DIY shallow hanging cedar baskets for Cattleya's

[Keysguy]

I need to get started on this project.
I want to build a dozen or so shallow cedar baskets to move some of my smaller Cattleya's from pots. This should accomplish a couple things, OK, 3.

1) Hanging them will give them better light, less crowding
2) Hanging them will help them dry faster between waterings, and
3) It makes room on my benches for more plants.

I've found a source for 1/2" x 1/2" x 11" cedar sticks so those should be perfect.

I want to use SS wire to stitch the sticks together through drilled holes on the 4 corners and curl at the top to use as attachments for the hanger. I think 12 would be an appropriate gauge for the wire but it's really expensive. Like $90 for 100'.

Anyone have a source that's cheaper or thoughts on going with galvanized in lieu of SS?

I think I need the stainless to combat the corrosive effects of the salt air where I grow but I'm open to ideas.