My dad always said you’ll buy a cheap brand several times, but you’ll buy a high quality item one time. I find that that is mostly true. Thanks for your opinions and information.

❤you saved me an unnecessary trip to the dollar store, I also started following just because of the integrity in this video as well as the sincere teaching about toxic materials in the cheaper items.

Keep in mind: I am not implying that all non-U.S. countries produce toxic, poor quality materials. Most of the time, European nations surpass the U.S. in their toxicity standards; the U.S. seems to lag behind. I am making the point that in these instances in my video, one non-European country did not comply with our toxicity standards. Many US companies manufacture in China. The difference is quality control; the product has to meet the standards for the country where it is to be shipped.

My first thought before watching was negative. However you were exactly right about tools we use every day. Scissors, brushes and many more. I do not think it is possible to by all made in USA product. Many if not most of craft companies items are made elsewhere. I own and use a lot of major craft company items and tools and I appreciate the quality. However, many items being sold by those same companies are so overpriced that I don’t think they are affordable. The ink blending brushes, silicone mats, small trendy items. I either skip them or try the less expensive substitutes. Quality is very important but budget is important too. Love this conversation and sharing of information. Thanks for the video.

The best brushes at The Dollar Tree are in the make-up aisle! They are more compact, better made, and don't lose their bristles like the ones in the craft section. LOVE this series, Lolly!

Thanks for posting this, Lolly. You get what you pay for. I have had a set of stainless steel waterless cookware since 1974. Two knobs on two lids have broken BUT I am still using the same set. It was expensive. I had to pay for it in installments but I have absolutely no regrets. I cannot believe how that cutting mat came apart. I have never had to buy another self-healing cutting mat except when I wanted a smaller one so I could fit it in my new smaller space. And I do think we should be concerned about toxicity in products. It's important. I loved that you gave very specific examples.

Thanks for the heads up and the reminder that not every one has the same standards. I have heard several Crafters say that there are people out there who copy designs they have found on Etsy and sell them as their own. It would not hurt us all to do a little research of our own and find out where the best products come from and who are the most reputable sellers.

I agree with much of what you said, but have found that there are exceptions. I have bought some cheap Chinese die’s that cut like a dream. I quit buying Crafters Companion dies several years ago because several did not cut correctly no matter the paper, the sandwich or the machine I used. I have several machines, one of which you can basically dial in the degree of pressure. I know the die wasn’t a knock off because I bought it from HSN during a Crafters Companion show. If it had been one die, I would have just said this was an odd defective one. But it was more than one. They definitely fall into the higher priced, higher end dies. I have the Tim Holtz pokey tool and love it. I still bought the cheap Dollar Tree tool to use on things I don’t want to take a chance of messing up my wonderful tool on. There are definitely countries that don’t have the same standards on toxicity and such, and there are countries that have more stringent regulations than we do. Just because it comes from elsewhere doesn’t mean it’s bad, it means one needs to do their research.

Bravo Lolly! Not only are the products toxic but they are stealing jobs from hard-working artists and manufacturing companies who are the making quality products. It ticks me off when I see so many wonderful brands knocked off and people that are dumb enough to buy them on Amazon or Temu. Bravo, loved this video!!

Lolly, that is why.. I appreciate you so very much all these years.. You’re always a spot on giving us the best advice when it comes to crafting products and materials.Most of all.. I enjoy your crafting skills and tutorials ❤❤❤ TFS! You’re the BEST👌👌👌

Lolly, I totally agree with your reasoning and stopped using cheap knock-off's a long time ago! Also, in some instances cheap tools can cause injuries! Thank you for sharing this so people can make informed decisions!😊

Wonderful, useful and informative video once again Lolly! I agree fully with you and thank you for all your pertinent and wise advice. I am with you! 👍❤

I couldn't agree more with your thoughts. Never thought about toxic ingredients either. Yuck. My main reason to buy good stuff is to protect our craft companies from their designs being stolen. Competition is great but stealing designs is something else. Thanks for the video.

