I’m working on a teaching video right now.

Michele: I know a lovely beekeeper in Equador! And I may be going down there to teach a skep making class. Perhaps our paths will cross!

Ooops! I always run my “skep disclaimer” and forgot to post it here. Here it is: Skep Disclaimer: Just so we don’t get into battle about this post: 1) Yes, these are not legal in states that require removable frames for inspections, 2) No, I don’t have to kill the bees to collect honey. If I chose, I could “drum” them into a fresh hive every few years to keep them making fresh, clean comb, 3) No, I don’t medicate them but if I did, it would be simple to do in these hives, 4) Yes, they must be under protective cover, 5) Yes, management of these hives is very different, and requires lots of observation and a sensitive touch, 6) Yes, they swarm A LOT, but to me—and my bee-loving neighbors that’s a good thing. Have I covered it all?? Whew!

Good Eye! That is a paper mache wasp nest I made with my Granddaughter’s help. It discourages yellow jackets. I’ll be writing more about my skeps after I get bees installed and start working with them.

Bruce, I’ll be sharing this straw hive journey as I go along. For folks where removable frames are required, these can be woven in a cylinder with Warre-style bars across the top. Or, if you are creative, some folks weave hives that can take the Lang frames.