Out on a Whim Beads, an absolutely wonderful source for Japanese seed beads, and wonderful glass shapes from the Czech Republic, also carries several kits, and features several free patterns on site.
The owner, Beki Haley has designed a kit for freeform peyote bracelets in season's themes.
So I get the kit in the mail, I'm thrilled and excited.
The kit is in one of the bead storage boxes designed by and carried by Out on a Whim and Beyond Beadery (Beyond Beadery is another MUST check out store!), little breath mint style flip top boxes filled with beads, that fit perfectly in a larger clear plastic hinged box.
In the little flip top boxes are a collection of beads that I would have never thought of combining on my own, in several sizes and finishes, but perfectly coordinated as the fall I had specified. Greens, oranges, tans, and rust.
In the space leftover from the flip top boxes, are the accent beads. Perfect! Top quality accents selected to coordinate. Also a leaf shaped button for a closure, a bobbin of Nymo, and beading needles.
So then I open up the booklet of instructions. I don't know exactly what I was expecting, but they exceeded it. A pleasant suprise. Color instructions, well thought out and laid out, explaining how to build bridges, and various techniques for embellishment. All very nicely illustrated and explained.
I sat down and made my bracelet, which you can see here. I had enough beads left over to make another project, and made myself a matching pair of earrings that I haven't scanned yet.
If you are considering trying freeform, but are nervous about it, I would definately suggest trying one of these kits. Personally, I didn't think I could do freeform. I was very glad to be proven wrong.