Samurai Night Clock

Hi, I’m a first-year B.Tech Mechanical Engineering student, and I recently created a night-glow Samurai clock as a personal project. I’ve always been inspired by Japan and the discipline of the Samurai, so I wanted to include that theme in my design. The numbers on the clock glow in the dark because I scattered the light using cotton and then covered it with paper, which lets the light pass through softly at night. And I make samurai from back side like he is had his swords in the shield which is clock. I also made the clock needles look like swords to match the Samurai style. The light from behind the Samurai enhances the whole look and gives it a unique effect. The entire idea, from the concept to the technique, was completely mine, and it was a fun project to build.

Supplies I Used

1. Thread
2. Paint
3. Paint brushes
4. Super glue
5. Normal glue
6. Cardboard sheets
7. Cotton
8. LED lights
9. White pen
10. Foam sheet
11. A4 paper
12. Cutter
13. Scissors
14. Pencil
15. Eraser
16. Scale

Step 1: Turn the cardboard box into flat sheets

Take your cardboard box and carefully cut it open using a cutter or scissors. Remove all the folded parts and flatten it out so you get clean, even cardboard sheets that you can use for making the clock.

Step 2: Draw the Samurai

Using a pencil, lightly sketch the Samurai design on the flattened cardboard sheet. Take your time to get the shape and details right, since this drawing will be the main look of your clock. Once you’re satisfied with the outline, darken it slightly so it’s clear for cutting.

Step 3: Cut the Samurai

Carefully cut out the Samurai design using a cutter or scissors. Follow the pencil lines slowly to keep the edges neat. Take your time, especially around small or detailed areas, so the final shape looks clean and accurate.

Step 4: Coat the Samurai with Super Glue to Make It Stronger

After the paint dries, apply a thin layer of super glue over the entire Samurai cutout. This helps harden the surface and makes the piece stronger and more durable. Let the glue dry completely before using it further.

Step 5: Paint the Samurai Black for a Shadowy Look

Use black paint and a paintbrush to cover the entire Samurai cutout. Make sure the paint spreads evenly. This gives the Samurai a strong shadowy and bold silhouette. Let it dry completely before moving to the next step.

Step 6: Make the Clock Layout and Add the Foam Base

First, cut two full cardboard rings and a round cardboard base to create the main structure of the clock. Coat the base with a thin layer of super glue to make it stronger, then let it dry. After that, paint the base and allow the paint to settle completely. Once dry, stick the yellow foam sheet neatly on the base to give it a clean and smooth finish. This foam layer will also help reflect the LED lights better later.

Step 7: Draw, Cut, and Strengthen the Swords (on Paper)

Start by drawing the sword shapes on paper using a pencil. Once the designs look right, carefully cut them out with scissors. After cutting, apply a thin layer of super glue on the paper swords to make them stiff and strong enough to work as clock hands. Let them dry completely before painting or using them.

Step 8: Paint the Swords and Add Details

Prepare a grey color by mixing white paint with a little black and a small drop of blue. Use this grey shade to paint the paper swords to give them a metallic look. For the handles, paint them black and then use a white gel pen to draw grip strips so they look like real katana handles. After the paint dries, add a clean black line along the blade using a black pen to give the sword more depth and detail before that i punch hole in both swords.

Step 9: Cut a Hole in the Samurai for the Clock Fitting

Carefully cut a small hole in the center of the Samurai where the clock mechanism will be placed. Make sure the hole is neat so the clock’s rod can pass through easily from the back. This will allow the mechanism to sit properly behind the Samurai while the swords (clock hands) stay in front.

Step 10: Add the Clock Mechanism and Adjust the Wiring

Place the clock mechanism at the back of the Samurai and fix it properly through the hole you made. Make sure the rod comes out smoothly in the front. After that, arrange the LED wiring neatly around the base so it doesn’t get tangled or visible from the front. Secure the wires in place with tape or glue, and check that the lights and clock both work properly.

Step 11: Add the Swords and Arrange the Wiring

Attach the paper swords to the clock mechanism as the hour and minute hands. Then, cover the back or base area to hide the wiring neatly. Place some cotton in the middle underneath the needles to lift them slightly—this helps scatter the light from the LEDs, making the clock numbers glow beautifully in the dark. Make sure everything is secure and looks neat before testing the final effect.

Step 12: Final Assembly and Finishing Touches

Carefully attach all the parts together, making sure the Samurai, clock rings, and base are aligned properly. Check all the wiring to ensure the LEDs and clock mechanism work perfectly. Place a small circular cover in the middle beneath the swords to hide the cotton and give the clock a neat and clean look. Once everything is fixed and functioning, your Night Samurai clock is complete and ready to display.

Conclusion

Creating the Night Samurai clock was a fun and creative project that combined my interest in Japanese culture and samurai with practical crafting skills. I designed and built every part myself, from the glowing numbers to the sword-shaped clock hands. Using simple materials like cardboard, cotton, and LEDs, I was able to make a clock that not only tells time but also glows beautifully at night. This project taught me patience, precision, and the joy of bringing an idea to life.