A macro.. filter?

Since nature photography is only a hobby for me at this point I can't justify the expense of a macro lens. However I decided to try a "macro-filter".  It came in the mail today and I couldn't wait to try it.  There's some tricks to using it. I got one for my 50mm prime lens, but I would like to try one for my zoomable lenses as well. So here's some photos from around my house (winter).

 Here's the a comparison shot. The one on the left was taken with a shallow Depth of Field, 1.8, The middle with a 4.0 range. The one on the right is taken without the Macro Filter.

 Another comparison shot. The left one with Macro Filter the one on the right with just the 50mm, no filter.

 I love taking pictures of bugs. I did find this to be quite a challenge. With the macro filter you have to move the camera in very close, it helps to be on manual focus, but i was having a hard time finding the ant! I'll have to keep playing with this before spring comes!

 I liked using the 1.8 DOF for the jewelry and scarf pictures, it gave it a dreamy quality. I love how the fibers in the linen are so defined.

So my opinion of the Macro Filter: I think it's a really awesome thing to play around with! I'm really glad I purchased it. And it gives me something to play with until the a Macro Lens fund is started.