Retro Record Clocks!

I think it's about time that I give my Retro Record Clocks a bit of a mention seeing as they are currently dominating my ETSY shop!

I am a big 'retro' music fan (the Ziggy Stardust/Sawdust connection is no coincidence!) and my love of objects 100% extends to old records!

I am fully aware that the idea of converting records into clocks isn't the most original idea but they are fun to make and fun to own!

I try my best to focus on finding iconic records with a bit of cult status, to make the clocks all the more desirable... and I also use coloured plastic clock pieces to add a little 'pop' of colour!

click here

My favourite recent find has to be Simon and Garfunkle's Mrs Robinson 7" single from 1966, which is the sound track to one of my favourite films- The Graduate.

(So here's to you Mrs Robinson!)

Records are great objects in themselves and even though their function becomes altered when they are made into clocks, it's much nicer to have an affiliation with the songs that they contain!

Other clocks that I have made from great records include:

Start! 7" single by The Jam

Frankie Says Relax 7" single by Frankie Goes To Hollywood

Wake Me Up Before You Go-Go 7" single by Wham!

Union City Blue 7" single by Blondie

Let It Bleed 12" album by The Rolling Stones

and

Pin Ups 12" album by David Bowie

but you can find even more at my Etsy Shop!

Food For Thought (...or should that be grapes for thought?!)

Whilst I was working away, covered in paint (as per usual!) Lover to Lover by Florence + The Machine came on my iPod... 

Florence + The Machine- Love to Lover

and I don't know what it is but every time I hear it I just want to start singing Marvin Gaye's I Heard It Through The Grapevine...

Marvin Gaye- I Heard It Through The Grapevine

Is it the beat, the tune... the rhythm?? But the funny thing is, I've just come across a video of Florence doing a cover of I Heard It Through The Grapevine (if you want to cut to the chase, she starts singing at 03:19!)

Florence Welch on Dazed TV Party- I Heard It Through The Grapevine cover

It's a totally different version (all slowed down and atmospheric) but maybe old Marvin influenced Lover to Lover after all!

But anyway, all this aside, my favourite version of the song still has to be The Slits' effort:

The Slits- I Heard It Through The Grapevine

...Well, I'll sleep tonight now that I've got my music analogies of my chest!!

...oh, I heard it through the grapevine

... oh and I'm just about to loose my mind!

honey, honey yeah!

Song-spiration: Lucky Star

This came on my iPod today whilst I was painting away and my, did it make me want to boogie! (... If only I knew the dance routine!)

Madonna- Lucky Star

You just can't beat a bit of old-school Madonna... I'm going to see her in action in Edinburgh this July and I can't wait!!

Better get back to my furniture... No photos as of yet, but I'm nearly there! 

You can't rush perfection..!

Song-spiration: Jumping Jack Flash

Gearing myself up for an early rise tomorrow... can't think of a better way to get motivated than a little sing-a-long with Mick and the boys!

The Rolling Stones- Jumping Jack Flash

... could there also possibly be some outfit inspiration in there too?!

Getting into the Christmas spirit...

Here's a bit of cheesy (but brilliant!) Ziggy-themed festive cheer!






Oh, I am so happy it's Christmas time again!!

Song-spiration: Lucy Rose

On a different note (excuse the pun), I love getting inspiration from music. It's always nice to be inspired by the atmosphere that a particular song conjures and from this I get the urge to make something material which matches it.

Lucy Rose is a singer/ songwriter who I discovered through her doing some backing vocals for Bombay Bicylce Club.

I love her voice and lyrics... this is the kind of setting that I think matches this song: