Well I joined the beading group called Don't Worry Bead Happy and in today's class we made these really cute red, white and blue earrings for the Fourth of July. I got this one done in class and I am currently working on it's buddy just in time for the 4th!
It uses ladder stitch, brick stitch and simple stringing to get this result!
I can see all kinds of variations you could do with this.
Here is a youtube video that might give you ideas to make your own!