ok to sound incredibly dumb here why couldnt you use the plastic ones? spray painted they are any color you want.. Cat toys tried it they love them with the thread on them then I chase the string down all over the place til I find the darned thing. I have lots of kitty helpers when I sew. GRRR. I am thinking there are some lot more crafty crafters here who might have a few more ideas.. come on.. we must have 10 million between us easily.