Bee Skep Craft - Books and Willows

Celebrate the history of beekeeping with our bee skep craft.

Bee skeps are domed-shaped baskets, once used to house bees in order to collect their honey and wax. They were traditionally made with coils of straw or dried grass sewn together. The bees got to work building their combs inside the hollow basket, attaching each section to the walls. A small hole on the side of the skep allowed the bees to come and go as they foraged for nectar. Unfortunately, it wasn’t easy to harvest honey from this style of early beehive. The process destroyed not only the hive but many members of the colony. Over time, beekeepers learned how to create modern hives with removable plates. It keeps the bees and their home safe while still allowing us to enjoy their sweet gift. Our bee skep craft is in celebration of beekeeping and busy bees everywhere!

Fun and Easy Bee Skep Craft

WHAT YOU NEED:

Terracotta pot
Natural jute rope
Hot glue
Black acrylic paint
Paint brush

what you do:

Turn your pot upside down and begin wrapping your jute rope around the bottom rim. Attach with a thin line of hot glue as you coil your rope around the outside of your pot. Snug each layer next to the other to avoid any gaps as you continue. Be careful to keep fingers away from hot glue as you work.
If you run out of rope, attach another strand by butting the two ends together and sealing with a dab of glue.

3. When you reach the top of your pot’s side, continue coiling your rope in smaller concentric circles until only a small opening remains. The opening should be just big enough for the end of your rope to fit through.

4. Decide how long you want your handle to be and cut your rope. Loop the rope and slide the end into the opening. Secure with glue and hold until set.

5. With the remaining rope, create a small circle for your skep entrance. Cut your desired length of rope and attach the circle to the side of your skep with glue. Paint the inside of your hole with black acrylic paint to complete your bee skep craft.

Bees Curious Trails Nature Studies

Learn more about honey bees in our Bees Curious Trails Nature Study. Throughout each CURIOUS TRAILS NATURE STUDY you’ll find open-and-go topic study guides and lots of hands-on-activities ranging from S.T.E.M. projects, art invitations, nature journaling, cooking together, and more! Check out the listing in our shop to explore.