How to Decorate a Bicycle Basket

You don't have to leave your bicycle basket plain--personalize it, instead.

Bicycling as a mode of transportation is growing in popularity, especially in light of a growing environmental consciousness. People are deciding to bike to work and to run errands instead of driving because biking releases no harmful pollutants. Bicycles can also provide a fashion statement as people are finding appeal in bike designs from retro styles to rugged mountain bikes. Accessories further personalize a bicycle's look. You can decorate bicycle baskets, which are baskets that attach to the front of a bicycle's handlebars, to reflect your personal style.

Things You'll Need

• Bicycle basket
• Design elements such as spray paint, ribbons, fabric, artificial flowers and buttons
• Hot glue and hot glue gun

Instructions

1. Design your basket. You can imagine a general layout in your head or sketch it down on paper. Whatever method you use, it's best to have a general idea of what you want before you start attaching your design elements. Consider the basket from the base, up, starting with the basket's color. Choose a theme, such as a seasonal theme, or central element, like a bouquet of flowers, that you can design your basket around. You can also just attach your decorations on the fly, using your inspiration as you go.

2. Paint your basket. Spray paint is the quickest type of paint to use, especially on woven baskets. It will also coat your basket without adding much of a texture to it. However, if you prefer to use a brush paint, that works, too. If your basket is varnished, you may first want to use a coat of either spray-on or paint-on primer, allowing it to dry completely before painting over it. If you store your bike outside, you will want to use a weatherproof paint. Allow paint to dry completely before adding other design elements.

3. Line your basket with fabric. You can wrap the fabric over the basket's edge to cover it. Use hot glue or a needle and thread to secure it in place. You can also sew button snaps to the fabric to make it removable so you can wash it or for the times when you just don't want to leave it in the basket.

4. Attach your other decorations according to your design or to your fancy. Hot glue is a fast and secure way to attach these items. You can decorate just the front of the basket, or let your design flow around the sides and even around the back. Just keep in mind how your basket attaches to your bike so your decorations won't be ruined once you put your basket on.

Resources

• Bike baskets from Tahoe Mountain Sports