Many small things create a greater whole...

Some time back I started investigating peyote stitch beads. They're fiddly, but not too difficult to make, and are really eye-catching.

 The beauty of them for me is that the simple ones look just as effective as the more complex designs.

 Geometric patterns work well, especially with bold colours, but delicate flower patterns can be subtle and pretty too.

Celtic fretwork patterns are a great inspiration, and part of the fun of designing the bead is figuring out how to match the size you want to the pattern you have in your head. The huge range of seed beads on offer from craft shops and online these days allow you to make stunning beads that work well as focal pieces on a simple choker or bracelet...

...and they really pop when used as a decoration in dreadlocks...

They're addictive to make - a whole world of patterns is out there as inspiration, and you're only limited by the materials you have to hand.