Before I started dating Mr. Hum, I had never in my life heard of Lee Valley. We moved a fair amount when I was a kid and we really didn’t do enough home renovation to be familiar with the high end hardware store.
However, my first Christmas from Mr. Hum, his family gave us a tonne of Lee Valley tools and I came to see how cool it actually was.
This weekend as we went on a hunt for supplies to finish up our cake stands*, I realized that not only did they carry a bunch of really great homeware supplies, but they’ve got a bunch of stuff that could work for someone’s wedding.
So I’ve grabbed some of the pictures from their website and figured I would spread a little of the Bee inspiration with some decor ideas. Check it out!
Copper Trays ($5.90-$19.50 per tray) - You could use these for little serving trays, as a base for floral centerpieces or you could fill them with river rocks and candles for a more rustic look.
Wardian Cases ($39.50 per case) - You could fill these with little inexpensive flowers, decorate them with some little birds to creat a faux aviary or use one as a card box.
Hand-Blown Glass Vases ($22-$24.50 per vase) - If you’re getting married outdoors like we are, imagine how great some of these would look strung up through the trees or along the inside of a tent.
Kenzan Vases ($7.95-$9.50 per vase) - These cool little Japanese vases are great for simple, zen looking centerpieces.
Tiered Vases ($15.50 per vase) - Make the most of small floral cuttings with this cute stacked assortment of vases.
Collapsible Vases ($7.50-$8.50 per vase) - These cute and colourful plastic vases can be shaped and styled.
Flower Aquarium ($14.95 per vase) - Submerging your blooms can make them last during a hot summer wedding and can add a funky touch to an otherwise simple arrangement.
Stonebridge Folding Lantern ($29.50 per lantern) - Taken from a design from the 1900s, these old fashion-styled little guys are great for holding candles. Plus, after the wedding, they can be collapsed so they won’t take up much space.
Garden Lanterns ($17.95 per lantern) - Hang them with fishing line or pop them onto shepherd’s hooks to light the bridal path.
Hanging Plant Rooter ($26.50 per rooter) - This rooter could work well as a sort of floral/garden chandelier.
Floating Pond Light ($18.50 per light) - These are not only are a really cute idea but they’re smartly designed to include an anchor so that you have some control in arranging them.
Veneer Cards ($3.25 for a package of 50) - These are listed as business cards, but could totally work as escort cards or as little thank you tags on favours.
Watchmaker’s Cases ($17.20 for a set of 56) and/or Stainless Steel Canisters ($2.45-$3.40 per canister) - These cute little containers would perfect for your small favour needs (flower seeds, spices, wine charms, candy, etc.)
Garden Arch ($42.50 per arch) - If you’re having an outdoor ceremony, this reasonably priced archway would work simply as an architectural structure or adorned with a bunch of flowers.
It was an unexpected source, but a lot of the stuff was pretty awesome and I found myself drooling over a couple of new discoveries after we left (I have a crush on the Hand Blown Vases and Pond Lights).
Have any of you found some great decor stuff at your local hardware store for a wedding project? What was the project and what did you find?
(P.S. Congratulations to Jasmine, Penguin and Toucan, a.k.a. the axis of awesome, as they all got married over the weekend. Three more Mrs. Bees in the hive!)
*Mr. Hum is currently photo documenting our cake tree progress and, time willing, we hope to be able to post about it soon.
Thanks so much for mentioning the Veneer Cards. I’ve been looking for something like that for my escort cards/name tags.
Yet more fantasticness from Canada! The anchored pond lights make me want to go out and dig a water garden in my backyard RIGHT NOW!
Can’t wait to hear more about the Ewok cake design progression…
I used the watchmaker’s cases and they were a big hit. Plus, they were much, much cheaper than any other tin I could find.
It’s so important to keep within budget for your wedding especially if you’re the one paying for it. The spending tends to get beyond your control and this money pressure can really put a damper on your day. Everyone should really try to find the discount stores that give you the same items (for example discount costume jewelry) at affordable prices.
Oh Lee Valey is a blessing and a curse. If we had a large workshop area I think I would go deep into debt after getting every tool I wanted from them.
The LED Throwies we made for the DIY beechat show that Kim and I helped Humminbird with used magnets from Lee Valey.
Mrs. Hummingbird, Toronto
Age and Occupation: 25, Publishing Coordinator
Fiance's Age and Occupation: 24, Videogame Designer/Cartoonist
Engagement Date: May 4, 2007
Wedding Date: June 28, 2008
Blogging Since: September 18, 2007
Venue: A garden wedding followed by a tented reception on Mr. Hummingbird's father's property.
About Me: I’m a pop culture loving, vintage obsessed foodie living in Canada’s biggest city with my fantastic fiancé and our lovable fluffy cat Bettie. I’m stoked to marry my best friend and to throw what I hope will be
the most fun and colourful party of our lives.
Collapsible vases! Brilliant!