Museum Bees Visit
I’ve been wanting to visit Trace Mayer’s Museum Bees Workshop for some time and it just so happened that I would be passing through Kentucky, so this was my chance! Trace might be the most laid back individual I’ve ever come across, and as expected, a quick text and we were on our way.
Museum Bees have grown exponentially since their beginning. Ranging in size from 1-7 inches, museum bees were originally made from recycled antique picture frames adorned with the iconic Napoleon’s bee. What has transpired over the years is a phenomenon anyone and everyone can get excited about and be a part of. Bees have expanded to include many other gems, including other animals, insects, and even personal items such as a medal or a unique family heirloom. Small antique objects are also showcased, including horse brass, pre-Columbian fragments, or small cameos. I have started collecting random items to send in for custom bees for the shop. Mini Czech Christmas trees, Czech rhinestone flowers, sacred heart fragments from France, etc. The antique frames have expanded to include acrylic frames backed with marbled paper or Hermes ties, acrylic orbs, bourbon barrel staves and antique carpet balls, among many other things.
THEY ARE SO MUCH FUN!
The growth of this unique idea required a Museum Bee factory of sorts. And although there are a few valued employees - artists, really - Trace signs every single bee that goes out the door.
They use bakery carts with trays for easy mobility and it is remarkable they can keep track of where everything is. But if you know a thriving ADD person in your life, you know this is how they successfully operate. There are buckets of Napoleon bees, Italian bees, grande bees, sparkle bees, frogs, butterflies, fish, and about a million other things that I couldn’t begin to remember or list.
I literally thought Trace was on Etsy buying bee ornaments here and there. No. Although I imagine he is on a constant mission of finding museum bee ornaments, he has created molds for favorite designs and has them on hand in bulk.
There are tables of frames waiting for their adornment…
I walked around in awe and gathered some frames, and began to design the placement of my ornaments.
I had so many little trinkets to put on my custom bees, and Trace tried to clear more space for me to work.
See the pearls at the bottom of the tray? Those are from my mom! She sent some things as well! Garrett is the master of wrapping necklaces just so, and I left the pearls for the experts.
My favorite part of this excursion is the comical amount of “workspace” for the actual creation process of the museum bees. This is Trace’s work station. The tiny space in the bottom left corner is where Trace stands and creates each bee, sliding it onto a tray when completed. I pictured a ping pong sized table so this was hilarious to me.
And tucked in a corner, is Trace’s “desk” or “office” if you will.
Hanging on the surrounding walls, are original ideas for new museum bees. The firsts, if you will. There are even some new ideas that have not been fully developed. I LOVE that big bejeweled bee!
Trace is so entertaining with his extensive knowledge on anything and everything. He was telling us about a discussion group he was hosting that evening. They will roll the carts around to create space for tables and chairs. We assumed the discussion would be about museum bees, but no. It’s just a group of individuals gathering to discuss topics of interest. I love this!
My husband was thrilled to hear about the process of staining a cuckoo clock face for a potential museum bee. Trace doesn’t hold back on details of said process.
Never far behind is Potter. He waits for Trace wherever he is and follows wherever he goes.
Everyone loves Potter.
I couldn’t wait to see the bathroom! I had seen Trace’s reporting on the acrylic orb installation on instagram, and I was excited to see the finished product. Finished? Wonder how Trace decides the last orb or object has been placed.
I chose my frames and placed my ornaments, and now we wait for them to glue and finish the process.
Potter got comfortable in the shade while we said our goodbyes.
I have been collecting Museum Bees for so long! Over the years, I’ve shared countless blog posts about them and sold hundreds — maybe even thousands — through my shop. It has been a pleasure to watch Trace’s incredible invention evolve and continue to bring joy to so many people. I am truly thrilled to be a tiny part in sharing these extraordinary creations with others. Thank you, Trace!
