“We wanted something anyone could have a go at,” Andrew says. They came up with the idea of making BDSM accessories out of paracord. When sex bloggers Andrew and Pixie (who go by their first names only) founded KinkCraft, they wanted to create craft workshops that were a bit different but still friendly and non-intimidating. Professional crafters say they have been pleasantly surprised by the level of customer interest in DIY sex toys. “For a lot of people, having their partner make a flogger that will be used on them later brings a whole new edge.” While many say they were already crafty and saw no reason not to bring those skills and interests into the bedroom, others talk about the satisfaction of creating something unique and personal that is then used to give or receive pleasure. In a pinned discussion thread entitled “Why DIY?” members muse on the joys of homemade sex toys. The “BDSM Toys Craft Corner” group on kink and fetish social media site FetLife has over 50,000 members. Their event description reads: “What better way to say ‘I love you’ in the mirror, to your own reflection, than by embroidering what you see in front of you! This class is about love - loving yourself, loving your bits, loving your mate’s bits, or even your partner's.” Meanwhile, at London Loom, for £30 ($36) you can learn to embroider a picture of your own genitals. Adele Brydges runs dildo decorating workshops out of her London studio Adele Brydges
