If you like the look of the Honey Bee Quilt block, but don't like the idea of applique work, then the Tulip Lady Fingers Quilt block would be a good substitute. Like the Honey Bee, it's built on a 3x3 grid (aka nine-patch) with accents in each corner. The central block could easily be switched out with a central nine-patch making it look even more like the Honey Bee. This block also lends itself well to fussy cutting a motif to use in that central square.
I wish I could tell you why the block was named Tulip Lady Fingers. Granted, the corner patches do resemble tulips, but I don't see any Lady Fingers, which I thought were a long rounded cookie. But it's a lovely block with a lovely name!
Skill level: Confident Beginner
Grouping Example

Block Construction

Tulip LadyFingers Quilt Block Expanded