Hello camper! Today we are making a craft inspired by one of the troops – Troop Paradox!

Here’s a paradox for you: how am I always late when I love watches??? They can be so delicate and fascinating; I can’t seem to see that time flies when I look at them! (oh wait… hmm…)

So, what about creating your own pocket watch to look at for hours?

Supplies needed:

  • Toilet paper roll
  • Hot glue
  • Stick glue
  • Pretty paper reminding you of time or travel
  • Pen
  • Scissors
  • Washi tape
  • Ruler
  • Cutter
  • Gold or silver paint
  • Small paint brush
  • 1 equal part water
  • 1 equal part salt
  • 2 equal parts flour
  • Thread

DIY Pocket Watch Instructions:

Part 1: Prepare the watch

Step 1: Using the washi tape thickness, mark along the toilet paper roll. Cut on the marks.

Step 2: Use your small slice of toilet paper roll as a pattern on the pretty paper to draw 2 circles. Trace around the outside of the roll.

Step 3: Cut around the circle by leaving 1 cm (0.4″) of surplus. Cut notches around the circle.

Step 4: Using the glue stick, glue the side of the small slice of toilet paper roll and then position it on the circle in the middle of the paper. Press the edges around the toilet paper roll. Repeat with the other side.

Step 5: Stick the washi tape around the edge of the toilet paper roll to cover the seam. You’ve finished the first part!

Part 2: Salted dough

Step 1: In a bowl, mix the water, the salt and the flour until it becomes a ball. I used a spoon as a measure and I had way too much dough!

Step 2: Mold a pocket watch mechanism. If the dough becomes crumbly, add water. You can also use water to glue parts together.

Once you are happy with your creation, let it dry for 12 to 18 hours.

Step 3: Cook it in an oven at 90-100°C or 200°F for at least 2 hours. The bigger your creation is, the longer it needs to stay in the oven. It is ready when the dough is hard.

Note: you can let it dry in fresh air, but it may take a very long time and it will be more fragile in the end.

Step 4: Paint your piece of art. Part two is finished!

Part 3: Assemble the pocket watch

Step 1: With hot glue, glue the pocket watch mechanism to the edge of the toilet paper roll.

Step 2: Hang it with a thread!

Dear time travellers, you now have a pocket watch to decorate your time machine! It may help you to stay on track. Rambling in time might be fun, but it is also a bit dangerous… Do you feel adventurous?