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The new trend in women's shopping.

I know, we’re all sick of hearing about that 50 something book, but a recent article in the NY Post caught my attention. It seems the book is stimulating – the economy, that is. Well, of course it is, you say. Millions of women paying thirty bucks or so for the trilogy, that’s bound to have an impact. Well…uhm…that’s not the impact (pun intended) I’m talking about. I’m thinking more along the lines of hardware.

Yep. Hardware. Those very same women are trekking into their local hardware stores and stocking up on things you don’t normally see women buying. Things like rope. Hardware stores in New York City report a sharp increase in sales of soft cotton ‘clothesline’ rope, as well as 12-gauge non-braided nylon rope. When was the last time you used a clothesline? Seems a lot of women are going back to hanging their wash out to dry, or something else is going on. I vote for the something else.

Among the BDSM world, one popular hardware superstore is known as Dom Depot for obvious reasons. So, this got me to thinking. What exactly can you find at your local hardware store, and how can you put those things to use?

Some things are obvious – rope, tape, chain, zip ties, roles of Velcro, and my, don’t those sawhorses look interesting…

For those handy sorts with a mind to save a few dollars, you can build your own dungeon furniture with plans available for free on the internet. Here’s one site I found, Foxy Furniture. I like the idea of dungeon furniture hiding in plain sight. Invite me over, and you bet I’ll be eyeing that new ottoman with a critical eye! There’s even a book available on the subject – The Better Built Bondage Book.

How about some handcuffs sturdier than the novelty kind? For these, you won’t have to set foot in law enforcement supply or a bondage shop. Made from a roll of Velcro from the hardware store, they’ll only set you back few dollars.

Need/want some spreader bars? Why buy the expensive ones when you can make them yourself? This one looks sturdy, but I agree with one commenter, the dimensions seem off. Want something less involved? How about this wooden spreader bar? Another chat site lent this information I found useful. Use one of those pool noodles, cut to size to cover the metal or wooden bar for comfort. At a few dollars, this is less expensive than the pipe wrap sold at the hardware store, and thicker too.

By far, the most complete site I found is this one – Sartan’s BDSM Workshop – where you can find instructions for building all kinds of kinky stuff from basic woodworking to more complicated leather, metal and electrical items. Warning – this is a big site. Finish reading this before you hop over there, or you might forget to come back!

Even the workshop challenged can do many of these projects, but I caution you, be mindful of safety – always. If you don’t know what you’re doing, then you could injure yourself or your partner.

Besides, other businesses in addition to hardware stores are reporting an increase in sales – mainly businesses selling riding crops, neckties and sex toys. If you aren’t into building your own, then I recommend shopping with any number of reputable retailers who will be happy for your business. Either way, DIY, or purchasing retail, your contribution to this new trend might just accomplish what the politicians haven’t been able to do – stimulate the economy.