This video is on point. A great message. As the old adage says, you get what you pay for. And I know a lot of these cheaper websites from other countries are really popular, but you really do not know what is in the product. Thanks lolly

A very informative video Lolly, thank you for sharing. I have been gifted a couple of the items you mentioned and I have experienced exactly what you have said...cheap knock offs are a waste.

Always trust your reviews!! I bought the Gyro cutter that you suggested and am using it more and more, gets easier once you figure out how to hold it and it cuts beautifully!!! Keep your videos coming, I'll be watching!!

First time viewer, now a lifetime subscriber! Thanks for this video. I used to sell Stampin’ Up & would demonstrate the shoddiness of the “same” stamp & die from a company who knocked them off & sold them on Amazon. People never complained about the price of SU’s items after that. Thanks again!

Thank you, this is a very important subject that needed to be addressed and you did it. Thank you again.

One never thinks about what you’ve stated about knock offs. You definitely have made a lot of sense. Thanks for your advice!

This video is so timely! I’m in the middle of a storage organization for my stamps and dies right now. I am guilty (when I first began cardmaking) of going down the rabbit hole of making purchases on the cheap. I have collected a lot of things that I rarely use because the quality is awful. Ya really do get what you pay for! I am purging all of these “cheaper alternatives” as we speak.

Excellent advice and information! Thank you so much for sharing, I really appreciate knowing about the toxicity issues. And I’m certainly not buying anymore cheap paint brushes 😊

Love this!! Thank you for your honest opinion. I totally agree with you.

Thanks so much for the video and the reminder!!! TFS!!! Stay blessed!!!!

Kudos to you for speaking out on this subject. I wish more makers would address this problem. I am striving to buy only made in America products.

Great video Lolly! You always get what you pay for. 🤗💖🤗

Thank you for this video, I truly appreciate all you pointed out. I will share

Thanks for sharing. Lolly!

I am really particular about buying from anyone but the original company that produces the product I want. Not only are the products not as well made, they are made from questionable materials and they are stealing from the artist’s who originally designed the product and we are promoting and encouraging that to happen. So when the artist stops designing we are all losing. I am on a fixed income and chose to shop sales or save up for the products I want.

I agree completely!!! I do not mind paying more for quality!!! Thanks Lolly 😊

Wow! I never thought about toxins. Thank you for opening my eyes! Very helpful information.

Great video! Thank you very much for this information!

Yes quality over quantity.. I get it, I share the things I don’t want with recycling if at all possible. Yes this is an awesome video , thank you for sharing. I do agree.

Thank you for bringing info

I agree that Simply Simmons is a great mid-value brush. A better quality brush plus proper handling/cleaning will save you plenty of money both in how often you need to replace them and how much you're throwing into the landfill. It's a win-win choice.

Thank you for this info. I never thought about chemicals being harmful to us and our country. I really wish more crafters talked about this. Thank you again.

What an informative video! Thank you so much!

Thank you for your advice! 🙏🏻

The first clear stamps & ink I bought were cheap and the results were horrible! Thank goodness for teachers like you that tell the truth. I did see an Elizabeth Craft item on cheap site and thought well maybe they carry better products than I thought now I know beyond her ideas they stole her packaging.

Thank you, Lolly! I find this to be true as well!

Very educational. Thanks for takling about the toxicity levels.

I absolutely agree.Thanks for sharing.

Great advice! Thank you.

I still have my craft knife that I purchased 50 years ago. We called them X-acto knives back then after the brand name. Same with some of my paint brushes. I've replaced most of them by now, but with the best I could afford at the time. Every time I try to shortcut a tool or material, I usually have to replace it. Then I hear my husband's voice in my head saying, "The right tool for the right result".

