Inspired by her new Electra Bicycle, artist and blogger, Samantha Drake, started paper cutting and found it to be a favorite medium. Samantha says, “I recently purchased the ‘Ticino’ near my home in Connecticut. I love it!!! It is the perfect bike.”

How lucky are we? She sent us this incredible work of true bicycle love to share with you.

 This piece was inspired by ‘A Daily Creativity Journal/365′ by Noah Scalin. Every day is a new assignment. Instructions for day 21 were “Write a ten word love story. Bonus: Illustrate it!” Of course, I had to write a love story about my bike. I also post to facebook daily about the project. This piece was the most popular to date.

Each day Samantha blogs about the project she made. You can check out her blog and work here.

Sugar Skulls 3i - Día de los Muertos is an inspiring annual Mexican and Latin American holiday that celebrates and remembers departed loved ones. Families and neighbors decorate colorful sugar skulls in many individual styles. Explore the multitude of friendly brightly colored skulls that float across Electra’s fashion 3-speed cruiser frame, fenders, saddle and grips, and coordinate with spirited Sugar Skulls tote bag and Tees to complete the festive celebration.

Navajo 3i - The rich colors and geometric patterns of hand-woven blankets and rugs from the American South West tell stories of sophisticated regional cultures, and are coveted examples of a rare craft that is passed down through the generations. Electra’s Navajo 3i respectfully honors the beauty of these artisans’ designs with a richly colored geometric frame pattern with the punctuated special feature of an embroidered and embossed saddle adorned with tassels, and coordinated with specially stitched Tee shirts and totes.

Night Owl 3i - Mystery, magic and wisdom define the Night Owl. One nocturnal friend nests in the front fender of a deep Turkish blue black sky watching all that is ahead. The dark night smoothly transitions across the frame onto the rear fender to the light of day where another owl rests with both eyes closed. Night owl happily guards over us on Tees and Totes.

Mariposa 3i - Open your wings to flight with the Electra Mariposa (Spanish for butterfly). A starry iridescent night sets the backdrop for the vivid pop of color of mariposas in flight. Wouldn’t all agree with the poet who said; Butterflies are self-propelled flowers . Catch them if you can on Electra’s new collection of Tees and Totes.

We’d love to hear your thoughts. Leave your comments and questions below and we’ll be happy to respond!

“Just bought this sweet ride last weekend. Admittedly, I was a bit on the fence and wasn’t sure how it would fit in with the family. I asked the bike store guy for his candid opinion: “With a bike like this, it’s not about weight or speed. It’s about ‘smiles per mile’.” Indeed. No regrets. WE LOVE OUR ELECTRA BIKE. Fans for life.”

We hope the two of you have many safe and smiling adventures together!

“What are your best commuting by bike tips?” Here is what a few of you had to say and a few of our own biking to work tips!

Tune it up!

Facebook fan Ramona watering her Daisy. (Note, bicycle does not require water)

Before you take off, make sure you give your bike a good check up and a test ride.

• Pump up the tires to the recommended pressure (as listed on the tire sidewall).
• Apply a proper chain lube.
• Take it for a test ride around your block, maybe to dinner to make sure that everything is functioning properly and nothing is loose.

Bring plenty of water and stay hydrated!

A tip from Jeremy on Facebook.

Okay maybe don’t hydrate with wine, but be sure to bring plenty of water along with you.

Use the restroom before you leave.

A tip from Dano on Facebook

You just never know, always a good idea.

Wear a helmet!

A tip from Shawna on Facebook

We always recommend riding with a bicycle helmet. Protect your noggin and enjoy the ride.

Streamers make any ride better!

A tip from Amy on Facebook.

We really could not agree more. Is your ride blinged out with streamers?

Plan your Route

A tip from Michelle on Facebook.

Map a route using less busy streets. Even if it takes you out of your way a bit. Look for bike lanes or, at the minimum, surface streets with low speed limits. If a bike path is nearby, try to incorporate it into your commute. There’s nothing bad about spending a few more minutes on your Electra!

Smell nice…

A tip from our very own Product Manager, Chris. (This is not Chris, just some awesome guy we found on Flickr displaying how to properly take a bath using a baby wipe.)

