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Wheel As Art?

Not too long ago, Amanda over at Hip House Girl spotted our infamous green bike wheel and wanted to know more. See it? Yeah, wedged right there in our office between the wall and the sideboard. And it’s been there for well over a year, you know, just hanging out.

So where’d it come from? Well, two Novembers ago, I married Scott – my better half, the coolest person I know (no, really!), and my very own do-it-all handyman. (You see, I married smart). Our DIY nuptials were themed around our favorite mode of transportation, the bicycle. Not only is it our transit of choice in the Windy City, but it’s also how I met the hubs for the first time. He was on a bike, we met, we laughed, we ate Cincinnati chili, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Knowing we already had bicycles on our invitations and programs, Scott’s dad scored a duo of beach cruisers at his local flea market, snatched them up, and sprayed them a glossy, grassy green. Not only did we love them, but they fit right in with our poppy, colorful decor, and they found themselves flanking the entry to the art gallery where our reception was held.

Because two more bikes in our already tiny home would be two more bikes too many (say that five times fast), we donated the “art” to a friend’s playful backyard garden. But being the sentimental gal that I am, I just had to have one wheel. Just one, for memory’s sake. And now, my friends, we’re left with that one lone wheel.

We need your help. We love the darn thing, but can’t figure out what in the world to do with it. She sure looks pretty in that green, and we’re going to be a-stick-in-the-mud about that. We think. Otherwise…suggestions? Thoughts?

You’re a creative crew, and we crave your input. Hang it? Create with it? Cut it up, slash it, tie a big bow on the top? We’ll try (almost) anything. Remember, this is sentiment we’re dealing with. And I’m a sucker for nostaligia. But we’re ready to display this fella, and we just…dont…know…how.

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  • Medina5.5.10 - 9:19 AM

    I could totally see some sort of chandelier/ceiling ornament made with the wheel. I’m not super crafty or creative so I have no idea how you would make that happen. But I think it would look awesome and definitely be unique.ReplyCancel

    • Kim5.5.10 - 11:52 AM

      Thanks, Medina. That is definitely something to consider!ReplyCancel

  • LHS5.5.10 - 11:57 AM

    Second to the chandelier idea. I’m not a fan of how busy this picture looks (or the spoons, for that matter), but maybe hanging just a couple of pretty paper-y flower art from the spokes, and if you’re willing to do a little dismantling you can even run the light kit straight through the hub:

    http://www.wists.com/thumbnails/3/2e/32e19083fdd1e4fe0be96e65f12ed0be-origReplyCancel

  • LHS5.5.10 - 12:04 PM

    OR you could make it into a clock! I might have to change my vote, since this looks pretty cool:

    http://www.etsy.com/listing/45970864/clock-made-from-a-recycled-bike-wheelReplyCancel

    • Kim5.5.10 - 3:18 PM

      To LHS: That clock is pretty awesome! Thank you for finding those photos – inspiring! We actually have a clock we’ve made from an old hub cab (in our bedroom), so we could add it to our quirky clock collection! Ah, very nice, very nice. Thank you!ReplyCancel

  • lazysmurf5.5.10 - 12:13 PM

    What about mounting it on the ceiling or the wall in the kitchen and then using it to hang stuff, like cooking utensils or towels? Or a very large necklace organizer!ReplyCancel

  • Kim5.5.10 - 12:38 PM

    Wow, that could be really neat! You’ve actually just made me think of another idea, too! Hmm…ReplyCancel

  • Amanda5.5.10 - 1:02 PM

    I was going to suggest the pot rack thing too! Or maybe some kind of giant clock (although it might be hard to read). Or maybe you could just hang it on the wall and clothespin pictures on it. I’m excited to see what you come up with!ReplyCancel

  • I vote that it goes in the office as a memo board. Just use some clothespins to hold notes, invites, pictures, etc. The best part is that it won’t harm the wheel if you decide that you don’t like it.ReplyCancel

  • Amie5.5.10 - 1:40 PM

    Get rid of it???? NOOO WAY. I’m a big sentimental person as well, especially for things as lovely and awesome as this. Hang onto it! I second Medina…that would make an awesome chandelier or some sort of handing mobile. Even something as simple as hanging it on the wall in a corner, and using it as a photo holder would be cool. You could use adorable little clips, perhaps photos of your wedding ? A nice little round wheel of happy memories. I like it!ReplyCancel

  • Kim5.5.10 - 1:48 PM

    I’m really enjoying the photo clip / memo board idea! And Kasey’s right… I wouldn’t harm the wheel if we changed our minds later.

    Only problem is that the wheel is decent sized, and we already have wall shelves above and to the side of our office desk. This may call from some re-vamp, no? Maybe just a little?ReplyCancel

  • Scott5.5.10 - 4:21 PM

    Dearest Kimberly,

    Please no revamping. Not even a little.

    With Love,
    Your husband. :)ReplyCancel

    • Kim5.5.10 - 5:22 PM

      Oh, Scott. I’ll find a way for you to use the power tools, and all will be well. Love you!ReplyCancel

  • dave5.6.10 - 8:12 PM

    Kim
    It is cycling season in Chi-Town. Time to ride your bikes. Whatever you decide to do with the wheel, wait until the cold sets in. Enjoy the Chicago Summer.ReplyCancel

  • Tina B5.6.10 - 10:22 PM

    I have to throw my vote in for the memo/photo idea. Especially if you do a series of photos in black and white.ReplyCancel

  • Renee5.10.10 - 2:58 PM

    I think it should be made into a table or chair or something similar that will be with you a long time. Like something from http://www.bikefurniture.com/ReplyCancel

  • Amanda5.11.10 - 7:41 PM

    What a sweet story! I’d want to keep the tire, too, if it held that much meaning! There’s a lot of potential here, and I’m glad that other people here are coming up with cooler ideas than I would. :)ReplyCancel

  • Kalli5.13.10 - 4:27 PM

    What if you modge-podge/collaged up the outer wheel part with printed out photos (on regular thin paper, not stiffer photo papr) from your wedding, or bike trips, etc. and painted the spokes the color of the painted wall you’d hang it against.ReplyCancel

    • Kim5.13.10 - 9:49 PM

      Kalli, I am LOVING this idea! Thanks for the tip. I have so many options to choose from now… Hmmm, let’s see what Scott thinks.ReplyCancel

  • jill5.17.10 - 1:23 PM

    i’m with scott on this one. leave it be. xoReplyCancel

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