We recently had to do something with our overgrown fitzers on the corner of our front yard. We hired someone to bonsai them for us...unfortunately, we lost the one in the middle. What to do now??? Well I love bicycle wheels and the thought came to mind that I could make giant flowers out of them. So I explained my idea to hubby, Ron, who put the mechanics to the idea and this is what we did.
So many people have stopped to take pictures and comment that we decided to make some to sell. They are now available for purchase at Vandel Antiques in downtown old Littleton.
It was a neighbor who came by and said, "Hey! I like your steel magnolias!" So the credit for the names goes to him.
You can get them in many variations and colors. Red, white and blue ones were available for the Fourth of July and Americana decorators. We also make sunflowers, which have been very popular. If you, don't see what color you have in mind, just tell Vandel's the color and size you want and we can make it special just for you.
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| My Steel Magnolias |
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| Pink Posies at Vandel Antiques |
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| Sunflowers |
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| Now available for purchase at Vandel Antiques in old downtown Littleton |
Our beloved "Bicycle Don" passed away yesterday. He was part owner of Al Petri & Son Bicycles in Lincoln Park, Michigan. As a tribute to him, we would love to purchase some of your steel magnolias for his wife's garden. What state are you in? How can we purchase these long distance if necessary? Find me on facebook please Cynthia J. Socull....Lincoln Park, MI
ReplyDeleteI would love to purchase too but I'm in WA do you ship?
ReplyDeleteSorry - we do not ship. Thanks for asking.
ReplyDeleteHi, I work as an activity coordinator at an assisted living community. We are in a first impression landscape contest. I would like to cover our lawn with these flowers. How are they attached to the stem?
ReplyDeleteMaybe before you "take your bike to the junk yard " you take it to a bike reclaimation place and the bike and or parts are Reused to ( supprise ) a BIKE!
ReplyDeleteThis is a fun and friendly post about reusing and recycling old parts to make something lovely. I really don't think your comment is called for. Not all old bikes are reclaimable, and many would consider a charming garden ornament a better use than a fix up. It is just a matter of personal opinion. thanks and peace.
DeleteAwww come on. That comment was just fine. Yours however was uncalled for.
DeleteWhat is the stem and leaves made out of? They are super cute!
ReplyDeleteWhat is the stem and leaves made out of? They are super cute!
ReplyDeleteTo all of you who have been asking about our bicycle wheels...
ReplyDeleteWe are currently working on directions for making these. We will let you know on this blog when it is available.
Thanks to everyone for your interest!
Please post a link on here when you get the How To directions on making these works of art! I will be checking back just to find out! Thanks!
DeleteThanks tons for directions. I've been toying with making something like this and came across yours when I was googling. I'm very interested in how you attach them to the stem- do yours spin? I was trying to figure out a way to make mine able to spin, preferably without welding. :)
DeleteThanks tons for directions. I've been toying with making something like this and came across yours when I was googling. I'm very interested in how you attach them to the stem- do yours spin? I was trying to figure out a way to make mine able to spin, preferably without welding. :)
DeleteWhere can I find the instructions to make these? So cute!
DeleteAlmost a year later and still no instructions. WOW afraid someone might make them and cost you a few bucks?
DeleteI am so sorry everyone. You will notice that I have not been here for over a year due to a family illness. It is still on my list, but I can make no promises now.
DeleteI have been saving wheels to do this. I'm sorry I can't afford to buy yours. I live on the coast so these kind of 'Flowers" will grow great!. Thank you for this idea. I have lost someone and dealt with family illness this year too. I am so sorry. Blessing to you and your family.
DeleteAlso, being on the NC coast, we have a Lot of wind here. I'm going to use painted PVC pipe for stability. Little stumped on the leaves, but I like the coat hanger idea.
DeleteI used an old broom/mop handle for the stem, I drilled a hole and used a washer on both sides of the wheel with a nut and bolt. then I used wire hangers to mimick the leaves. I also tried cutting the shape out of plastic bottles and srewing the pedals on after I painted them. Works great either way ! Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteMilk jugs make perfect leaves once spray painted green. I made them when I made my tulips from pop cans on a dowel.
ReplyDeleteI'm spray painting the wheels right now. Going to use conduit as the stem and old plastic fan blades for the.leaves.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful! Can you send directions on how you attached the stem to the wheel? Also, what did you make the leaves out of? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteSince you don't ship these, I would love to make some for my yard! Have you published directions yet? Just a thought, I would be willing to pay for directions
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry Jennifer. You will notice that I have not been here for over a year due to a family illness. It is still on my list, but I can make no promises now.
DeleteI have been collecting bike wheels for several years and finally made my own “flowers” Used spray paint to paint the wheels. Used 1” pvc pipe painted green for stems. I haven’t added leaves yet but may do so later. I wish I could figure out how to post a photo.
ReplyDeleteIt is my first visit to your blog, and I am very impressed with the articles that you serve. Give adequate knowledge for me. Thank you for sharing useful material. I will be back for the more great post. ホイールコーティング
ReplyDeleteAppears the leaves are attached with either screws into tubing, or pop rivets were used .. either works on pipe .. electrical conduit would work, and copper ages to a wonderful verdigris patina (easy to accelerate the process to help Mother Nature; would have the patina in about 24 hours. Home improvement stores usually will thread pipe bought there.. take wheel to guarantee size fit, then use the existing nut to secure wheel to new rod.. bent at 90 degree angle and just drop it into the pipe.. old CD's fitted into grooves cut into rim would turn it into a weather vane and it would turn as the wind blows.
ReplyDeletenot sure why this is Unknown, I used nocarbob1@gmail.com
DeleteAny chance the might be an update with directions? I have two sitting I'd like to do during this Covid isolation...
ReplyDelete