Freeform Peyote Stitch Beaded Bracelet

Once your seed beads and focal beads are ready, it is time to start beading. Begin by stringing groups of each type of seed bead on size B Nymo or a similar diameter thread. You will be weaving in and out a lot so it is a good idea to stick with a relatively thin thread. Add beads to the thread until you have enough to go halfway around your wrist; approximately 3 1/2 - 4 inches, depending on your size. Please note: if you plan to add any Swarovski crystals or bugle beads to the base row, please be sure to use a strong thread such as Power Pro or Fireline to prevent having the sharp edges of these beads cut your thread.

Next, add the focal bead and more seeds until the two sides are of equal length. Don't make each group of a color the same number of beads. Try to make it look at least semi-random by picking up say, 5 of one color, 2 of another, then 7, then 4, etc. It is also a good idea to keep the number of seed beads to an even number, that way you will be able to work a regular even-count flat Peyote stitch for your base row. Watch out for a tendency to put the same colors next to each other each time. You may want to make your string of beads a little bit longer than you want the finished bracelet to be because it tends to shrink some.