I got dragged out at the weekend to a 'Hobbycraft' superstore. There are several in the UK. Whilst the tribe looked for stuff to make Christmas cards I found 10 metre packs of brass wire in 0.4mm or 0.6mm (nice heavy gauge) for £1.59 (bargain). They also have a complete range of Xacto blades and even glow-in-the-dark paint. Unexpected bonus.