I decided that I wanted to do a new painting today, so I prepped a homemade “canvas” last night. Since I started painting I’ve pretty much only used these homemade canvases — which technically aren’t canvases at all since they are basically just heavy chipboard primed with gesso. I also add other items to give the surface texture and create the base for my mixed media. Once I master more techniques I’ll probably start using store-bought canvases — which I have a few of, but for now creating my own are just more cost effective, especially since I’m a newbie and I paint so often. 
Natural chipboard ; Chipboard primed with gesso
"Canvas" ready to be used. :D