There's a buzz about bees

I was trying to hold back on writing this post until I saw my first bee of spring but, no, the forces of nature seemed to be against me. While there are plenty of concerns about bees dying out in the real world, this is resolutely not the case in the world of design where bees seem to be indulging in a hive of activity. Case in point is this stunning honey bees wallpaper from Barneby Gates, surely one of the most opulent treatments of the humble honey bee. The sting in the tale is its price: it's £78 from Rockett St George.

There's plenty more bee-related things to make you go hummmm.... More affordable, and every bit as stylish is this sweet as honey You're The Bee's Knees card by Rifle Paper Co. You can buy it for £3.45 from the Little Baby Company. 

You could also earn some style stripes with some bee-inspired jewellery. I've been having a long term love affair with Alex Monroe's bee necklace but, as an alternative, how about this honey comb and bee pendant by Bill Skinner? It's available at ASOS for £95. While you are over at ASOS, take a look at the bee-utiful ASOS Queen Bee skater dress and Oasis's honey bee dress too.

The hexagonal structure of honeycomb is used to dramatic effect in these earrings by Argentinian designer Benedita Indomina. More striking than sweet, they're £13 from Bouf. 

A whole swarm of bees has been used in the Big Tomato Company's Modern Botanicals collection which is inspired by old Victorian prints. All made in Stoke on Trent, the butter dish is £29.95 and the egg cup is £8.95. 

Finally (though there appear to be an invasion of bees making their way to the high street at the moment), make your bees busy with these bee magnets from Caravan. A set is £17.50, and definitely worth getting in a flap about.