I purchased 3o vanilla beans a month ago for nearly nothing on ebay from the Organic Vanilla Bean. I wanted to try making extract. If it works, it will be very cost effective unlike most things I make at home these days.
Here's the break down:
Vanilla Beans: $10 for 30 ( I only used 12 for this batch).
Vodka: $12
Mason Jars: $1.15/each

I used this recipe.

I'll report back in eight weeks when it should be near completion.