Tuesday 21 January 2014

Rants of a pissed off Panda

Rant Alert - *woowoo woowoo* !!!
Phewee! It's been a bit of a crappy past week here in Panda cottage and I'm very much looking forward to a night off tonight - okay, well, a few hours anyway. 


As well as copyright issues (have I broken them - no, I haven't! Why not? This is why... *and repeat 326543 times hee hee) I've also spotted that someone copied my work and was selling each piece for about a tenner. The excuse was that she had no idea who I was and that she found the stuff on Google images (oh, well, that's okay then!) but with a stern legal letter it's been resolved and she's stopped selling them now, thank chuff. I just won't take it laying down, folks, so please don't copy my stuff. I am here to help you to learn this craft yourself, always here for advice and tips and I think I do a pretty good job so please do your own thing and stay away from my ideas and designs as a common courtesy as well as it being just plain copyright and I will sue the pants off you.


There have been a few people in the past week that think it's not at all rude to say that they think my stuff is too expensive. It's their right to an opinion, they say. Why do they think it's okay to say this? How on earth do they know what goes into each piece? I consider myself to be at the top of the game with perfect cutting skills, a nice range of original designs and I'm a little bit popular so why should I give stuff away? Everything sells within the first minute and to be honest I could put my prices UP but don't want to take the piss. 
Just as a wee breakdown for the rude ones amongst you, this is what goes into PP...

It is the sole income for me and Mr P. It pays the rent, bills - everything.

I employ three mums who work from home, with flexible hours and above the minimum wage plus bonuses.
I pay my National Insurance and taxes to the government.
I pay for all my fonts to be used commercially.
I pay for business insurance.
Only the absolute best top quality ingredients are used and are sourced from small family businesses in the UK. If something isn't up to scratch I don't stock it anymore and I look for something better. You will only ever buy the best from Paper Panda - not a £2 frame from Wilko's in sight.
The amount of things that go missing in the post add up to hundreds of pounds per month and this comes out of our pockets. No, we don't claim through Royal Mail as we simply don't have the time.
I support several charities as well as giving away hundreds of pounds per month to friends in need. I am a generous person. I do not sleep on a bed of cash.

I appreciate that this rant and breakdown of costings isn't something that every artist or shop does as a rule, but I have gotten to the point where I feel that I have to justify myself. Disgusting isn't it? 

I awoke this morning to a staggering amount of likes, comments and shares on my latest 'The Stag' papercut. I lay in bed reading all the comments and grinning like the Cheshire Cat. I love it, I do. I take every comment on board and it proper warms my heart. Until I come across some guy who wrote:
'Hard work, very clever, but wouldn't getting a life be more satisfying?'

This horrible comment ruined my day. It made me cry. I suffer from terrible anxiety and haven't left the cottage since last Monday (8 days ago) and this really hit home. WHY do people feel the need to be so utterly vile? Can you please remember that behind every page there is a person with feelings? There are 4500 'likes' on that piece of work so far and that one stupid comment ruined it all for me. I know it shouldn't, but there it is.
Thankfully I have a merry little band of followers that loyaly stick by me and know that my work is worth every penny, and I love them for it. My heart and soul goes into every single piece and if you own a Paper Panda then you'll know this. I also know that I should concentrate on the positives, but as any artist knows this is almost impossible to do. We are sensitive souls y'know!

The ultimate aim of this piece is to please think before you type and always be kind, it doesn't cost anything. My Mum always said 'If you haven't got anything nice to say then don't say anything at all'.
Also, stop bloody copying me, yer' buggers!

 

53 comments:

  1. I will simply say this. That there are a thousand people out there who appreciate what you do. And remwmber that for all the pricks there is always a beautiful rose. Keep up the astounding work!!

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  2. Love it very well said. Your works amazing and worth every single penny.

