I decided that I would make a bracelet from them.  I was shown how to peyote stitch from someone, I have long forgotten whom, so I sat down and I started.  It is clumsy slow at first.  But soon I was moving along and found that enjoyed the rhythm of picking up a bead and stitching it to the next bead and holding the tension just so and picking up the next bead and stitching it to the next bead…  Well, you get the idea right?

It turned out that the rhythm of process was very Zen like.  It was a  calming meditation.  The physical act combined with the attention required has the result of clearing the mind of everything but what is being done.  The feeling is of being one with the time it takes and comfort of the result and more importantly, free of the stresses that take up the mind every day. So doesn’t that sound like Zen?  Calming and producing a thing that will remind you of the calmness.  That has to be a good thing right?

For this reason, it can be a very additive activity.  This initial project I made I continued once I made the length and width that I wanted for the bracelet.  I decided I liked the feeling so much that I decided I would continue free form adding bead loops on top of the flat band that I made.  I used the three colors and filled up the band very much like a carpet has loops.  That has been some 15 years ago and I still get compliments on that bracelet when I wear it.  There is something about love being put into something that is made, which makes it special.

So if you have looked at tiny beads with fear, it may be time to give them a try.  The caution I would give is to start with a small project and if you really like it, also buy a timer.  Because you will need it to remind yourself to get up with regularity to drink water and move around!