Disclosure: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Frog Tape.
Remember the clock I bought on clearance at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago? I’ve been eyeing large clock faces for a while, but the ones I liked were always really expensive and the ones that were affordable weren’t quite right. As I was strolling through the clearance aisle at Hobby Lobby, I saw this over-sized metal clock face. I figured there was a lot of potential for this thing, so I snapped it up. (I think it was around $50.)
It didn’t look bad off the shelf, but I wasn’t crazy about the finish and the shiny black clock hands needed some mustardizing. And you know me…I just can’t leave stuff alone!
I liked the numbers the way they were, so I taped them off with some Frog Tape.
I honestly wasn’t sure how MMS Milk Paint would adhere to the metal, so I added the Bonding Agent. I mixed equal parts Grain Sack and Linen and brushed it directly on the clock face.
When painting a light color of milk paint over a dark finish, it almost always looks bad on the first coat.
By the second coat, it’s looking much better…
…and I ended up applying one more coat. I only allowed about 30 minutes dry time between each coat, since the layers were thin. I removed the Frog Tape and finished the entire piece by sanding the edges, applying some Antiquing Wax in strategic places, and ended with a coat of Furniture Wax and a light buffing.
I painted the hands in a matte charcoal gray acrylic paint.
Here’s the before…
…and after…
I love how it turned out and was pleasantly surprised with how well MMSMP adhered to the metal with the Bonding Agent.
I was also pleasantly surprised with how well the Frog Tape worked with the milk paint, which is much thinner than latex. I wasn’t sure if I would get that crisp line that Frog Tape is famous for, but it didn’t disappoint.
Did you notice my rolls of fabric? I feel like leaving them in plain site will get me motivated to work with them.
The main focus of my DIY attentions, though, is our master bathroom…
Here’s how it’s looking now with the marble subway tile (waiting for grout and trim), new tub, paneled front and marble floor…
And here’s the other side…
I put in the trim work and primed it…
We’re waiting for the floor to be grouted and then we’ll install the toilet and vanity. Built-ins and trim are going on the wall on the left and the lights are coming out to make room for antique sconces that will be supplemented with some pot lights in the ceiling. And, of course, the wall color is changing, too. I am antsy to get this room finished.
We’re reaching the home stretch.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post brought to you by Frog Tape. The opinions are completely my own based on my experience.
67 Responses
so much better!
Wow! That is an amazing transformation with the milk paint on the clock! I love the contrast with the numbers that you left as is. Your bathroom renovation is also looking fabulous! You really have such a wonderful vision for transforming so many things!
I had my bathroom remodeled this spring, I use the same subway tile in my bathroom ,it’s really beautiful
So gorgeous!! I love the transformation!!
I liked the clock before…I like the clock now! I couldn’t pick a favorite, but I’m astounded at how different it looks! Paint is amazing stuff 😉
Love marble, so pretty. I have never heard of “scones” being used as lighting before! Cranberry walnut or blueberry? Not laughing at ya…..mistakes are sure easy to make. Just got a giggle imagining a scone slapped up on the wall over your vanity.
love the clock before but love it more after.
So much better! 🙂
Had to groan when I read your disclosure above, as I had just told my husband earlier this evening that I hoped to never read another blog post on Frog Tape again. (And I’m a Frog Tape fan!) I believe I mentioned painted Mason jars in that conversation too. Lately, it seems blogs have been inundated with these topics. I sure miss when bloggers wrote from the heart and creative mind, instead of for the advertisers. It’s something I’m struggling with as I consider renewing the blog I started last year. Maybe it’s just me….
On a lighter note, I love how your clock face turned out! Your paint did a great job. Also, I am loving the bathroom re-do as well. Marble is such a great choice and the tub facing looks great too. Can’t wait to see the vintage sconces. Love your style, Marian.
Yeah, I appreciate your honesty and where you’re coming from. I actually used Frog Tape on this project today and then thought, “Oh, this could be a post for the blog squad!” I only work with sponsors and products that I genuinely use and love.