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  3. Glad you got that off your chest and good for you to stand up to copycats, and as for the ones who say your to expensive well to hell with them they know nothing of the time and skill you put into your work. As for the vile comment that's pure jealousy on their part. Keep doing what you love and I am about to add another like <3

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  4. Ignore that nasty pasty.. he needs to get a life which doesn't involve upsetting us nice crafy folk. You have amazing skills.. like the obi wan of paper cutting.. and as foe the copy cats.. they say its tge highest form of flattery, even if its in breach of the odd copyright. (Glad its sorted tho) keep going panda.. I love your work and I love your posts.. :)

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  5. Ignore that nasty pasty.. he needs to get a life which doesn't involve upsetting us nice crafy folk. You have amazing skills.. like the obi wan of paper cutting.. and as foe the copy cats.. they say its tge highest form of flattery, even if its in breach of the odd copyright. (Glad its sorted tho) keep going panda.. I love your work and I love your posts.. :)

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  6. Oh I'm so sorry to hear people have been so damned ignorant, thoughtless & downright horrible. Your mum is absolutely right, I couldn't agree with her more, but I also know that I'm also cut to the quick by any criticism - however unjustified - so can understand that it's the horrid comments that stick with you.

    So - ignore the buggers, remember just how many people are out there loving & supporting what you do you remember too - the naysayers are all just envious and should get a life and go and do something useful rather than criticize others.

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  7. What an awful thing to say unfortunatly there are some horrible people out there that will never understand how much there words hurt. There are also alot of people that don't understand that beautiful quality things take alot of time and effort to make, please don't let these people bother you, not when there are so many people that love your beautiful work!!!

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  8. I think it's such a shame that you were forced to justify what you do. I have been following your work for only a couple of weeks and it took me only a few seconds of that to realise that you are extremely talented and obviously an adept businessperson. Your prices reflect the sheer amount of work, time, passion and quality of your products (value is subjective, and as you said your products literally fly off the shelves within 30 seconds, this doesn't need explaining). Imitation is a form of flattery, but I can totally understand why someone copying and making money from your ideas and designs ticks you off, thank goodness for copyright law! Negative comments are usually a deep seated envy, they are very much outweighed by the number of positive comments, likes, and excitement created when a new picture is being added to the shop. I hope you feel better soon x

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  9. I think this post is spot on and good for you for sticking up for yourself and all of your hard work. It infuriates me in todays world that copyright is still not taken seriously with the thieves coming off the better in most cases!

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  10. Catherine Babbage21 January 2014 at 09:30

    You don't and shouldn't need to justify yourself on here. The person who said you should get a life obviously has too much time on their hands and is more bothered about your life as they clearly don't have their own. Whilst I can't currently afford an original paper panda I by no means begrudge the prices that you charge. I respect the time and craftmanship that goes into each piece. Creative is priceless...manner cost nothing (something people need to learn)! Well done you for being original. Anxiety issues or not, you are doing a job you love from a loving home alongside your family. Anyone else can stuff off! #jealousisugly

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  11. don't worry about the haters - they are always going to hate and unfortunately there isn't much anyone can do about it - you are amazingly talented and the fact you are so popular and everything sells out instantly proves that nothing anyone says will ever matter just keep being you :)

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  12. lottiepinkarthurblue21 January 2014 at 09:45

    Paper panda... I paint children's nursery canvases, personalised canvases for children's rooms and hand/footprint canvases for all my friends, and family, and my children's school teachers' children and grandchildren, and my friends families etc etc... I charge nothing but one day hope to... You are my inspiration and I took you as my inspiration when I set up a stall at my son's school's Christmas fayre to dip a toe in the water of starting my own little business... I have had nothing but praise, thanks, admiration and wonderful comments on how my canvases are beautiful and treasured to all I give them to and yet, at the fayre, a father of a child in my son's class felt the need to make reallysnide comments about the baby handprint canvases... I have suffered with post natal depression and anxiety attacks since having my son four years ago... I lack confidence thanks to years of bullying... Those who know me know how hard it was to do the stall and face public scrutiny and will know how much that one nasty comment knocked it out of me... My point is this; I know how horrible it is but you our amazing, talented, admired, inspiring paper panda are worth every penny people pay for your work and beyond... The speed at which you sell out speaks volumes about your magnificent works of art and how highly people think of them... For every ugly comment from a bitter and jealous person, there are hundreds like me to whom your posts make us smile and give us that bit of hope that maybe one day we might be as successfully... With absolute respect for your awesomeness I say flick him the finger and block him! With much love, a rather embarrassing fan of the pandas xxx

