Before the invention of the moveable frame hive in 1851, bees were kept in a variety of containers including clay pots, hollow logs, and wooden boxes. However, one of the most common  hives was the straw skep. (This was especially true of the British.) It is this shape hive that is most recognized as being a "beehive" although it is almost never used in modern times except as a novelty. Because they were typically made of coiled straw "ropes" and were somewhat vulnerable to the elements, they were ususally kept under some type of roof or overhang.
The skep was a most ineffecient hive since as the honey and wax were  harvested, the colony was often destroyed. However, since the old straw skep is so universally recognized as a "symbol of industry", as a Christian symbol, and as a general symbol of bees and beekeeping, we wanted to continue the tradition. So, it is with pride that we offer our exquisitely crafted beeswax beehive candles (skep candles) for your enjoyment.
The largest of these beeswax beehive candles (skep candles, shown to the left) has a very long burn time and measures 4" in diameter at the base.  This particular candle comes with an attractive, decorative "stick pin" bee. The metal and plastic bee is comprised of several parts and has three distinct colors.
Three individual sizes of beeswax beehive candles(skep candles) are offered (100% pure beeswax, of course): the other two sizes have 2.5" and 1.5" bases respectively, but do not include the stick-pin bee. Many decorators use the entire set of all three candles, and quite often, two complete sets to acheive a symmetrical effect. Please notice that purchasing a complete set of beehive candles results in a significant saving.
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