CP, just go to your local bookstore and start perusing some books on knots, both decorative and utilitarian. I've been reading one called the "Pocket Guide to Knots", by Lindsey Philpott. It's pretty good, and has some nice knot designs you can use for lanyards.

If not books, just start researching online, there's hundreds of sites that give step-by-step direction in how to make certain designs. It'll take a little bit of practice, but you get the hang of it real fast.