My version is cheap but takes some time to prepair.
I go to the hardware store, buy some hemp type rope (you know, the braided type you see that they sometimes use for packaging) and leave it outside to let the weather get to it. I then cut it to length and paint it or hit it with a wash of my choosing.
Check out how it came out.
http://f2.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/starmanmmm/album?.dir=/3e62