AliExpress Recommendation Thread

I found some really nice sized alpha dies:

s.aliexpress.com/JVzM7RBf

One thing I will say is I think the stamps are pretty low quality. And if they sell dies to match be prepared to do some extra fussy cutting.
They are just a tad off in design. I will say it doesn't really stop me though. My budget is pretty low so I take what I can get. Haha

The stand alone dies I have gotten so far are awesome.
And I really wish they would come out with new Lawn Fawn release! 🤫

I have ordered several things and have been pretty pleased with what I have received. The 3 duds are the BP Dazzler, it cuts fine, but it’s too big. It’s just a hair over 4.25 x 5.5; the hero arts MMH June stamp Set is too small, 4x6 instead of 4x8; finally, the Spring Shower die does not cut all the way through in a few places. I’ve found the stamp quality to be similar to the stamps in the big box stores, for the price, you can’t beat it.

I can't play because the only thing I ordered hasn't arrived. And, now, I don't recall when I ordered it - but it was after April and before June -- so I'm thinking I might have been "taken".

I have a ton of the birch press layering die knock offs and love them. I also have two stamps (one is the concord and 9th "wonderful" floral set and then a "hello" and "thanks" (I think?) floral stamp). The stamps are lower quality, but I've actually gotten way better impressions with them than with cheap stamps I've bought from Michael's, Joann, etc. I think it's because they're considerably thinner (like maybe 1/16th to 1/8th inch thick) than those stamps, so they can't really "squish" when stamped. I've also used them with the Tim Holtz platform. Haven't tried them with blocks. 

As an aside, does anyone know why the dies made by the companies--especially Birch Press--are so expensive? Is it what the market will bear, essentially? Like, if they were going through the trouble of manufacturing them in America and paying a living wage, etc., I'd be more likely to support them, but from what I could read on their website, it just says that the company is based in the U.S.


I just genuinely don't understand why I would be charged SEVENTY TWO DOLLARS for something that they're also manufacturing in China.

Look at the packaging of the Birch Press dies.  It clearly says they are made in the USA.   You can see the packaging on their website. 

I, too, think they are pricey and likely won't buy them.  But I do appreciate the design and the engineering work that went into those layering dies.  Both of which the Chinese have stolen.

www.aliexpress.com/item/BP-Special-left-cutting-dies-scrapbooking-DIY-Carbon-Cutting-Metal-steel-cutting-die/32849135268.html?spm=2114.10010108.1000023.1.3a733d04SoVNN3

lehcarlies
leeny

Under the description where it says included there is the name of each one. You can copy and paste to google to get pics.
Unless you meant you wanted to see the actual die they were selling, then no they don't show those.

I have been coming across a lot that are not even giving descriptions. You have to actually message them to even know what they are selling. Which can be a real pita if they have multiple listings!

ETA- just checked the reviews. Seems there are some discrepancies with sizes.

I order from Ali regularly and would be up for a thread.

I have bought most of my dies, many stamps and also ephemera from AX. I have only had problem with a few of the intricate dies and only one that didn't cut at all. I got a refund for that one. At first I didn't like the stamps as they were flimsy, but you get what you pay for. Lately I have bought some more expensive ($2.50 - $3.50 range) stamps and have been very happy with them, especially those labeled Squirrels and Frogs. They are made of heavier material and more detailed than the cheaper stamps. I am on the fence about the ephemera, the book pages are exactly what I wanted but the vellum cutouts sometimes come up around the edges depending on what they are adhered too. The ephemera packs are comparable in price or more expensive than TM. Overall I have been pleased with what I have received and orders placed Jan through Oct arrive within 2-3 weeks. Orders placed during the holidays (ours and theirs) really delay shipping. To save even more money shop through Ebates and when they have sales.

@zingermack Lia Griffiths has had some cute ideas using tropical leaves on her website recently - thanks for sharing the Amazon reminder too.