1:

To find the design for this project, I searched Embroidery.com for designs matching the keyword "clock", and was well rewarded. The clock that I'm using has a 3 1/2" by 5" design area. I checked to make sure that my selected design, the 16 count "Bluebird Clock" by Sudberry House, would fit that area.

 2:

I used cross-stitch fabric for the embroidery, so as to complement the cross-stitch style of the design itself.

 3:

The embroidery machine made quick work of what might otherwise have been a more time-consuming stitching project, and now I can assemble the clock. First, I'll mark the design's center point, and cut a small hole there.

 4:

I'll fold the corners over and snip away the extra material. With a little adhesive spray to make this easier, I'll stretch the embroidery around the mounting board that came with my clock, matching the center hole with the center of the design.

 5:

After making sure the design is centered, I'll use masking tape to secure the horizontal edges. With a needle and thread, I'll lace up the vertical edges in the center.

 6:

Now I'll enlarge the center hole with a pen,

 7:

Set the embroidered clock face into the frame, and insert the quartz movement.

 8:

With a wrench, I tighten the nut that holds the pieces snug.

 9:

Next, I'll push on the hour hand, align the minute hand with the flat side of the stem. Finally, I'll thread the end cap onto the post.

 10:

Just set the correct time, and add a battery. A custom clock face is fun to make and a satisfying to see, time and again. It will keep the time for you, but there's also a timeless beauty to this Bluebird carriage clock.