1. Up scalingyourbike

2. 2011

3. Do you have old bikes laying around? Of course you do! You live in Italy, where a bike is as common as a right arm And for us Americans…we all know of a Lance Armstrong or two who would have a bike to spare. …. “Now wouldn’t it be great if..” we could make something beautiful and useful out of this old, unused machinery?

4. Done and done! Carolina Fontoura has already done something similar. Her craft: disassembling old bicycles, taking the chains and creating a luxuriously elegant lamp or chandelier that suits your high-end decor. Tah-dah!

6. This idea is fantastic and innovative on its own and all…. But…it could get better… even more sustainable… How great would it be if… 4. The fixture could look any way, esthetically, that you wanted. Not just gaudy and gothic. 1. It was your bike that you had transformed, not a total strangers. And it could be an ELECTRICAL bike too! 5. The fixture would be coated with a durable metallic finish of your choice for strength, convenience, and longevity. 2. We used almost the entire bike, not just the chains. And, if there happened to be any left over pieces they’d be given to another artisan who would use them for their craft, instead of just being thrown away. 6. And last but certainly not least….THE FIXTURE WOULD TAKE ON THE FORM OF THE BIKE, AND PROPEL ITS OWN ELECTRICITY. 3. The bulbs looked as if they were chandelier candles, yet were energy efficient.

7. Now that’s UPCYCLEING… Pun, intended!

8. The New and Improved Upcycle Bicycle cradle to cradle: Selfenergized: Electrical bike Energy Efficient Lighting: Durable finish:

9. It’s as easy as riding a bike…. By doing this YOU are contributing to this ongoing issue in the world. Waste and the plethora of EXCESS You give your bicycle a new life. Like, illuminating your home! It’s a more efficient use than a dust collector in your garage or, worse, occupying a land fill where it will sit and rot away, contaminating the planet. What a great choice you made!! Give yourself a HIGH FIVE!

10. So, a quick break down on How it works… You send us your bike that you no longer use or is outdated We transform it, something like this…

11. http://science.discovery.com/videos/deconstructed-electric-bike.html

12. The life “CYCLE” Tears are shed, the bike as a mode of transportation is something of the past. But, great news, it won’t leave you as a possession, we’re here to improve the object! You ship the bike to us. Or ride it directly to our front door for one last serenade. We de-assemble its parts: Chains, handle bars, wheels, rims, body, and horn (only the best part) We work our magic. Whatever parts we don’t use we sell to other recycling companies or artisans. Rest assured, all of your bike will be handled appropriately.

13. Such as… We’re so sustainable it hurts

14. We use Feit’sEcobulbs. They are Energy Saving Candelabra Style Light bulbs. They save a ton of energy, and don’t make you look like an albino like the rest of the “eco friendly” lights on the market. These give off a better ambiance than a candle itself. One bulb uses only 13 watts of energy, but actually replaces a 60 watt bulb! They have a light output of 800 lumens, and have a life time burn of 8,000 hours! What a great idea to place these in hard to reach areas, you won't have to worry about changing for a very long time. We guarantee a 7 year lifetime. Can I scream convenient any louder?

15. Highly doubtful, but just in case you need some more convincing YOU can choose the FINISH on the outside of your fixture Not only is it YOUR bike, but YOU get to play DESIGNER too!

16. The metallic finish guarantees long lasting durability and ware. With next to nothing maintenance to boot

17. Now, this is where it gets tricky! The bike will generate its own electricity… The gears would cycle around and create a electrical system which would generate the light fixture to stay illuminated. So depending on how fast, or the miles an hour they’re rotating at, the more light the fixture would exude.

18. You’ll transform from struggling with your bike To LOVING your light! You’re Welcome