What are memory beads?

Need a crafty project idea to do with tons of beads!!?

• My grandpa was a big influence in my life and he passed away a couple years ago.. In his big van he had a seat cover with tons of beads all around it and I would play with them while he was driving. When he passed my grandma had sold the car, but kept all the beads from the cover and gave them to me as a good memory. I am going to the college he always wanted me to go to and I want to do something with the beads that will remind me of him that I can bring to college with me. I was considering doing a picture frame or something and bordering the beads with it.. but that seems weird to me haha. I like anything tacky, big or wild, and pretty. Any ideas would be great!! The beads are all tan and brown, but mostly tan. Pleassseeee help me Id sure appreciate it. :)

• Answer:

  You could make a kind of mosaic (or any pattern, from simple to complex) with the beads. You could just adhere them to some kind of shaped base like a frame or lamp base, or you could adhere them to a flat board or to a wood box or any other stiff flat background (using a strong permanent white glue, or Liquid Nails or anything else that will work). You could just do simple geometric lines and shapes since you have few different "colors" and perhaps even sizes, or you could go for fancier shapes or even representational designs like these which use Mardi Gras beads: http://www.google.com/images?q=mosaic+Mardi+Gras+beads Or just take your inspiration from anything that has to do with mosaics, grids, etc, like patterns for beadwork jewelry, needlepoint, quilts, even Post It art, etc. http://www.google.com/images?q=mosaic+designs http://www.google.com/images?q=beadwork+designs I think this is a great idea btw. He would have been proud of you too. Best of luck with it! .