I recently spotted a set of jewelry connectors on the Consumer Crafts website that I just loved. Connectors are an easy way to make your own jewelry – as the name suggests, you just connect them to other components, and you have instant jewelry. This was a bonus because it’s a full matched set – I could add my own touches, and have really inexpensive coordinated pieces in just a few minutes. Today I’m going to show you how to make these easy earrings, and come back tomorrow if you’d like to see the matching necklace!
I will leave the links to the products I used in today’s project, just because they are pretty specific if you’re hoping to re-create this exact look. I’m not being compensated in any way for this post or if you click on or buy these products – but because you readers usually ask where I got my specific supplies, I’m going to link out to the different components in case!
What you will need:
- Connectors that you love. I found mine at Consumer Crafts for $2.97 for the set (score!)
- Earring Wires
- Jewelry Head Pins
- Wire cutters
- Round-nosed pliers
- Jump Rings
- Coordinated beads (these are 10mm)
- Optional: sequins or small beads
These earrings are made of a charm (that I made) and a connector (that was pre-made). So first things first: make the charm.
The hole in my beads was on the large side and I was afraid that the pin head wouldn’t be big enough to hold it in place. So what I do in these cases is add a clear (or sparkly) sequin to the head pin first, and then thread the bead on. This is the same principle as using a washer with a screw when you make a household repair – it just ensures that it won’t slip later.
Next, use your round nosed pliers to make a round loop in the head pin just above the bead – just wrap the wire around. Then, wrap the excess “tail” of wire around the pin below the loop to close it off. Nip off any excess with your wire cutters.
Next, You just have to connect everything together! Attach the charm you just made to the bottom of your connector with a jump ring, and the top of the connector to an earring wire.
Now, just make another to match!
Come back tomorrow if you’d like to see how to make the matching necklace!
Love the use of sequins as bead caps. Do they hold up pretty well? Very clever!
For earrings and necklaces, yes, they work very well! If you are making charms for a bracelet, I would opt for a bead, since bracelets get banged around a lot more. :)
Now I’m gonna go look at sequins! Thanks!
Wow! I absolutely LOVE these. I have never, ever made any earrings as I’ve found it intimidating. There is so much to understand and supplies needed. But wow, this has inspired me! I’ve even copied this post to my ‘save really great stuff’ folder. So I’m going to make the attempt and I don’t even care if I fail. It’s time to go out on the proverbial limb. So off I go…….
I’m so glad to hear it, Cheryl! Let me know how it goes!
What a fun and quick idea!! You can make your jewelry 15 min before you go out! Thanks for the idea!
Love those! They’re so pretty, and they look simple enough to do! Pinning for sure!
Very pretty and looks so easy.
What a great tutorial and I LOVE these earrings…..very victorian!
Love these! The pink would be so perfect with a Valentine’s outfit! Thanks for sharing, Adrianne!
~Abby =)