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This post isn’t about cars, as much as the hubby would love to hear me declare that. No, I love all things that have dual purposes. I have no idea where this comes from, but I love something that will work for you in multiple situations. Gadgets, clothing, beauty products – if it has multiple uses it is normally a winner in my book.

This is why I designed this necklace below. Now I know what you are thinking – yes it looks like a normal double strand necklace to the casual observer. (Please excuse my self-portraits!) However, that is because you didn’t notice these – two jump rings (one on either side) that are holding the two strands of the necklace together.

See them here? There is one right next to the small round bead in the center.

With those little jump rings and a simple extender with two lobster clasps shown below, you can create multiple looks out of this necklace.

You have the first double strand necklace. You can also add the extender and make this pretty four-strand necklace.

On the other hand, you can remove the extender and throw back one strand and wear the lower half as a three strand necklace.

So there you go, a thrifty way to get three looks for one! Even if you aren’t into making jewelry this is a really easy way to take some simple strands and make a convertible piece of your own. 

You can pick up jump rings at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or Jo-Ann’s for practically nothing. To open, you need two pairs of pliers. Place the pliers on either side of the seam on the jump ring to open it up. Don’t pull apart like a clam, pull them aside like you would open a clasp on top of a clutch. If you need a more visual guide, check out this one here at Fire Mountain Gems.

What do you think? Do you also love multi-purpose items?


Since I have been out of the party circuit for awhile I am linking it up this week!




Boardwalk Bragfest with Jan @ Bobbypins Boardwalk (check out her new Project Blog here!  She has found some great ideas!)

13 frugal friends said ...

Funky Junk Interiors said... @ January 11, 2010 at 12:38 AM

Awesome idea! I too like to change things out all the time. Like the different chain appearance, casual glitz!

Donna

Rachel Cotterill said... @ January 11, 2010 at 1:38 AM

Beautiful! I love versatile things.

Marianne said... @ January 11, 2010 at 4:42 AM

Nice idea. Thank you so much for sharing.

Steph said... @ January 11, 2010 at 6:20 AM

Great idea!

...stopping by from SITS...

Steph @ A Grande Life

Anonymous said... @ January 12, 2010 at 8:31 AM

Pretty necklace and I like the idea of multiple uses. Thanks for the tip!

avisiontoremember said... @ January 12, 2010 at 9:37 AM

Very nice! I have been on a jewelry making kick lately. I love things that can get changed easily :) I found you from todays creative blog

Jessica Jones said... @ January 12, 2010 at 7:14 PM

Now what have I told you about opening your own Etsy shop?!
THAT should be your new years resolution! and you should let me offer your first review and giveaway!

♥Frann♥ said... @ January 12, 2010 at 9:19 PM

PRATICAMENTE UMA REVISTA DE TRALHA

Anonymous said... @ January 13, 2010 at 11:12 AM

omg -- jump rings...who would have known? I love being able to change the size of the necklace. I have several long necklace which I've tried to double wrap, but the sizing is NEVER right. Now I know exactly how to fix that problem. Thank you! Also -- thank you for passing on the word about my new blog. It's really appreciated! Thank you so much for linking your post to the boardwalk bragfest!

Unknown said... @ January 14, 2010 at 8:31 AM

I love what you've done! I haven't made jewelry in a while due to some eye issues but it's fabulous...and its making me want to get back to work :)

Patti @ Pandoras Box said... @ January 14, 2010 at 9:53 AM

This is a lovely necklace! Makes me want to pull out all my old beads and make one!

Leigh of Tales from Bloggeritaville said... @ January 17, 2010 at 9:43 AM

Well done, Jess! I love thinking outside the box! Beautiful piece!Sorry I am so late. As it ended up, we did have a (6 hour) 2AM-8Am stint in the ER with my son. Praise God, all is ok. But,it's taken me some time to recover from being up all night. Alas, I am late in getting around to everyone this week. My apologies.
Sincere thanks for linking up to Tales from Bloggeritville Thrifty Thursday!

HUGS,
Leigh
Tales from Bloggeritaville
www.lbratina.blogspot.com

Its So Very Cheri said... @ January 17, 2010 at 10:03 PM

Great idea. I love things with dual purpose. When I get ready to buy something that is always running through my head.

Cheri

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