Frequently Asked Questions

What's so different about a Keepsake Clock?

Each Keepsake Clock is a piece of custom artwork, designed by an artist from your photograph. The overall concept is so unique, it is protected by a US Design Patent (Patent Pending).

After your clock is designed by The Clock Lady and approved by you, we print the final image on high quality matte canvas. This material allows for superior color depth and has a subtle texture that provides a sense of elegance. All printing is done in house on a professional grade wide format printer. This equipment utilizes twelve separate pigment ink cartridges to provide a full range of beautiful true-to-life color that will remain fade resistant and color fast.

The printed canvas is then carefully adhered to and hand wrapped around the edges of an incredibly light-weight, yet rigid, circular background board that we construct ourselves. The wrapping technique gives the piece a finished edge on all sides, just like a fine unframed art canvas you might see on display in a museum. The clock mechanism is recessed into the background board and the entire clock is very light in weight and easy to hang.

Every Keepsake Clock is made in America with American labor, materials, tools and equipment.

Where did you come up with the idea for Keepsake Clocks?

Keepsake Clocks are a combination of lots of seemingly unrelated things from throughout my life; everything from a high school photography class to a love of scrapbooking and a failed attempt at quilting. Primarily, they are a combination of my old high school geometry (that I swore I'd never use) and a great deal of photo editing.

What should I order?

Our most popular item is our 16" clock because it really makes a lovely statement on the wall. Many of our clients chose to pair their clock with a matching pendant (for only $45, it's a real bargain). Also popular are our table tops.

How do I place my order?

Simply fill out the order form on the "Prices and Ordering" page of this website. You will be asked for a $50 deposit at that time. Once your order is placed, you will be contacted directly by JoAnn Shorter, The Clock Lady, to discuss your order. JoAnn will guide you in choosing the best photo, discuss any of your color or design preferences, and address any questions you may have. This extra bit of personal attention to your order will help us create the best clock possible.

What is the process after that?

Choose your photo. Please refer to "Choosing the Right Photo" for additional assistance in selecting a good image. We suggest that you select two to four of your favorites, based on your conversation with JoAnn. Photos that work best feature a subject that is taller than it is wide.

Email your photos to JoAnn@TheClockLady.net. You will receive a confirmation email directly from JoAnn regarding your photos. This email will also communicate an initial opinion as to which of your photos may work best for your clock. Note that if you do not receive an email within 24-48 hours, it is possible that your email did not reach us (mistyping of email address, files too large, etc). Resend your email or call us at 770-425-5466.

Allow 6 weeks for your clock to be designed. Note that this timeframe is an estimate and is dependent upon the current workload and the suitability of your photo. Please remember that you are purchasing a piece of custom artwork.

You will receive proofs via email. The number of proofs depends on the photo but in most cases you will have 2 to 4 options.
Choose your favorite and inform us of your selection via email.

Pay any balance due via check or credit card.

You will receive your completed clock within 2 weeks of receipt of your final payment.

Tell me about the necklaces & keychains...

The artwork for our necklaces & key chains is housed in silver toned metal & covered with acrylic. They are available in clock & kaleidoscope designs, depending upon your photo. Necklaces come with a dog tag style chain that coordinates with the beaded edge of the pendant.

What are the table tops like?

After you approve the artwork, your tabletop begins a twelve step process that takes a minimum of one week to complete. The image is printed on canvas, just like our clocks, to provide beautiful depth of color. We then carefully paint & distress the edges of the finished wood to coordinate with the artwork. Once the canvas is adhered to the wood, we seal it with two layers of two-part epoxy. This material ensures a finish that is both beautiful & functional; it makes all the colors pop while protecting the artwork from damage. It's the same material that is often used on bar tops in bar rooms, so you can comfortably place drinks on your tabletop and not worry about rings.

Tabletops are available in two design options; our standard clock design and a kaleidoscope pattern consisting of 5 - 7 sets of mirror images. Your photo will dictate the design; side views of animals tend to work better as a kaleidoscope while front views make better clock patterns.

We suggest you adhere your tabletop to a garden urn or pedestal base with a product such as Liquid Nails or E6000.

What types of themes work well for a Keepsake Clock?