I don’t have a problem with you getting some backing for all the work you do to share things with us. We get all this info and inspiration for free – if there is overlap between bloggers, I just “keep on scrollin'”
Yes, I feel that way, too. Blogs would be on a paid subscription if it weren’t for ads and sponsors, so it’s definitely a plus for the reader. If I’m blabbing about something you’re not interested in on that day, you can just move on. 🙂
On the contrary, I like that you show me how to use Frog Tape. I never knew about it until I started reading your blog. Because of that, I have learned how to tackle some solutions to my projects. Now I’m hooked on the stuff and I love it. I trust that you genuinely like the product — so, I guess there’s two sides to looking at it.
Awesome! Yes, I’ve learned about a lot of great products through other blogs. Companies have seen that this is a powerful form of advertising when it’s organic and not forced. Trust me, I’ve received some crazy offers for sponsored posts and I spare my readers from that craziness!
I love how the clock turned out! And I love what you’ve chosen for you master bath thus far, I can’t wait to see it when it’s finished:)
So pretty! I was on the fence about the clock since you first posted it. Never would have thought it would turn out the way it did!
The bathroom is coming along nicely…Makes me want to make changes in mine too, but, well, we rent.
Oooh! Love the clock! It’s awesome! And your bathroom looks fabulous already! It gives me hope for ours!!! Can’t wait to see the finished product, I was just looking online atarble subway tile and this gives me a better feel for what it looks like in a large area.
Marian, Your Milk Paint was mentioned in a nice little article with picture, in August issue of Canada’s Style at Home magazine. Love your blog, your style and jump into it DIY attitude!
I passed up that clock before it went on clearance and went back when I saw you had grabbed it. It wasn’t on clearance in my Hobby Lobby and there were none left in stock. Real bummer too, because I’ve been searching for a large clock for quite some time and don’t want to spend $$$ for one. On a side note, I realize that the blog world is a vehicle for generating business; especially a business for women who choose to stay home. I am all for ladies staying home to take care of their families; especially when there are little ones that need their momma. So I’m happy that women can generate income from their homes. That being said, I am glad that you carefully choose when and how to post a sponsored product because it tends to be a real turn-off. It’s a romantic notion to think one shares a blog purely for the benefit of others. It’s sometimes a hard bullet to bite when we realize the blogger is in it for the money. You seem to hide the business side of your blog well enough.
Yeah, it’s always a struggle to balance the personal side of blogging (I love it, I truly see my followers as “friends”, I did it for free for a long time, etc.) and the professional side (it does take a lot of work, it is my job, it does help support my family, etc.) I never want to bombard my readers with ads and “buy this!” and all, so I turn A LOT of opportunities down and only work with companies ans brands I really love.
When I saw your “after” of the clock, immediately it popped in my head, “She DID mustardize it!” Love it; it does ‘look’ like you. Have a happy week.
Love the tile.Classic.You are a fantastic designer.You need your own line and show!!!!!!!
What a gorgeous transformation – it looks beautiful! And oh, I love that fabric.
The clock looks sooooo much better! Your master bath looks FANTASTIC!!!! I hope you will get to enjoy it soon!
I was all set to use the Frog tape on a new project I am working on….I bought a roll last week and I KNOW it is here somewhere…but in my garage filled with projects I couldn’t find it! Sooooo disappointed and trust me, the blue tape and masking tape just don’t do the job sometimes!
I’m sure I will eventually find it and that won’t be my last project!
The clock looks amazing! Great example of making something your own! Just because something is “store bought” doesn’t mean you can’t tweek it to make it your own!
I wish more people could look past the “finish” and see the “bones”….
Hi Marian – I love the way the clock turned out and I love Frog tape as well. I actually used some last night to hold a stencil in place. It’s sturdy but “soft” enough that it doesn’t damage painted surfaces. P.S. I don’t mind sponsored posts. 🙂
What a great “pick-me-up”! Keep up the good hard work!
