit
AED 198. Free delivery UAE-wide.
How to make a clay wall clock step by step
Step 1: Check your clock movement first
Measure the shaft length on the movement. Most standard movements fit a face up to 8 mm thick. Buy the movement before you roll the clay so you know your maximum thickness.
Step 2: Roll a slab
Knead the clay until it is soft and even. Roll it out on a clean surface to about 7 mm thick. Use two rulers or wooden strips as guides so the thickness stays the same across the whole slab.
Step 3: Cut the disc
Place a plate or bowl face down on the slab and cut around it with the tool from your kit. A 20 to 25 cm disc is a good first size. Smooth the edge with a damp finger.
Step 4: Make the centre hole
Press a drinking straw or a pen through the exact centre of the disc. Check the hole is slightly larger than the movement shaft. Wiggle it a little so it does not shrink shut as the clay dries.
Step 5: Add the hour markers
You can stamp twelve dots, press in small clay balls, carve lines or leave it blank for a minimalist look. Use a ruler to place 12, 3, 6 and 9 first. Fill in the rest between them.
Step 6: Dry flat and slow
Lay the disc on a flat board and cover it loosely with a cloth for the first day. This slows drying and prevents warping. Flip it once a day. Allow three to five days for a disc this thick.
Step 7: Sand, paint and seal
Lightly sand any rough spots. Paint the face with the colours from your kit. A cream face with terracotta markers looks great on a white wall. Seal both sides with the finish in the kit.
Step 8: Fit the movement
Push the shaft through the hole from the back. Tighten the nut on the front. Press on the hands in order: hour, minute, second. Add a battery and hang it on the hook.
For more slab projects, see our guides on how to make a clay mirror frame and how to make a clay photo frame. If you are new to finishing, read how to seal air dry clay first.
Frequently asked questions
Will the clock be heavy?
A 20 cm disc at 7 mm thick weighs around 400 grams. Standard movements with a hook hold that easily. Use a proper wall hook rather than a sticky pad.
What if the hole shrinks while drying?
Air-dry clay shrinks a little. Make the hole a touch oversized. If it tightens, widen it gently with a small round file once the clay is fully dry.
Can I make a square or hexagon clock?
Yes. Any flat shape works as long as the centre hole sits where the hands can turn freely.
Is the clay safe for a kitchen wall?
On the wall, yes. But keep the pieces from your kit for decor only. They are not made for contact with food or drink.
Make one for every room
Once you have made a first clock, the second takes an hour. Try a different shape, a different colour or a set of small ones for the kids' rooms.
Order the Sawa Pottery Kit
From AED 198. Free delivery UAE-wide.