The possibilities are endless, just think about how you can capture a photo where the subject is taller than it is wide. We have created beautiful clocks with photos of children and adults engaged in their favorite activities such as dance, cheerleading, playing musical instruments and sports of all kinds. Golf, tennis and fencing, as well as riding bicycles, motorcycles and horses are especially popular for adults. A wide variety of kids' athletics work well; football, baseball, basketball, diving and soccer seem to be the most common. A wedding photo makes beautiful clock for an anniversary gift that will be cherished for years. And don't forget about your four-legged companions. Action shots such as your pet playing with its favorite toy are adorable, but dog agility and horse jumping competitions provide a great opportunity for some exciting photos that make wonderful clocks. And of course, a photo of your human or animal loved one doing nothing other than looking into the camera is perfect too. For animals, the best photos feature a front view and include the full body from ears to paws.

How do I include more than one person or animal?

Tightly group your subjects together to take your photo. Encourage people to put their arms around each other to get them closer and to give your photo a warm feeling. Do not line people up shoulder to shoulder, especially in the case of groups larger than two. Instead, position taller individuals in back, making sure that everyone's face is visible. With animals, it's a bit trickier. Just do your best to get their faces close together while keeping them all facing the camera. For more help with this, please refer to "Choosing the Right Photo".

Can I use more than one photo?

Yes, but remember that the beauty of a Keepsake Clock is created by the repetition of elements within the photo. When more than one photo is used, this repetition is lost to some degree. That being said, we have created lovely clocks with more than one photo. In many cases, the client arranged for a photo shoot to ensure that the images worked well together. Each photo was taken against the same background with the subjects wearing similar clothing. In addition, the pose, the lighting and the distance between the camera and the subject in each photo was kept relatively consistent. If it is not possible to arrange a photo shoot, simply choose photos that are as similar to each other as possible, especially in regard to the pose. Please remember that in cases where more than one photo is used to create a clock, an additional fee of $35 per photo is charged.

What is Reprint pricing & how do I qualify?

Reprint pricing is available for a second product using the same artwork as your original order. For example, if you purchase a clock and a pendant created with the same artwork, you will receive reprint pricing on the pendant. We suggest the 16" clock at $155 & the pendant for only $45. Other choices might include a second copy of the same clock or a clock to hang over your table top.

Can I choose the background color for my Keepsake Clock?

Yes, in most cases it is possible for the background to be changed. Please be aware though that certain elements of some photos will make this process more difficult. For example, people and animals with fluffy, curly or fly-away hair pose a bit of a challenge. The Clock Lady will review your photos in order to provide feedback as to what can be accomplished.

How will my clock arrive?

We use FedEx Ground service for domestic shipments. Standard packaging is a shipping carton with sufficient cushioning materials to ensure your clock arrives safely. The hands are set to 12:00 and carefully protected with bubble wrap. When you open the package, carefully unwrap your clock, sliding the bubble wrap from under the hands and use the dial on the back of the clock mechanism to set the correct time. Install one AA battery and your clock is ready to hang from the triangular cut out on the back of the mechanism.

Can I get the hands in other colors besides black?

When appropriate, hands can be painted in various colors to coordinate with your clock. We will discuss the options with you prior to completing your project.

Can I get my Keepsake Clock with a frame?

Yes. They are offered as an option on the Prices and Ordering page of this website. Our frames are solid hardwood (ash). Most often, we paint them black to coordinate with the hands of the clock but they may also be stained or painted in other colors. We will discuss the various options with you when you place your order.

Is there a warranty?

Yes. The clock mechanisms are made in America and covered by a 10 year warranty from the manufacturer.

How do I change the time on my clock?

Turn the small round dial located on the back of the clock mechanism to turn the hands. Do not change the time by turning the hour or minute hands themselves, as this may cause them to become loosened or misaligned.

Where & how should I hang my clock?

As with any other piece of fine artwork, hang your clock where it will not be exposed to excess moisture or harsh direct sunlight. Avoid locations such as bathrooms, laundry rooms or the working area of kitchens.

Your clock mechanism has a triangular cut-out on the back for ease of hanging. Simple hook this triangle over a nail placed in your wall. There is no need for additional hardware.

How do I keep my clock clean?

As with any other piece of fine artwork, your clock should be dusted regularly. We recommend a feather or microfiber duster, as opposed to a cleaning cloth. Try not to disturb the hour or minute hands as you dust. Do not spray your clock with any liquid or aerosol cleaners.

How can I carry Keepsake Clocks at my retail store?

We are happy to offer our clocks to the public through appropriate retailers. Please email JoAnn@NotForgottenArts.com with your contact information so we can discuss the details.