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  13. Hi there

    I've only started following you in the past month, but I am well and truly in love with all your amazing work. I tried my hand at paper cutting at a class last summer, and completely appreciate all the hard work that goes into each and every piece. The quality of your work is superb, and your ideas and designs are just beautiful. It is a shame that there are compete idiots out there who think it's ok to post their rude, unhelpful and down right disrespectful comments via social media. A little bit of constructive criticism can sometimes be helpful, but the plonker who left that comment quite clearly has nothing to do with his/her time. Quite frankly they come across as a jealous individual, you shouldn't let them get you down, instead feel sorry for them as they don't have a creative bone in their body and will never know the joy of creating beautiful artwork like you. Anyway I don't normally comment on anything, but felt the need to tell you how fabulous I think you are, and how you've inspired me to have a good go at this paper cutting lark! Oh and I promise not to copy ;-)

    Keep up the AMAZING work

    Sarah
    x

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  14. You tell them girl. I love you stuff and one day I will get myself a piece. I also do craft to get some money, no one takes the cost of it seriouly. I am behind you 100%
    Esther

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  15. Well said my lovely. I totally agree with you. You're a very talented lady and your work is truly amazing!!! Don't let the opinions of others bring you down.

    Copying someone's designs for me is just a big fat no-no!! There are no excuses for it people should just not do it.

    Non creative types will never understand the satisfaction you get from creating your own artwork. Yes we may spend hours, days, weeks even months at it but we do it because we love it. In turn the buyer gets something that really means something, that has had hours of love and dedication put into it. We seem to live in an age where people are too quick to buy into 'throw away' life styles, when did life become all about getting things on the cheap. Now don't get me wrong I am not rolling in it by any means but I would rather save up and buy something of quality than spend a bit here and a bit there on cheap rubbish. Don't get me started on the fact that to get all this cheep stuff we are exploiting very poor people who work in awful condiitions. (Sorry I'm waffling).

    In one respect I love the opportunities that social media can provide to design/makers like you and I, however I hate the fact that people think that because they are typing it and not saying it to your face that its acceptable....IT IS NOT!!!!

    What I would like to say to the gentleman who left you that comment is "should you not be out 'getting a life' rather than making mean comments on someone's page?" If that is his idea of 'getting a life' then he can bloody well keep it, I'd rather be a recluse enjoying every minute of creating, than spending 10 seconds with someone who can be as flippant and mean as that.

    You hold your head high and carry on doing what you love and people will come back time after time to buy your fabulous work. Try and ignore ignorant rude people, you will always get one that will want to come and rain on your parade, you have lots of people on your side that will counteract the negativity.

    Big Hugs
    Emma xx

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  16. Yeah hun, my mum always said that too but she always told me 'dont sweat the small stuff, and its all small stuff' **HUGS** X

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  17. I can't understand how can someone a) to copy your work (it will always be just a mediocre copy) or b) to criticize your prices. Envy is what these people have. People without the courage to do something that really motivates them. People scared of themselves, of the others. People so scared about failure that are not even able to try and be just a little bit original.

    You are an artist, no matter what others think or do. You're brave. You're unique.

    And that's the only thing you need to care about.

    Congratulations.

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  18. A Well Deserved Rant Lovely, send a million & one hugs to counteract the nasty comments, the copiers and the complainers. Keep up the amazing work, you are extremely talented and these people are probably just jealous xxxxxx

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  19. Big Hugs! We do ALL (the people that count!!) think you are wonderful!! <3

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  20. Leslie Child-Hubbard21 January 2014 at 17:51

    You go girl. No justification neccesary. Your work is worth every penny. Big Hugs to you Mrs. Panda. Keep up the beautiful work.