If you’re fortunate enough to have a shower facility at your place of work, woo to the hoo for you, just remember to bring a towel. If workplace has no showers we recommend baby wipes for a quick and easy way to wipe away sweat.

Just ride…

A tip from Michael on Facebook.

Agreed. Be safe and have fun out there! Make sure you upload your bike to work day photos to our Facebook page. Who knows maybe your lovely face will make an appearance on our blog soon!

P.S. If you are in San Diego, stop by the Tri-City Wellness pit stop to visit some of us from Electra!

Will of Charlotte, North Carolina,

“This was an easy way to loosen up before walking down the aisle. Our wedding was in Redington Beach, FL on 1-1-11. We love riding our Electra’s and made it a point to include them in our wedding. Her lovely Amsterdam (Original 3i) and my smooth Sparker (Special 3i) came down with us from Charlotte, NC just for the occasion. The groomsmen and I rolled into the ceremony 6 cruisers deep with Sparker leading the way.”

Match made in bicycle heaven. Congrats Will and Candace!

Will and Candace with their Electras! Photo by Kimberly Photography LLC

Groomsmen rollin’ 6 Cruisers deep!

Want to share a photo of you and your favorite Electra? Each week we feature a reader-submitted photo as our Photo of the Week. Submit yours on our Facebook Wall for consideration. Photos can also be submitted via the Electra iPhone app. Please include your name & location, email address, bike model and a short comment with your photo submissions.

Marcio S. of Edinburgh, UK

“Sunshine equals me riding my SUPER DELUXE 3i around Edinburgh.” – Marcio

Love it. Way to roll around the world!

Want to share a photo of you and your favorite Electra? Each Tuesday we feature a reader-submitted photo as our Photo of the Week. Submit yours on our Facebook Wall for consideration. Photos can also be submitted via the Electra iPhone app. Please include your name & location, email address, bike model and a short comment with your photo submissions.

Craig of Sebring, Florida

Me on My Vince! Joy! @ Highland Hammocks State park in Sebring, FL. I love my Vince!

Want to share a photo of you and your favorite Electra? Each Tuesday we feature a reader-submitted photo as our Photo of the Week. Submit yours on our Facebook Wall for consideration. Photos can also be submitted via the Electra iPhone app. Please include your name & location, email address, bike model and a short comment with your photo submissions.

Ride the world, and stay green everyone.

Heidi of Savannah, Georgia

“I took advantage of a warmish winter day in Savannah. I love that our grass is still green in February. I also like the little couple having a little moment.”

Want to share a photo of you and your favorite Electra? Each Tuesday we feature a reader-submitted photo as our Photo of the Week. Submit yours on our Facebook Wall for consideration. Photos can also be submitted via the Electra iPhone app. Please include your name & location, email address, bike model and a short comment with your photo submissions.

We can’t wait to see your unique Way to Roll!

We always have a blast producing our annual catalog, but something funny was in the air this time around. We craved something new, exciting, and lighthearted—served with a side of silly. So we let our creativity and thirst for originality take hold of the handlebars. The resulting adventure plays out across 130+ pages of  fun, and a preview what’s to come with Electra in 2011.

Below is a little behind-the-scenes peek of the action as it unfolded, with more to be seen here. We hope you enjoy. And if you haven’t yet had a chance to check out the catalog, you can download a digital copy of your own at electrabike.com.

OPEN CASTING CALL!

Want to be in our next catalog?

We are on the hunt for ‘real people’ rather than supermodels… But if you happen to be one, we won’t hold it against you. We are looking for the following:

• Males and females
• Individuals with diverse and eclectic interests, with unique personal style
• Between the ages of 18 and 70, any race, size, and ethnic background
• Models who are willing to trade work for a bike or equipment
• Professional photos are not necessary
• Combined entries are welcome

Location is yet to be determined, and the photo shoot is set for mid-May. If you are interested, or know someone else who might be, please submit one face photo and one full body photo and/or video and include a little information about yourself to casting@electrabike.com by March 31, 2011.

Electra will not cover travel costs.