What I need for the warp weighted project

I need to make some more weights. The ones I had are in storage with the rest of the props. I need a dowel about an inch or two thick for the beam, and some 2 x 4's. I don't need to make sure it's period for the frame.

I want to do a soft warp, so I may see what I can do with (gasp!) acrylics, so I don't have to spend that much. I do have some weaving yarn in cones, so I may use that and see how it goes. I've got gold, brown, and some heathered lavendery-purples. We'll see.