Beading4Perfectionists does some really lovely beadwork video tutorials. I particularly like this unusual Swarovski crystal butterfly bracelet tutorial. It features bicones and the use of curved connectors to help form the butterfly.
Also consider making the connectors yourself out of wire. You could hammer flat a very thick wire length and punch 2 holes at either end. File to round the ends off. Bend it slightly and you've got yourself a connector.