These are good points but there are also great (equivilent) quality products out there for less than the craft companies charge. Also to note that the craft companies rip each other off contantly but in s legal way. One companies has a hot selling design and a month later 5 other stamp companies come out with a similar stamp set or blending tool. Many of the tools are taken from other industries with no improvemenys made: the glitter duster and blending brushes are from cosmetics and The silicon and teflon mats are from electronics and cooking. Nothing is new. I dont agree with buying knock off stamps and dies but as for quality, if you buy store brand stamps and dies from a big box store, they are silicone and chinese made metel. I love the dollar store poky tools with the scoring end, but i would not use them as an awl, just like i wouldn't use a potters needle tool as an awl. If i am bookbinding, i use a heavy-duty awl from a hardware store. I feel like very few products come directly from craft companies these days. Red rubber and photo polymer is best in quality and photo polymer can be easily made to order in small batches without the pricy molds for red rubber (thats why compnies offering red rubber stamps don't discontinue their designs constantly like the clear stamp companies do, they have to be comitted to a design if they are makingbthe plate. The clear stamps are like fast fashion to me and the silicone knockoffs are an extention to that, the old slippery slope i guess.) So i think saying if you don't but from a name brand craft company you get poor quality is false. I think you are better off to go upstream and find where the tool origanally came from (but you might not be able to buy it in pink or teal) and buy there if you want quality rather than going downstream to the knock off sites. I rarely buy stamps these days because i prefer red rubber and everytging has been dine and I like the versions i have better. Plus the "fast-fashion" diection the craft industry has been going in for the past 5 years is a real turn off. I've noticed a decline in quality in many creative product's lately and that makes me want to use what I have. Just my opinion tho. Ive seen lots of oitrage about temu lately, but not Amazon, why? They all have knockoffs. Its a race to the bottom and i am tired of running. I think most of us already own the best the art and craft world has to offer. We just need to use it.

Great discussion!

TYSM for this video! Couldn’t agree with you more! ❤

Great video! It is so unfortunate when craft companies have their designs stolen, like stamps and dies. I have had some luck with some tools buying them cheaper, but some things for sure need to be artist grade.

Much needed information thanks so much 💐👍

Thank you this information

Very good of you to pay attention to this. Copying stuff is a big problem. However, I think that most of the stuff is produced in China whether it be the original products or the counterfeit. The original products, for a company, will have to be made according to the standard of the country to which it is delivered. And you hope that this actually happens, which is also a real problem with clothing (working conditions), for example. Incidentally, I also buy from Chinese platforms, not everything is counterfeit and not bad either. For example, dies or stamps are not necessarily worse than branded products. Buying what you need and not buying just to buy is still the best advice. (I live in the Netherlands btw)

This was good and nice to know. Thanks!!!!!!!

I agree 100% thank you for this video!

I agree 100% Thanks for sharing for all

Thank you!

Wonderful video and topic!

You have made some very good, and interesting points. However, the prices that some companies charge for things that say right on them ‘made in China’ give me pause. Not everything one buys from small American companies is made in America! One must do their research! One rather expensive tool that I held out on for a long time was a name brand laminator for foiling. I thought the less expensive Amazon one, recommended by people ’in the know’ was just fine, despite numerous fails. When I bought the name brand on a good sale, I was so impressed with the consistent results… and lack of wasted foils! Buyer be aware is a good motto to live by!! TY for your insights! 🙏🏼🧑🏼‍🎨😀

I like to buy directly from the company - even if the postage is high. This way I support small businesses and am confident that I am receiving the “true” product.

Thank you for explaining about the toxicity standards. I wondered what the problem would be by buying the cheaper stamps, dies etc.

Great tips thank you

Good to know. Thank You

Great video. Lots of good information. Could you please tell me where to find the comparison of toxicity standards for the various countries? (I have found recently that many other countries have much higher standards in their EMF regulations, so that has gotten me to reconsider generalizations of standards)

Love those clamps. My favorite

Good information ❤❤

You made very good points I agree with you 100% BUT most makers are going to buy what they can afford 🤷🏼‍♀️🫶🏼

Thank you for explaining about the cheaper tools, you are so right , I see so many creators bragging about getting the cheaper things.

Excellent video! Branded companies invest in research, design, packaging, marketing, and staff to sell and deliver high-quality products, and it´s not fair to steal somebody else´s hard work for profit with rubbish products; neither is buying them and contributing to crime. Well said, Lolly!

