A) Teach self basics of beading via library books and crafster 

I must recommend a most excellent book
Creative Bead Weaving, Carol Wilcox Wells.

Superb, clear, easy to follow instructions with fabulous illustrations. Includes many techniques and starts with rank beginner graduating to expert.

One of my favorite magazines: Bead and Button

B) Buy old bead jewelry at thrift stores/flea markets/yard saled and take apart for beads (Will this work?)

Been there, done that. Yep.


C) Use gift certificate to buy dangly additions, clasps and wire (A bead organizer? Is it neccesary?)

My "bead organizer" is a plastic storage box with a snap on lid. I use the lid for a tray to pour the little pies ("pies" works. I meant piles) of beads on when I am making stuff. I only pour out very small portions at a time. Saves having to pick up bunches off the floor or losing bunches should the tray get knocked.

D) Use tweezers and tool pliers instead of specialized beading tools

You really don't want to skimp on the quality of your tools. Get good ones. Try other sources rather than bead stores. You can get some of them at shops that sell fishing tackle.

For what it's worth, Fire Mountain is one of the best sources for jewelry supplies and has prices that are hard to beat. I love Fire Mountain. Once you order they will send you their sale catalogs. Steel yourself from looking, you'll find a bunch of stuff you'll want to buy.

I am going to assume that these dolls are pretty small.

If we use the link you provided you can tell that the designer uses different sized beads--larger ones close to the body and smaller ones at the tips. Or larger ones in the "fat" parts and smaller ones in the "thin" parts.

Do you know how to make beaded fringe?
Because, what you want to do requires no more than making beaded fringe.

Fringe is made by stringing the beads on the thread until the strand is long as you want it to be. The last bead holds the others on. You just thread back through the strand you just made except for the last bead. (I wish I had an image I could insert here)

As for making branches off the strand, you only thread back through part way, come out (of the bead) at the desired point and begin another strand/fringe branch. Make that as long as you want then thread back through it as described above. Re-enter the main strand/branch at the bead next to the one you exited or even skip one bead and thread back through the main strand to the next branch point or the end. Start the next fringe.

Are you wanting a weaving pattern--say peyote stitch?
What size and type of beads?
What is your skill level, how much beading have you done?
Do you want 2D or 3D?

I can make you a pattern for peyote weave with seed beads.
It would not be a beginner project though.

I like to use the small 15/o Japanese seed beads because I can get more detail with them and they are more regular and come in such luscious colors and finishes.

Brilliant idea.

The aqua cherry blossom walls are so pretty.
I am desperate to come up with an idea like this for my own walls. I bought my house 5 years ago and still have the white walls. I'm pathetically perfectionistic.

You poor thing having to drink all that pop.

I can't let my son see this. He'll use it as an excuse to drink more.

Way cool idea!

Until you mentioned it, I didn't even think of using a resist.
An added dimension. Hmmmmmm.

JaneD
I really like the first blue one best.
Musical and improvised like jazz.

I have done this before and was disappointed in my result.
The musical one in blue gives me a new perspective on the method and a new approach.

I should probably make another attempt. I have probably been too perfectionistic and too impatient.

[Gallstones]

uh oh.. I have a new addiction.

Bad Selise, bad!!

Gallstones, your cards are great. I like the abstract-ness and color.

Thank you.