Bicycle Rim Outdoor Lighting

For this project I am using one bicycle tire rim from an old ten speed bike. It was previously painted in a rust color as I had used it for a wreath. I purchased 4 of these battery operated lights at my Dollarama for $3.00 each.

To determine the placement of the lights I put them on the ground and placed the rim over top to determine where my lights would hang from. Make sure your lights hang from two spikes that are on the same level.

I had some fine black link chain from another light project and decided to use this for my lights. You can use wire or rope also.

After determining the length, I cut 7 links off using wire cutters. You will need 8 pieces the same length .

Next using my wire cutters I snipped a link at each end of my chains. These will be used to attach the lights to the rim.

Take one end of chain and attach to light and using a pair of plyers squeeze closed. Attach chain to the bicycle rim the same way. Repeat step until all 4 lights are attached.

Here is what it should look like when all lights are attached.

I purchased this chain loop at my local Habitat store a few years ago. So I will be using this to hang my rim from.

As every ceiling height is different you will have to measure for the length of chain. My mom lives 3 hours away from me so I was unable to do this so I took a wild guess. Using wire cutters cut your chain. You will need 4 pieces.

I cut one link of the chain. This will be used to attach to the spoke of the rim. Squeeze closed with pliers.

Next I took some wire in black, cut pieces around 2 inches.

I wrapped this around the chain and over to the rim to prevent chain from sliding. Repeat step on all remaining pieces of chain.

I had this grape vine swag and decided to use it to wrap around the rim . You could also use rope or leave as is. I pulled the swag apart and using my wire attached around the outside of the rim.

So here is my rim complete. My light is now finished.

So after a 3 and a half hour drive I am now home (my mom's house). Using a hook to hang lamps I screwed into ceiling and placed my chains.

I love how this turned out. It creates the perfect amount of lighting for sitting outside on these beautiful summer nights in Northern Ontario Canada! The switches are easy to turn on and off and within reach.

This was a super easy project . There are so many different things you could do to create a different look. I hope my mom has many years to enjoy this!