love the twisted coat hanger toy... ...i have made a few: 1. bunched up zip ties(took the idea from Mistress Heart)...great warm up toy 2. Made a carpet beater style toy of of orange extension cord and electrical tape 3. I made my first flogger 4. i am trying my hand at canes now, cuz i got tired of the fancy ones...

The zip ties sound great! You can find some good, cheap canes at your regular hardware store too. Just buy whatever thickness rod you want, sandpaper her down, and viola! :D