Beautiful clock makeover and so fun to see sneak peeks of the master bathroom. It’s looking good!
that clock turned out beautiful and i am loving that tile in your bath! i can’t wait to see more of the transformation! thanks for sharing!
Look the clock redo! I missed Friday furniture feature this past weekend.. Sad to say but I look forward to that every weekend!, : )
The bathroom is looking great! I’m amazed you’re finding time to blog so often AND do mini makeovers with such a huge project going on!
That clock is so much better looking now. Great little transformation. Your bathroom is looking so your style. I just tried your milk paint for the first time. I hope to link it up to your Furniture Feature Friday. Can’t wait for your bathroom reveal.
Great..!! I loved second last pic. This is such a nice idea for my bathroom as well..!!
OH Marion, your clock is beautiful! As far as sponsored posts… umm this is how you make your living!! So just know that I am behind you 100% of the way! Now I have a super important question to ask you…. what color is the bathroom right now? You see it looks like it might be the perfect color for our windowless bathroom or the north facing “guest” room with only a small window (read poor lighting…) Okay I have to admit this room might become my room as I’ve been told northern light is the best kind to paint in… and i’ve taken the paint brush up after years away… its truly therapeutic for me at this point… now to kick the boy who thinks it is his personal computer room out!! ha ha! Thank you!!
Your clock turned out great. 🙂 I love the way the bathroom looks so far.
Stunning clock face makeover.
Hi Marian~~~Love your style & all the wonderful things I am learning from you!
The clock is supercool~~~what an amazing change from before to after~~~The mixture of milk paint color looks fantastic. Thanks for all the inspiration.
I don’t mind sponsored posts either. I want to know what works the best out there so I can be a better steward of my money & time. You now have a business & there isn’t a thing wrong with using your creativity to create income as well as beautifying our world. You go girl! Your warmth & caring comes through.
Hugs, Linda
Great job of turning that clock into a MMS style piece! Sometimes you just have to pay the extra for Frog tape to get the line clean enough. Lovin’ the master bath!
Thanks for sharing. It is comforting to see your example so I can confidently approach a future metal project with Milk Paint and Bonding Agent.
Whoa! There is alot going on at your house, i have missed so many posts! Love the buffalo check gingham, i can’t wait to see where that is going, and it looks like your bathroom is going to look like a different world once you’re done with it!
Cindy
Now that your darling house is almost perfect (except it isn’t the farm house you were dreaming of) — don’t move!
I was thinking – ‘is this going to be one that I like the before better?’ because I loved that clock face before. But you did it again – I LOVE that clock after! Makes me want to jump in my car and run to hobby lobby just in case they have one left here! LOL! You do the best stuff.
I have a friend who just used my MMSMP on some table legs. She used frog tape to tape off the table top where the legs and side pieces met and the paint bled through pretty bad anyway. wondering if the bonding agent in yours helped? or if she had her paint too runny? it wasnt’ a big deal because it won’t show when the table is upright but she was thinking it wouldn’t bleed through at all. I’ve had great luck with frog tape and I think she will like it for other stuff 🙂
Now that clock is perfect, BTW: I just tried frog tape for the very first time!!!!! Why did I wait so long????
I love how the clock turned out!
You gave me some confidence now to use MMS Milk Paint on a vintage chandelier we recently got from Craigslist. I knew I wanted to paint it, but wasn’t sure what kind of paint to use. Your post makes that decision so much easier now. Thanks! 🙂
I really love the way the clock turned out. Beautiful and I also love the chest that it sits upon! Can’t wait to see the bathroom finished.
I also love the way your clock turned out! Frog tape is the best, and I don’t mind either that this was a sponsered post. Especially when it’s for a great product.
It turned out lovely!!
1. the bathroom is looking amazing
&
2. LOVE the clock!! perfect combo of colors!
Love the clock and LOVE the fabrics your aunt gave you! As for the Frog Tape I had not heard of it until you mentioned it on your blog. I appreciate it when a blogger introduces me to a new product and shows how to use it. How else can we know if a product is worth purchasing? In other words I trust you more than an actor on a TV or magazine ad who has probably never had a paint brush or any other tool in his or her hand!!
