Floating-Face Clock

I built this clock for my dad’s Christmas gift this year. The plans came from a Wood magazine issue, and since my dad gifted me the subscription, it seemed fitting to build this for him. I spent a good bit of time brainstorming wood species combinations for the frame and veneer. In the end, I couldn’t come up with anything I liked more than what the plans suggested – walnut for the base and frame, with zebrawood veneer for the clock face.

I’ve made plenty of picture frames, so the mitered frame was nothing new, but this was my first foray into veneer. Since the clock face was pretty small, this was a pretty easy introduction. The clock face is screwed to a piece of acrylic captured in the walnut frame, which is what makes the face look like it’s floating. I used a simple wiping varnish and paste wax finish, and I’m really happy with how it came out.

-- Brett, Georgia