Sex Toys: Batteries Not Included

Sex Toys: Batteries Not Included I t’s the most wonderful time of the year— chilly weather means cozying up underneath your Twin XL comforter with your partner or Tinder date. But it also means your trip to Babeland inevitably keeps getting postponed. How will you experiment with consensual kinky sex if you can’t book it down to SoHo? Don’t cry, bold beautiful Barnard babe— the Design Center has got you covered! Whether you’re looking for some new toys for you and your partner or just want to get rid of your dorm room fever with some kinky crafts, here are some project ideas for DIY sex toys you can make with Design Center tools that won’t break the bank. By Sophia D'Urso

Flogger --What you’ll need-- ★ Paracord, 4mm diameter, two 8’ pieces ★ 1-2 Large jump rings ★ Scissors ★ Lighter ★ Cylindrical piece of balsa wood, 4-5” long x .25” diameter ★ YouTube Tutorials: “Mini Paracord Flogger by Paracord Guild”; “Square (Box) Stitch - Starting”; “Square (Box) Stitch - Finishing”

If you’ve ever been to summer camp, you already know how to make one of these. The flogger is essentially the R-rated version of your favorite lanyard friendship bracelet pattern. You’ll start by cutting two pieces of paracord to size and threading them through the jump rings until the rings are halfway between the two ends of paracord. Fold the paracord in half so you can hold the four strands between the thumb and index fingers of your non-dominant hand. Start looping— I used a box pattern because I thought that would be easiest, but you can also do barrel, Chinese Staircase, or any fancy knotting pattern you prefer (if you don’t know how to do these, ask the Design Center staff or consult Google). Once you’re two knots in, put the piece of wood (I found my piece in the scrap wood drawer) in the center of your knots, and continue knotting around it. When you reach the end of the wood, cast off your knot— this is the handle of your flogger. Then, cut the strips of paracord to equal length, knot the ends, and use your lighter to singe the ends of paracord together so they don’t fray. Kachow! Congratulations on your new flogger. Be sure to first test the strength of your flog on your partner, so you both can have a pleasurable S&M experience!

Breathable Gag --What you’ll need-- ★ Long leather strip, measured to taste ★ Smaller leather strip ★ Scissors ★ 6 Large jump rings (same variety as Flogger) ★ 1 practice golf ball (like a wiffle ball, but golf ball-sized) ★ 2 pairs of pliers (or 1 pair of pliers and your dominant hand, if you’re ~hardcore~) ★ YouTube Tutorial: “DIY Ball Gag - Create Your Own BDSM Toys” Begin by cutting your leather strip to size— you want it large enough to fit around the back of your head to the front of your mouth, with some room for the ball (a little excess is okay because you’ll be making the back adjustable). Make a hole on one end of the leather strip (about 1/16th” away from the edge) and put the first jump ring through the hole, using the pliers to open and close it. Thread the second jump ring through the other end of the leather, only about an inch of the way. Take the end of the strip that has the second jump ring, thread it through the first jump ring, and then fold it so you can thread it back through the second jump ring (like those neat belts that have rings instead of actual buckles). This will be the back of your breathable gag. On the side of the strip opposite the two jump rings, cut the strip in half. Make two holes— one on both ends (about 1/16th” away from the edge), and put the third and fourth jump rings through these holes. Before closing the jump rings, place another closed jump ring on each one (fifth and sixth jump rings) so that you have two jump rings connected to each other on either side, but you still have two separate ends of your leather strip. Make two more holes on either end of the smaller leather strip, thread it through the practice golf ball, and finally connect the ends of the strip with the fifth and sixth jump rings. Wow! A breathable ball gag, just as easy as that. When using this toy, you won’t be able to say a safe word— establish a signal instead, such as snapping your fingers, so you and your partner can have the best time possible!

Wrist Restraints --What you’ll need-- ★ 2 yards of satin fabric (best if it has a little bit of stretch) ★ Sewing Machine ★ YouTube Tutorial: “Bondage Tutorial: Single Wrist Restraint” Even if you’re a beginner at sewing, I guarantee you can make these with some help from the Design Center staff members. Start by cutting six 1” strips lengthwise, so your strips are one inch by six feet. Fold the strip in half widthwise so the shiny side is on the inside and not showing. Sew the edges of the strips together (you’ll end up with a tube of fabric) and then turn the tube inside-out so the shiny side is outside again. Take three of the strips and sew the tops of them together, braid them together, and then sew the ends— repeat for the other three strips. The result should look like two pieces of cute, stretchy braided rope. Following the Single Wrist Restraint tutorial, you’ll be able to shape your rope into a comfortable knot around you or your partner’s wrist, and then you can tie the excess to the bed. Remember to establish a safe word with your partner and set boundaries beforehand, so both of you can have fun with bondage!

I hope you all feel inspired to check out the Barnard Design Center— whether kinky sex is your thing and you want to experiment with new toys or you just want an excuse to use the stunning space. When using these toys, remember to establish boundaries, keep it safe, and, most importantly, enjoy yourselves. Happy kinking!