Do-it-yourselfers know the allure of creating a home out of a single mason jar – and the same beautiful aesthetic of a classic art deco house can be replicated for a bee sanctuary. Mason jars, especially the recognizable Ball jar, can be gently converted into tufts of wispy landscape decorations, painted with whimsical scenes or furnished with natural materials to create a buzzing bee home. To use a mason jar as a bee-friendly bee house, begin by cleaning and drying the jar. Then, drill small holes (using a regular drill bit) around the bottom of the jar, morphing mason jar into a snug bee abode. Finally, furnish the abode with items that will attract bees, such as dried leaves, twigs, and hollowed-out wood.Solitude Bee House Designs Using a Mason Jar
Renowned for its beauty and artistic value since the early 20th century, Art Deco house designs offer an unparalleled effortless elegance. Similarly, ceramic mason bee houses boast equally prized aesthetic value, as well as a classic design that can accommodate the needs of solitary bees. As the demand for mason bee houses grows, many artisans have begun creating pieces that can be purchased at artisan stores or online. These hand-crafted mason bee houses feature an intricate, lacy pattern along the surface to create a luxurious look. The interior of the house is often equipped with a scattering of soft touching materials, such as felt pads, mason jar lids, or tiny twigs, to create a cozy place for bees.Ceramic Mason Bee Houses For Sale
No matter how crafty one is, sometimes creating a bee house can be a time-consuming task. To bring the unique structure of an art deco house to life, consider the use of bamboo to construct the bee house. Bamboo offers a fast and easy alternative for bee house construction. Additionally, bamboo is a sustainable and affordable material; making it a great choice for bee house enthusiasts who are on a budget. To use bamboo, cut bamboo into thin strips and make a two-tiered hexagonal shape that would fit a standard-sized mason bee house. Once the structure is complete, it can be further accessorized with pretty additions such as tinsel and ribbons.Building Bamboo Bee House for Solitary Bees
Creating DIY bee houses out of cedar blocks is an ingenious way to add a dash of art deco flair to the environment. Cedar blocks, which can easily be purchased in stores, require little to no sanding or staining, meaning a bee house made from cedar blocks will stay looking good all year round. To get started, cut the cedar blocks into a hexagonal shape and drill holes into the blocks. The hexagonal shape should measure the size of a typical mason bee house, and the holes should be centered in the front surface. Finally, fit the cedar blocks into place and add duct or copper tape along the edges to give the bee house a modern twist.DIY Cedar Block Mason Bee House
Having trouble completely embracing the art deco style? Consider creating a Craftsman-style bee house instead. Bumblebees are larger than mason bees and require a larger bee house that offers plenty of space to move around. To create a bumblebee house, start by obtaining untreated wood or hardwood plywood and cut the boards into rectangles and squares. Measure and cut out the base of the bee house and attach the boards together. Once constructed, add decorations such as colorful paint and design elements to mimic art deco houses.Do-It-Yourself Bumblebee House Plans
Lawn ornaments can be an attractive way to add a classic art deco touch to a bee house. To recreate the look of an exquisite art deco bee house, start with a basic honeycomb-style bee house. Then, adorn the existing house with lawn gifts such as birdseed, twine, or ribbons. These items can be used to decorate the exterior of the bee house and can even be used to attach small accessories, such as flowers or butterflies, to the bee house. For additional charm, try adding a few tiny ornaments to the outside of the bee house to make it appear more inviting.Lawn Ornament Honeycomb Bee House
For beginners, building a bee house is a complex task – but with some research and help from an expert, anyone can create their own exquisite art deco bee house. Start by downloading a mason bee house plan, such as the Mason Bee House Template available on the beekeeping website Beekeeping For Beginners. This template includes a detailed diagram of the bee house and instructions on how to assemble the pieces. With a few basic tools, a DIY-er can easily put together a beautiful yet reliable bee house that embodies the timeless beauty of art deco.Mason Bee House Plans for Beginners
As a durable and affordable material, PVC pipe is a great choice for anyone looking to build their own bee house. For those with a longing for art deco design, consider creating a woodland-style bee house. To create this bee house, start by purchasing PVC pipe of various lengths. Then, cut the pipe into pieces with a hacksaw before attaching the pieces using PVC glue. Once assembled, the bee house should resemble a quirky and unique art deco house. Finally, furnish the house with items like dried tree bark, leaf litter, or wood shavings to attract bees. Woodland Bee House Plans Using PVC Pipe
Bumble bees are much larger than mason bees and, therefore, require a large-scale accommodation. To achieve this while still incorporating the staples of a classic art deco house, consider constructing a bumble bee nest box. Begin by obtaining untreated wood such as spruce, hemlock, or pine, which provide the nest box with a strong and durable structure. Cut the wood into the desired dimensions and shape and use a chisel to create a hole in the side of the box. Additionally, consider adding a few draped vines or other natural elements to create a more luxurious atmosphere within the bee box.Constructing a Bumble Bee Nest Box
For those appealing for the countryside charm of a log cabin while also incorporating the modern architecture of art deco, consider creating a hanging log cabin mason bee house. To build this type of bee house, begin with a six-sided block of wood to form the base of the house. Greenery, such as sweet gale or lady’s mantle, should be placed on either side of the house and secured with a bit of water. Then, use logs to build the structure of the bee house while adding décor elements like twine and burlap to finish the look. Finally, hang the bee house in the yard, patios, or near a window.Hanging Log Cabin Mason Bee House