Sailor Moon Clock

While we're busy writing up articles on the happenings in the Sailor Moon world, we thought we'd post up this craft we had been saving for a while. A few years ago, HP used to send me emails about different crafts you could make to enhance the printing experience. One of those ones that caught my eye was a real working clock you could make from an old CD. Though I wasn't a huge fan of the clock design, it definitely gave me a template to work with. And now we're sharing it with you all! Have you ever wanted a Sailor Moon clock, but you haven't found one you liked on eBay? Or the ones you did like cost too much? Well fear no more, our clock fits a budget of 10-15 dollars! This also makes a great gift for that special Sailor Moon fan in your life!
Directions below abridged slightly from here.

Step 1: Find an old CD that didn't burn properly, and find an old piece of cardboard. Trace around the CD (don't forget the inside too) and cut out that circle and the hole within it. You should have a donut-shaped piece of cardboard. This is how big you'll need to print the picture.

Step 2: Click on the image below, and save the large version that pops up in a new window or tab to your desktop. Open it in your favorite word processor of choice, and make it approximately half a page big. This may require a few attempts to get it right. I created this image using the template given by HP, and if you want to guess how big to make the image in your word processor, follow the template they have given as a rough guide. EDIT: Moon Chase reader Emily has made a wonderful PDF of the image so no resizing is required! Thanks Emily!




Step 3: Print out the image on some cardstock. Most office supply stores or craft stores might be able to sell you a few sheets rather than you needing to buy an entire package. We recommend white or off white, but if you want to choose a different color than so be it! This shouldn't be more than 5 bucks. Use your stencil to cut out the right shape from the cardstock. You might want to print a few attempts on scrap paper to make sure you got the sizing right. Also, because the paper is thicker, you may need to fiddle with your print quality settings to high.

Step 4: Get a clock movement kit from your local craft or hobby store. These run anywhere from 5-15 dollars, and assemble it as it says in the package. You may need to purchase a couple batteries. Attach the CD to the front of the clock movement with some double-sided tape. The tape costs around a couple of bucks.

Step 5: Put a few pieces of double sided tape on the face of the CD and attach the picture you printed out on the cardstock to the CD. If more assembly is required, this is when you should do it.

Step 6: Adjust the hands of the clock as best you can and start the clock! You now have a Sailor Moon clock for your enjoyment! If you want, you could probably use a glue-gun to put a couple of moon charms on the hands of the clock.