In today’s post, I am going to repurpose and recycle an old bike wheel. I couldn’t believe my luck when I stumbled across an old bike wheel when I was out walking recently. I had seen lots of repurposed bike wheels on Pinterest and I was dying to give one a try.
I decided to turn my wheel into a decorative wreath. This was a really quick DIY and it only took me a morning to make. As I was recycling this wheel I thought to myself that it would make a great wedding DIY. So, if you know any brides to be then please share this DIY with them.
Prepping Your Recycled Wheel
My wheel was in pretty good condition considering I found it on the side of the road. It had some early signs of rust and was grubby but overall in good condition. The rubber tyre was also removed so I didn’t have to struggle with dismantling that. I
used some of my trusty Krud Kutter to clean down my wheel. I also used a wire sponge to help scratch off any rust that was on the spokes of the wheel. A little tip! I washed my wheel in the bathtub as it was easier and less messy to scrub. I was then able to rinse down the wheel with my shower head before leaving it to dry outside.
Prime And Paint
I used some Rust-oleum all surface primer to prime my wheel. I wanted to give it the best base for the copper paint and avoid it from chipping. I applied one coat of surface primer and allowed it to fully dry. Always remember to use your spray paint outside or in a well-ventilated shed and use gloves if you have sensitive skin on your hands.
Once I was happy with my primer, I then applied two coats of the Rust-oleum bright copper spray paint. I love this shade and I had some spray paint left over from a previous project. A can of this goes a long way so you will have loads left over and can use it again.
Adding My Faux Flowers
There are some amazing quality faux flowers around at the moment. I picked up the ones I used in today’s post from Dunnes Stores. I also recommend trying HomeSense and Tk Maxx for faux flowers as well as some garden centres. You can also shop online too but it can be hard to tell if the quality is as good when shopping for them online.
I used a set of pliers to cut the wire stems off my flowers so that they would fit on my wreath. I used some florists wire to attach the flowers to my wheel. You could use your glue gun but the reason I avoided using my gun was so I could change the flowers easily in the future and wire is easier to remove than old glue.
I styled my wheel wreath in my upstairs bathroom but I am going to style it in the garden in Summertime as I plan on having a party. I am going to try to get a few more and use them to make a fun backdrop for taking photos.
Let me know if you have any luck at finding a bike wheel. Try salvage yards and recycle centres and see if you can pick one up for free. Even a broken one could be salvaged.
If you enjoyed today’s post then please do share it on your social pages and with your friends. I also have a Youtube video below where you can watch and see how I created my wreath and get a better look at it.
Please do hit the subscribe button to my Youtube channel if you enjoyed the video and want to see more. If you want to see more DIY projects and get some inspiration then click this link here. Check out this Christmas bike wheel wreath here. Thanks so much for reading, Chat soon, Catherine.
Please share the below image to your Pinterest boards
OMG this is such a great idea
Candice x
Author
Thanks Candice! x
I didn’t see a mention of what you used as a hanger or how you hanged it? Your wreath is lovely and I will definitly be on the prowl for a bicycle wheel!!! Thank-you so very much for sharing your idea!! 💡😊
Author
Hi Denise, I just hung it off a nail and I used a faux leather strap tied to the top x
Oh my gosh! I went to a car boot early this morning and got a wheel! No tyre and really sparkly clean! The guy sold it to me for £1. He wanted to know why I needed just one wheel after he asked me if I was sure it was the right size for my bike and I said oh no it’s not for a bike! Hahaha. Wouldn’t tell him just said it’s an upcycling project and he said “I hope you have a wheelie good time!” Hahaha
Also picked up a whole Meito China tea set blue and gold, absolutely gorgeous…..too gorgeous for the bird feeder (would be a crime) again next to nothing and the couple gave me an extra jug. Well pleased.
Can’t wait transform my wheel tomorrow. My husband thinks I’ve gone crazy in the hot sun! Why a wheel? He asks. Wait and see I replied.
I love this one! I wonder if you have a local bike shop that might have some they would be willing to give you. I am going to go ask at mine and see!
Thanks for the tips! Krud Kutter really helps
Author
Thanks so much for reading!
Fantastic upcycle! I found a wheel washed up on the estuary so it’s pretty rusty but I think that adds to its appeal. I shall have a go at creating something as nice as yours. It’s fantastic 😀👍
Author
Thanks Jane, have fun making one!
Beautiful wreath! I have already salvaged some wheels to give this a try. I wondered if the backside sprocket damaged the wall or doors. Did you do anything to it to prevent it scratching up the surface it was hung from?
I used a small piece of styrofoam to protect our door from it.
I think you should show the man that sold you the wheel when you finished and ask him if he would like to buy it for his business. Who knows? You may be able the take his used bike wheels, make seasonal wreaths, sell them in his shop and deal him in on the profits!
Thank you for the inspiration (well I almost completely copied your wreath LOL) I just love the colors and style.
I have an unlimited source of bike wheels near me. A bicycle scrap yard. I’ve got all sizes to choose from 🙂
Check out my finished project I posted on Facebook:
Thank you again!
This is amazing 😍
what are those leaves called?
Yes, I’ll trying HomeSense for faux flowers.
Thank you!