Yes there is a very easy way. Just put ONE needle through the middle of knot and just roll the knot back and forth as it spins around the needleagainst your finger.. It always loosens up for me.

a knot is a knot, however the only way to take a knot apart is to use two needles or straight pins, one in each hand, put the points into the knot and gently start pulling the tiny threads apart. Yes, It takes time, but if you want to save the work already done, you will gently pull apart the threads.
This is also used in pulling apart a knot in a chain necklace.

you could also draw the pattern directly onto the leather, then sting needle, pass thru leather, attach 3-4 beads, down into leather, back two beads, back thru last two, and continue this. By doing this you can attach your beadwork before you sew your slippers closed, and you will not have to conform to the square pattern of the loom.

Sew beads first on to a thin stiff material, when finished, sew on to leather. You can draw a design on the material, then sew beads on.

Anonymous is correct, but you need to make sure that you don't squeeze the pliers too hard or you will end up with a curl that can't be undone. Kind of like that curling ribbon that you put on Christmas presents.

The easiest way is to use memory wire. Use the size for rings, add beads and dangles...whatever you want, make a tiny loop at either end of the wire (make sure you use enough wire that it overlaps about half way around the circle both ways). Voila, it will just slip right around the stem of your wine glass!

Use Slimide thread or thin tiger wire, it is a lot stronger then other threads. Stretch threads are good for bracelets. Slimide thread and thin tiger wire are good for necklaces. You have to be care with the tiger wire, don't bend it too much or it will stay bent. You want to keep your necklace in shape the way you like it.

here are some links to nature inspired bracelets:

http://www.artbeads.com/gardens-arrival-bracelet.html
http://www.artbeads.com/summer-flowers-bracelet.html
http://www.artbeads.com/tunisian-bazaar-bracelet.html
http://www.artbeads.com/sunflower-sunrise-bracelet.html
http://www.artbeads.com/springtime-carnival-bracelet.html
http://www.artbeads.com/first-bloom-bracelet.html
http://www.artbeads.com/hitrsiandczg.html
http://www.artbeads.com/autumn-colors-bracelet.html