Perlin

Perlin noise is a boon for developers and designer as this is able to create natural patterns as in landscapes, water etc. Given parameters of different values it can generate wonderful patterns.

One of my projects needed a water ripple effect. So I researched a bit about this on internet and found very good examples done in Flash and Java. And Perlin was the common thing among them.

Flash 8 and above gives perlin noise as a function of BitmapData class, with which you can generate a texture or pattern in single line of code. And when it is animated it is amazing to look at what different things can be achieved. From wood texture to sea waves to clouds to cloth furling.

See example below.
This generates a cool satin/water like effect. And changing colors can give you more.
Try changing different parameters.