Exploring 8-fold symmetry

Now that sounds terribly mathematical, doesn't it? No, I didn't get a brain transfusion from my friend Gwen at BeAdinfinitum, but the fact that I am recognizing the maths behind my play is probably due to her influence.

I'm making wee mandalas out of beads; they look a bit like conchas, actually, and all of them have 8-fold symmetry. Of course, since it's me making them, no actual maths were used in their design or construction, but the end result is pretty cool, and I'm not above claiming maths after the fact.

As of right now, I'm thinking that they will go into an asymmetrical necklace, but I might surprise myself and continue the symmetry. 

Time alone will tell.