"Ride a Bear" Bike

This is a fun way to temporarily change the look of a bike. It's a craft that kids can make with he help of an adult. And you can customize it with your favourite animal.

This could be the perfect way to complement your Halloween costume. You can make a horse for a knight costume, or a unicorn for a princess costume.

The best part is that we are going to upcycle material, so that children learn that upcycling is really fun!

A bike

A big box

Acrylic paint

Brush

Pen or pencil

Cutter

Wire

Start by sketching the shape of your animal. My daughter loves bears so that's what we are doing. We made some drawings in a paper and when we liked one we drew it on the box. Make sure that it is the correct size for the bike, keep your bike near so you can see how big you need to draw it. In the neck we are going to need a fold so that the driver can turn the handlebar. I took advantage of a fold that was already part of the box.

With the cutter cut the cardboard. Now put it in front of the bike, so you can see if you need to make some adjustments.
When you are happy with the shape, use that shape as a template to draw a second one and cut it out.

In one of the shapes you have to make an extra cut so that it doesn't interfere with the gears and chain.

Paint both sides with acrylic paint. This can be as simple or detailed as you like.

Wait until the paint has dried completely.

Place the bear in the position you wanted it to be, insert pieces of wire in the places where it meets a bar at the back. Twist it.

Finally add more details if you like and thats it!