I try to make almost every toy I use, gags, canes, floggers, bondage gear, etc. It's all relatively simple. But I do agree, try EVERYTHING out on yourself first. You don't want your pretty new toy to break in the first swing, it could be accidentally harmful (as opposed to the intentional harm) and it'll usually ruin the mood if you aren't ready for it. If you're big into DIY books, I like the better built bondage book