This encaustic painting includes a printed image on silk paper of a Bee Skep. Yep! That’s the name for a beehive basket.

According to this article, couples getting married “in medieval Holland were given a skep to parade around the village as a symbol of starting a new home, and a swarm of bees as a wedding gift.” The article also includes clear, step-by-step instructions on how to make a bee skep. It looks like a lot of work!

In most places, it’s now illegal to keep honeybees in skeps since the hives must be able to be opened for inspection. However, there are some people successfully doing it who are not collecting honey.

If you’re interested in beekeeping, Canada Beehives in London makes Warre Hives specially designed for honey bee health. They’re built from sustainable products in Canada for Canadians.

Encaustic painting is the perfect medium to use for an image of a bee skep. As I worked, I could smell the beeswax. Such a wonderful scent!