i found this video tutorial for making a macro lens out of binoculars and tried it, it actually works very well.
DIY: Cheap Macro Lens - Digital Camera Reviews & Photography Tips
basically you take some binos and screw off the front lens, this wont work with some types, the old ones like the ones below work best. hold/tape the lens BACKWARDS in front of your camera lens and take the photo. either set the camera on manual/focus lock and move the camera back and forth to focus or just auto focus it if you cant do manual. oh, and this does NOT break your binos.
my supplies: Canon Powershot A570, old binos
results:
this is a great way to get closeups without buying an expensive slr/macro setup