This is “Part 2” in a series of blogs I am writing about the different and unexpected ways one component style can be used. Part 1 from this series, which is about “rings”, can be found HERE.
My goal with this series is to inspire “outside the box” thinking when it comes to jewelry components. Very often, when someone sees a component, they automatically assume its purpose. However, when you drop all assumptions, that’s when the fun begins!
With that said, today’s subject is multi-hole connectors!
The type and shape of connector dictates you initial/natural reaction to what it should be used for. For example, a 3-hole teardrop shaped connector initially screams “earrings” to me, whereas a 4-hole straight-edged connector screams “multi-strand bracelet.” And no doubt, they are awesome for projects designed around that innate reaction!
Lately, though, I have been playing around using components in ways that are NOT dictated by my natural instinct. I am loving the results, and I’m loving the creative reach!
These small 3-hole connectors have been one of my staples for making earrings for many years – and I’m sure they always will be! They are small and lightweight, and they easily lend themselves to a variety of earring styles.
As much fun as they are for earring design, these little components also add some lovely dimension when used as a starting point on a corded wrap bracelets, too!
I’ve always used this 4-hole connector straight-edge connector for bracelets, because that makes perfect sense: it has one hole on the curved edge that accommodates a clasp, and three holes on the straight edge to accommodate at least 3 strands of beads.
As it turns, out, they also make really cool earrings with sort of a “rustic-contemporary” chandelier feel to them! These components offer the opportunity to work with larger, chunkier beads because you can’t hang as much “stuff” (which, of course, adds weight) from the holes.
And, quite possibly my favorite…6 hole connectors. Again, the natural instinct with these components is to use them in multi-strand bracelet designs:
However, these made fabulous swingy earrings with tons of eye-catching movement! I did go with with smaller beads for these earrings; with so many holes to dangle pretty things from, using smaller beads helped to keep the weight of the earrings down while driving the fun factor up. Despite the width and length of these earrings, they are virtually weightless on my ears.
There are so many ways beyond bracelets and swinging-bead earrings to use these components. I hope that these ideas act as a springboard so that the next time you look at a multi-hole connector, you’ll start thinking of using them in what would be considered a “non-traditional” way. After all, there really are no rules for making jewelry, so why not let your mind go where it wants with it!
My handcrafted bronze and copper multi-hole connectors can be found in the “Pairs/Earrings” and the “Bracelet Components” sections of my Etsy shop. Have fun playing outside the jewelry design box!
Thank you for the tips and inspiration….
Thank you Linnie – I’m glad you enjoyed the post!