Fellow artist. Always try to purchase the best your budget allows. You will never regret it. Lolly this video is so helpful. Good points about where the unusable tools end up. But the scored "cutting" pad cracked me up. 😂. Do you have a scissor video? Off to check your list. Thanks for the helpful information ❤

Thank you

Thanks you for covering this topic. So true. I have been given so many toxic dog toys at Christmas time. Full of bad dyes and hazardous fibers. Same with crafting tools and papers. I have totally stopped going to the dollar store. It may look good but most of it is just low grade.

I did find the small glass bottles and their plastic cutting mats from Dollar Tree to be well made and I was happy with them. I found nothing else that was worth $1 or a $1.25 for crafting.

100% agree! you are right as rain. I think I need that Gyro cut? is it for fussy cutting. (which I hate) ?? thanks so much

Thank you, Thank you! I see so many people promoting certain companies for "cheap" knock-offs. First of all, they are flat out Stealing designs from companies that put the money in for doing the designs. Even Dollar Tree now has some stamp sets that are clearly certain brand name knock offs! It's getting worse and worse and I truly understand the appeal, as someone on a fixed income now. But, I can't get behind any company that steals another's designs.

Great info! Tfs

From my experience some of the cheaper items do work good for things that you don't care if the cheap item gets damaged. For example a cheap paint brush used to glue things, I can throw it away. I do use that pink pick tool for when I glue things down with glue stick. I can use the pick tool to pick it up when it's covered with glue to lay it down on the item I'm wanting to put it on. If you're wanting to create a Van Gogh of course don't use Dollar tree stuff but you're doing a junk journal, some of that stuff works just fine.

Thanks for making this video. I think many of us are on the fence with the idea of saving money. Found your toxicity point to be well made. Had not given that point a moment of thought. I does bother me that these companies are stealing designs etc..... Better to buy good materials even if we buy less.

I totally agree!

All that glitters ain't gold! . Thanks for putting this out there Lolly.

So true. ❤

I have never bought cheap supplies. Well when I started scrapbooking 20 years ago I did try cheap paper but didn’t like it so never bought cheap supplies since. I also don’t like the fact that so many companies are stealing reputable companies ideas. It would stop if people quit buying them.

Thank you for this video. I pray that a lot of crafters see this and realize that cheaper isn't always better. Does the original GiroCut really work or not? I have arthritis and a trigger finger and I thought that might be better for me for fussy cutting.

I've found that most "cheap" art supplies I buy, I eventually spend the money to get the brand name version anyway, so it's a false value. However, I'm also mindful that card and scrapbooking companies market many items intensely that aren't any better, they're just branded.

This was helpful & interesting. Tyou for sharing. I’m a huge ECD fan and hv many many many of their dues & stamps. Mks me angry that there r those who sell products with her packing & name on it…what?!?😮 Was extremely surprised about the pencils sold in US & Japan markets. U alluded to the toxicity being much higher for the Japanese market? I shop in Tokyo annually for art supplies. They r an environment conscience culture. Everything costs 3x more than the US. And they r typically accolades for their top quality, perfection, over achieving, detail oriented, honorable, etc nature in general. So this was a HUGE surprise to me. Thanks again.

Great advice. Namesta 🐞🥰

This is a tool I would like to get a good one where you got it ? I want the time holts one saving for better tools. Wow Thank you so much I was buying knock offs .

There are many knock off dies on sale on Ebay, Amazon, Temu etc. - I think it is worth taking a screen shoot and copying the URL and sending this on to the company who originally designed the crafting items. They can then choose to reach out to the website selling these to have them taken down. This is, when all is said and done, theft of intellectual property! In the short term, we think we are getting bargains (setting aside the very valid issues you raised of quality and toxicity) but in the long term, we are driving these creative companies who spend time and money on developing innovative goods (and provide jobs here in the EU or in the US!) out of business! Maybe we should all (myself very much included!) think about buying less but the genuine, high quality, job providing, well designed and safe stuff?! Kind regards from Germany, Nicola

Thank you. I’m so tired of seeing crafters review their “cheap” hauls from Chinese rip off companies and completely overlooking the fraud they are bankrolling. Sad

I could not agree with you more, Lolly. I watch haul videos in a large variety of crafts where creators never seem to research products and do not care where they are purchasing products...business and/or what country. I agree with FooFur here in the description, too...always my main rule.

