Ever wondered how to turn a piece of charred wood into a stunning timepiece? Join us as we explore the art of epoxy resin and create a one-of-a-kind lava clock.Ready to embark on a unique DIY project that combines art and function? Join us as we delve into the world of epoxy resin and charred wood to create a stunning lava clock. This mesmerizing timepiece, with its swirling layers of colored epoxy and natural wood accents, is not just a functional clock but a captivating piece of art. In this guide, we’ll explore the step-by-step process, from preparing the wood to pouring the epoxy, to ensure you can create your own personalized lava clock.

Materials:

• Wood (preferably hardwood)
• Fire pit or other heat source for charring
• Wood sealant
• Epoxy resin
• Red pigment
• Glitter
• Washed gravel
• Clear epoxy resin
• Drill
• Sandpaper
• Black paint
• Clear coat
• Clock hands
• Clock movement
• Clock mounting hardware

Tools:

• Safety gloves
• Safety goggles
• Mixing cups and sticks
• Measuring cups
• Heat gun (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Preparing the Wood:

1. Charring the Wood:
   • Build a fire in your fire pit.
   • Place the wood directly into the flames, rotating it to ensure even charring.
   • Remove the wood when it reaches your desired level of charring.
2. Sealing the Wood:
   • Once the wood has cooled, apply a wood sealant to protect the charred surface and prevent it from reacting with the epoxy.
3. Cutting the Wood:
   • Cut the charred wood into thin, uniform slices. These will be the layers in your lava clock.

Creating the Mold:

1. Forming the Circle:
   • Use a circular piece of wood or another circular object to trace a circle onto a flat surface.
   • Cut out the circle using a jigsaw or a handsaw.
2. Preparing the Mold:
   • Place the circular piece of wood into a mold or a container that is slightly larger.
   • Seal the edges of the mold with tape to prevent epoxy from leaking out.

Pouring the Epoxy Layers:

1. First Layer:
   • Mix a batch of red epoxy, adding glitter for a sparkling effect.
   • Pour the epoxy into the mold, ensuring it covers the bottom evenly.
2. Adding the Charred Wood:
   • Carefully place the charred wood slices onto the epoxy layer, arranging them in a visually appealing pattern.
3. Second Layer:
   • Mix another batch of red epoxy with glitter.
   • Pour this layer over the wood slices, ensuring they are completely covered.
4. Adding the Gravel:
   • Mix a batch of clear epoxy.
   • Add washed gravel to the epoxy and mix thoroughly.
   • Pour this mixture over the second layer.
5. Creating Swirls:
   • Use a toothpick or a similar tool to create swirls and patterns in the epoxy.

Curing and Finishing:

1. Curing:
   • Allow the epoxy to cure completely, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
   • To speed up the curing process, you can use a heat gun, but be careful not to overheat the epoxy.
2. Drilling Holes:
   • Once the epoxy is fully cured, drill holes for the clock hands and movement.
3. Sanding and Painting:
   • Sand the edges of the clock to smooth them out.
   • Paint the outer edge of the clock with black paint.
   • Apply a clear coat to protect the paint and the epoxy.
4. Adding the Clock Mechanism:
   • Insert the clock movement and hands into the drilled holes.
   • Secure the movement and hands in place.
5. Mounting the Clock:
   • Attach the mounting hardware to the back of the clock.
   • Hang the clock on a wall or place it on a stand.

Your unique lava clock is now complete! Enjoy the mesmerizing visual effect of the swirling epoxy and charred wood.