I bought a roll of black, paper type gasket making material. It was around $3.50 at a car parts store. Like you said, I wouldn't use it for head or base gaskets, but I have used it for power valve gakets and the flywheel cover gasket. I can make a ton of gaskets with just one roll.
It isn't a quick and easy job to make them, but it is cheaper.
I say go for it.