Love your bathroom. If and when you ever sell your home, that lucky someone will have a home with classic and timeless design.
Marian, we are so lucky to have you as our personal style tutor!
You have taught us so well that I am always confident in tackling any project you have shown us how to do, and in using the helpful products you introduce us to for achieving the best results.
If sponsors help you to keep helping us, then that’s wonderful for us and for you!
The other day, i was up in the mountains above Park City, UT. I stopped in a cute little shop, April James in Heber. Lots of cute painted furniture, antiques, etc. . I turned a corner and saw a whole display of Milk Paint. It was my first time seeing it in “real life”! So fun. The owner of the shop had painted some pieces. I told her I follow your blog and we talked about how talented you are.
Love this clock. I have been looking for a square clock for a long time for my family/living area. Maybe Ill check Hobby Lobby to see if they have any left. Love your finished product.
Thanks for sharing your talents!
Marian — My 2 cents worth…I appreciate so that you recommend products, etc. that you have used or are using and HOW you are using them. Guess that since I’ve been following your blog for a while now, I’ve come to trust you. You just come across as a “human being” with struggles, goals, and honesty. Go for it! I too, am all for a mama working from home so she can be with her children. Ok – question for you or your readers who happen to read this: I was gifted with a beautiful wrought iron table and chairs–glass table top and all. It’s rusted, chippy (naturally) and needs TLC. I can’t decide whether to clean it/repaint or clean/seal it. IF I do repaint – can I use milk paint successfully? It will probably be outside furniture but it’s sooooo cute I might have to bring it in. THANKS in advance for any help.
Just a thought, I have started tiling the recessed ceiling above the tub/shower in all the bathrooms I remodel, after adding a waterproof recessed light. No more problems with steam impact or mold…
So flipping cute! I’m glad to know I’m not the only one that has to personalize my treasures!!
JJ
Love the clock redo and your bathroom is already looking so classy!
Also, I love hearing about new products that can help make projects
go smoother! I hope one day I have some sponsors!
Thank you for being such a wonderful inspriation!
The clock looks great. Love the way your bathroom is looking.
Blessings,
Audrey Z. @ Timeless Treasures
FROG TAPE is great!!
Looking forward to seeing the vanity installed. At this point in a renovation I get a little impatient!
Won’t be long now!
Only Miss Mustardseed would paint a black clock white and it looks smashing !!!
M
You have an amazing talent and you so generously share it with all of us! I love that you have carefully selected your sponsors and I am happy that you receive payment for it!!!
The clock looks great! I knew you’d come up with something very “you” and pretty. 🙂 Never a disappointment. 😉
Your bathroom is coming along too! That tub is amazing and the tile is gorgeous! What a beautiful retreat you’ll have to relax in after all your projects and painting!
Hugs,
Gail
The clock turned out beautifully. I still would like to know where I can get frog tape.
Do they export it into Europe. I live in the Netherlands and would love to get some.
Would you please let me know
Mieke
LOVE the way the clock turned out. You have a great eye.
I love the change of the clock!! You made the numerals and clock hands stand out when they previously just blended together as one! Great idea! I have some old metal pieces that I no longer love so much. You have given me some ideas!
Quick question – how do you think the MMS paint would hold up on metal pieces that I use outside?
Our hobby lobby here in Enid, OK has one of those at 66% off making it $75 I didn’t realize how BIG that clock is!
I saw this clock on sale at Hobby Lobby – but it was missing the second hand 🙁 What’s a girl to do?
Oh I’m so glad you are doing the curtains. I love the fabric with your new look in the livingroom. And key pieces really stand out. Your horse. The piano. The clock. The chairs. It’s strange how I love every look you produce but when you change, I like that too! You do realize most couches cost more than your entire living room?!! Oh. The dress form. Just a really cool piece so unexpected. Wow. All this done plus running a major company and having boys plus doing a lot of projects that are major yourself. Do you ever stop to sit and take it all in?!! What a blessing. 🙂