it is also possible to use CAT-5 cabling. This is the wire used in putting together ethernet networks. Each cable is jacketed with 4 pairs of twisted wires inside. You can strip off the outer jacket and have 8 wires, each coated in plastic and color coded too! <img src="images/graemlins/smirk.gif" alt="" />. Individually they are pretty strong and fairly thin....

If you check around at used computer part stores you can usually find a decent length cable for a dollar or two. Less if you can find it without the rj-45 jacks on the ends.

I bought mine in bulk since I do a lot of network stuff... (1000 feet of it) <img src="images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

Not sure how the plastic coating might affect things though... you would have to give it a try....

I found brass wire at an arts and crafts store slash hobby shop.

Don't forget the wire found in vehicles and aircraft as well as the windings in small motors, etc.

I remember reading about a plane that went down. Happily the survivors were rescued some time later. They were asked why they didn't snare the rabbits that were seen hopping around. They said they didn't have any wire. It was pointed out to them that there was a LOT of wire in the downed plane. They never thought of this.
Think outside the box!