Turn a tattered, nondescript, or otherwise unvaluable book into a fun timepiece. Start with a quartz-movement clock kit ($5; www.dickblick.com). Drill a hole in the middle of the book cover and trace the clock casing on the first page. Use an X-Acto utility knife (as shown) to carefully cut out the middle of the book 1/4 inch larger than the tracing until the casing sits fully inside. Add minute and second hands. Be creative! Add stickered numbers or upholstery tacks to mark the time.

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Green Tip
Read any good books lately? Instead of tossing out old paperback books, trade them for a new read. Go to www.paperbackswap.com. The more books you list and swap, the more free book credits you get. Plus: book journals, live chats, and a writers' forum where you can submit your own work.