Abstract: A bead and a bead item is disclosed in which the bead has a projection extending therefrom having a dimension so that it can be pushed into a hole or groove in a grid and retained therein to make a bead design. The grid can be used in two ways in that it can serve as a permanent part of the bead structure or item after the design of beads has been built thereon or after the design has been completed the beads may be laced together with thread, wire, dowels and the like after which the bead projections are broken away at the bead body leaving the bead design without the grid. The projection may have a knob on the end thereof which is pressed into the hole or groove in the grid to more securely retain the bead on the grid. The beads may be of many different sizes and shapes. The grid may be thin or flexible enough so that it can be bent in forming a permanent part of the bead item. The grid can form a permanent backing such as for framing the bead design and other uses.