Materials and Tools Needed for Skep Construction

Creating a proper skep requires careful material selection and specific tools. The quality of materials directly impacts skep durability and bee acceptance, making thoughtful preparation essential for success.

Straw Selection and Preparation:

Traditional skeps use long-stem cereal straw, with rye straw considered ideal. Rye's length (up to 4 feet/1.2m), flexibility, and natural water resistance create superior skeps. Wheat straw works well but requires careful selection for length. Oat straw, though softer, provides good insulation. Barley straw tends toward brittleness but suffices when others unavailable.

Modern combine harvesters damage straw, making sourcing challenging. Seek farmers growing heritage grains or those using traditional harvesting methods. Some skep makers cultivate their own grain specifically for straw. Organic straw avoids pesticide residues potentially harmful to bees. Store straw in dry, ventilated conditions preventing mold and maintaining flexibility.

Prepare straw by removing grain heads and leaves, keeping only clean stems. Soak bundles briefly in warm water to restore flexibility without causing rot. Some makers add lavender or thyme to soaking water, believing herbal properties benefit bees. Sort straw by length and thickness, grouping similar stems for consistent weaving.

Binding Materials:

Traditional binding uses split bramble, willow, or hazel. Bramble (blackberry) provides exceptional strength and flexibility when properly prepared. Harvest year-old growth in winter when sap is down. Split lengthwise and remove pith, creating strong binding strips. Soak before use to prevent breaking.

Willow binding comes from year-old growth of basket willow varieties. Harvest in winter, strip bark if desired, and split into thin strips. Willow provides smoother binding than bramble but may lack durability. Hazel offers intermediate properties, splitting easily and lasting well.

Modern alternatives include hemp cord, jute twine, or waxed linen thread. While less traditional, these materials offer consistency and availability. Some makers use stripped telephone wire or plastic binding, though purists object. Natural materials remain preferable for breathability and eventual biodegradability.

Essential Tools:

Skep needle or bodkin: The primary tool for skep making. Traditional versions use bone or horn, 6-8 inches long with eyes for threading binding. Modern steel versions work well. Some makers prefer curved needles for easier manipulation. Multiple needles allow pre-threading different materials.

Work surface: A rotating platform facilitates even construction. Traditional "skep horses" feature adjustable height and rotation. Simple turntables or lazy Susans suffice. Some makers work on their laps, rotating the skep manually.

Cutting tools: Sharp knives for trimming straw and cutting binding materials. Traditional skep knives feature curved blades ideal for close trimming. Modern craft knives work adequately. Scissors help with fine adjustments.

Measuring tools: Consistency improves skep quality. Use diameter templates for maintaining shape. Height gauges ensure proper proportions. Traditional makers judge by eye, but beginners benefit from guides.

Shaping aids: Internal molds help beginners maintain proper dome shape. Wooden forms, inflatable balls, or wire frames provide temporary support. Experienced makers work freehand, allowing natural dome formation.

Hackle and Preparation Tools:

Hackle boards align straw for smooth construction. Traditional hackles feature metal or wooden pins set in boards. Draw straw through pins to align and clean stems. Modern versions use wire brushes or combs. Some makers skip hackling, preferring natural texture.

Dampening equipment keeps materials workable. Spray bottles maintain straw flexibility during construction. Damp cloths wrap unused materials. Avoid over-wetting, which weakens straw and promotes mold.

Waterproofing Materials:

Traditional waterproofing uses cow dung mixed with wood ash or lime. This coating breathes while repelling water, lasting one season. Application requires fresh dung, mixed to paint consistency. Despite effectiveness, modern sensibilities often preclude this method.

Alternative coatings include: - Linseed oil thinned with turpentine - Beeswax dissolved in mineral spirits - Milk paint with added linseed oil - Natural latex from rubber trees - Clay slip for temporary protection

Some makers leave skeps uncoated, relying on tight weaving and shelter. Thatched skep covers (hackles) provide weather protection without coating. Choose methods balancing protection with breathability.

Finishing Materials:

Entrance formers create consistent bee entries. Wooden blocks or cork pieces shape entrances during construction. Size varies by climate and bee race, typically 3/8 by 4 inches (9mm x 100mm) for European bees.

Decorative elements personalize skeps. Traditional decorations include straw plait borders, woven patterns, or branded designs. Some regions developed elaborate straw sculptures atop skeps. Modern makers might add carved wooden finials or ceramic pieces.

Floor materials vary by tradition. Wooden boards provide solid, cleanable bases. Stone slabs offer durability and thermal mass. Some skeps sit directly on stands, using the skep bottom as floor. Modern hive stands adapt well to skep use.

Gathering quality materials requires patience and planning. Build relationships with grain farmers, woodland managers, and other rural craftspeople. Many materials come free as agricultural waste. Time invested in proper material selection rewards makers with durable, beautiful skeps housing thriving colonies.