Cheap paintbrushes are good for spreading glue like modge podge, at least if they are ruined then it can be binned. Only reason I purchase them.

I’m right there with you. Totally agree and have also stopped.

I totally agree with you, I bought some items because they were cheap and I didn't have that much money, unfortunately I had to realize that many products are of poor quality and I ended up spending more, I'd rather save so that I can have good ones in the future buy quality 🥰😀

TFS

To be honest Lolly, you get what you pay for as my hubby says.. I agree with you on the whole video.. I have found that the cheaper something is then it will not last or even work..

I don't buy cheap craft supplies, especially for children. When pencils leave more marks than color, you know they are useless, but children may be disappointed thinking they are not talented. Good supplies make learning a great deal easier!

I watch these “Temu Hauls” and just shake my head. These people who are giddy about their “scores” in purchasing cheap products from Temu are not considering the fact that those products are made in China and other places that do NOT have the toxicity standards the U.S. has. All they can do is squeal about “how they got tremendous deals” on what actually are nothing more than landfillers in the end. And then our landfills are filled with toxic materials that eventually leach into the groundwater and soils and poison them. People are so greedy that they don’t care and turn a blind eye to what they are purchasing.

Great video! I sell my cards, and having bought some "I've never seen this before" dies cheaply from China many years ago, I have since found out that they were mostly rip offs of European designs that I didn't know about. I made a decision about 4 years ago to NOT buy any stamps or dies for cheap, as they most likely are toxic, rip offs from a company I am not aware of, and are of poorer quality. The only stuff I get from the dollar store is the occasional paper, ephemera, and pearls/gems... that kind of stuff, when I can get to a dollar store, and it's in stock. I buy NOTHING that can possibly be copyrighted from the dollar store, or stores like Temu, Ali Express etc.

Thanks for this review - I have always believed in "Quality" over quantity - I make mini-albums for sale, and I ALWAYS use quality from start to finish. Do not waste my time with cheap products!!!

I agree that name brand products typically perform or hold up better (not always, though). However, regarding toxicity and such, pretty sure the US has lower standards than other countries in Europe in regards to things that are put in our food such as dyes and strange ingredients. And pretty much everything is made overseas, even the stuff sold by big companies like Apple.

I’ve been crafting, sewing, etc… for 30 years and I have been telling people there is always a reason “QUALITY” is more expensive “UP FRONT”. You want to purchase things at the Dollar Store, Amazon, Temu, AlliExpress you better EXPECT poor quality crafting out comes “OVER TIME”. Imagine making something, someone buys it, they put all their memories in it and 5 years from now, the cheap products you used like the homemade glue or AlliEpress double sided tape starts to let go? How would you feel? There is a reason why Scotch brands are more effective and expensive, they stand up to wear and tear. That’s why they are still in business DECADES later. You can argue with me all you want, but I have 30 years behind me that will tell you otherwise. Same goes with craft room storage, tables, cupboards, shelves. We all “make due” but in the end we spend far more than we need to. We believe “reuse/repurpose” is some how cheaper. The garbage bookshelf on the side of the road is there for a reason. You don’t need to bring it home, slap a coat of paint on it, get some new shelf brackets, screw a board to the bottom to straighten the shelf and do not forget the cost of your time to “make it work”. You could have gone to Micheals/Ikea and purchased parts of their module system that will last 20 years for the same cost of the garbage bookshelf. Or better yet go to an actual kitchen cabinet store and buy those. Do a kitchen centre layout and be prepared to have your mind blown. You don’t need to buy the craft room system all at once. You can buy a piece every month or two and have a system that will last decades. It may take 2 or 3 years but it will last.

I actually HIDE my good fabric scissors! I leave the cheap ones out in plain sight. I told my husband, if anyone is caught with my good scissors, to shoot on sight. 😂

I do love the mixed paper packs from the dollar tree. They have great variey and a lot for 1.25. Well i guess its the dollar 25 store now lol