Instead of beads, why not use stars? This is not a project for the faint of heart. Right before I started I already regretted having the idea...I have gone "Star Crazy". "Star Crazy" is when your back aches, your neck aches, the joints in your finger aches, you make paper stars for about 2-3 hours everyday for about a week, your legs fall asleep......I am a star making machine.

Materials
Paper
Ruler
Some kind of pole(a part of my mosquito net)
needle and thread

Time: Too long...when I was focusing, I could make a star in 1 minute and 7 seconds. Now multiply that by 900 stars makes a total of 16 hours and 45 minutes for the stars(at optimal output) plus an hour half for stringing it all together. ~18:15

Cost: Free/really cheap

Other 'ibles that are similiar, my 'ible is more or less combining two, but it was my crazy idea.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Origami-Dream-Stars/ If you don't know how to make the stars
https://www.instructables.com/id/Pop-Tab-Curtain-Window-Beads/

Step 1: Making Stars

Do this in small increments or you will go "Star Crazy". My project needed about 825 stars. Choose your colors and start making stars! Don't bother lining them out until you have a lot.

https://www.instructables.com/id/Origami-Dream-Stars/

Find some good movies to watch is a must

Step 2: Measure Your Door and Mark Your Stick

Measure door, find a stick, choose how many strings you will have and how far they are spaced.

Step 3: Line 'em Up

Line your stars up according to your spacing. Replace with different colors to make a design. I would have gone red blue red blue on each strand, but its more of a gift and less a flag. I thought about coloring them or spraypainting. You could make a lot of different colored stars...but after you make 500+ stars, you lose the urge to be uber creative. I ended up not doing a design because my strands are not close enough together.

Be ready to string them fast or you will step on them. I staggered home after some drinking and yeah...you know the rest, its very fustrating re-poking them.

Step 4: String 'em

String up your stars, if like me, your stars are different sizes(which I like), then you may have to add or subtract a few to make the strands even length.

Step 5: Attach to Pole and Fin

Give a general description of the StepAttach to pole, then gift it and get it out of your sight. Another addition you could make is to spray it with clear coat so the stars don't get soggy if you're wet. I realize that the stars can easily be squished, but its too late after making 500+, I just had to see it through.