One of the many techniques I have tried, is the traditional japanese braiding one called Kumihimo. I ended up with a finished piece just a bit short as a necklace, so I added some hammered s-links made of 20 ga wire. It turned out quite nicely, and I like the combination of the braid and the wire-work.  Think I will have to try out something else with those two, when my skills are on a higher level.