Hi!
I made a youtube video about pleated beads. You can find it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bP0WCd424c4
For a good 3d-effect it is important to use enough clear in the cane. I make it this way: lollie in white or another light opaque color, then two dark transparent colors on both sides, then I add clear on one side (no matter which). Twist tight and use for the bead.
Melt the twistie down and encase with clear, but be careful to add the clear only to those parts of the bead that have some cane on it, otherwise the cane will not spread properly all the way to the mandrel.