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  21. Hey Louise, I really feel for you, I hate it when people copy my ideas and my work, but I have to make a living too so I have no option but to let them see it. But I watermark very single photo I out on the web so that everyone knows where it's from and it's pretty much full page so you can't 'cut' around it!!
    I know what that guy said must have hurt, I've had people such as that stupid comedian Jason manford publicly humiliate me and my business name in frot of hundreds of thousands of people, but do you know what? I have depression, anxiety, I have fibromyalgia, degenerative disc disease and pelvic displacement and I am taking A LOT of morphing every day to combat the pain. I decided that I wasn't going to be bullied any more and keep my head up high because normal human beings don't go around making other peoples lives miserable. Some people just don't know when to shut up on the internet, these keyboard warriors, but I bet if you met them in person they would be nice as pie. My point is is that I brushed myself off, called it experience and carried on doing what I do best. I make other people happy. I practice random acts of kindness and my most recent one is for a girl who's auntie has terminal breast cancer. I make journals and personalised notebooks and photo albums and I am making one for her-for FREE. Not ecause she asked, but because I decided that I wasn't going to let anyone make me feel bad for being kind because if one person smiles and is happy for even one minute after I've 'helped' them, my job is done.
    What I'm trying to say is, don't beat yourself up. Every piece of your work is worth hundreds if not thousands of pounds and from the fact people instantly snap things up you should realise just how special you are. You are incredibly talented, not just at the cutting but the drawin of all the silhouettes. Chin up Lou, that man was just jealous as most people are because they are talentless and you got recognition for how talented you are. That's all it comes down to, jealousy. They're jealous because 'it's easy for you to make money by cuttin up paper' but you know and so do your ( god knows how many followers) just how much blood sweat and tears goes into each and every tiny sliver of paper.


    I am here if you need a shoulder, anxiety sucks donkey balls but you are not alone, so don't isolate yourself from others. Just be you, you are unique and beautiful and incredibly special and no one can take that away from you, even a vile comment like that. Just brush yourself off with each bad comment, block them and make an even more incredible piece and prove them YOU ARE WORTH EVERY PENNY

    find my page here if you wanna have a chat because I get inboxes easier on my page whereas it goes into the 'other' folder on my personal page.
    Xxx hugs sweets xxx

    Www.facebook.com/angelfairydustrefashionsuk

    Xx

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  22. 'Hard work, very clever, but wouldn't getting a life be more satisfying?' - Well, it would seem that you actually do have a life designing and producing these stunning pieces of art. A life that also supports other people's lives as it happens and bring joy to those who have bought your art, learnt to cut their own designs, or just enjoy looking at your work online. The person who wrote the comment however, well they appear to have a "life" spent insulting others (jealousy perhaps) being rude and ignorant. I know which I'd rather have!
    I love seeing your Facebook updates and I bought one of your kits, which sadly I haven't spent as much time using yet as I'd of liked to, but enough time to realise exactly what hard work this is - before even thinking of thinking up and sketching out my own designs! I would love one of your pieces but can't afford at the moment - sure they're "expensive" compared to a mass produced picture you can pick up in a high street store. But they are not a mass produced picture, they're hand made, one off's - even a design that's made dozens of times will never be hand cut EXACTLY the same. Some people are beyond rude (I embroidery items and have had the "I could buy a t-shirt from the supermarket for a fiver" comments myself).
    The point of my ramble - don't let rude, ignorant people get you down! Your work is beautiful, you're providing jobs for others to support their families too, charitable donations, lots to feel good about! I know (I suffer with anxiety too, so this is one of those give advice I know I'd feel too upset to take myself things lol) it's hard sometimes but don't let the buggers get you down :)

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  23. I think the piece I bought (fierce decal) was very competitively priced but for the amount of compliments it gets and how often I stare at it I think its a bloody bargain. Your work is amazing, you need either have the same level of confidence in yourself as your skill or grow a beautifully thick skin. There are always going to be trolls, be the biggest billy goat

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  24. Aww what an awful comment for someone to leave, and honestly if they spend all their time being mean they should be the ones looking at getting a life, it must be so rich and fulfilled if they feel the need to go and insult a complete stranger.

    Your work is utterly beautiful and worth every penny, if someone feels the need to judge your prices and complain they are not your customer. Quite often I can't afford pretty handmade things, but I don't think that makes them too expensive, it just means I can't afford them, and there is a difference. I just plan to save up for the pretties, so I'll appreciate them even more when I do have the money. I want to save up for some paper panda, although that'll be tough, because even with the pennies, they fly from the shelves so quickly :) (Which is a wonderful thing). One day... I have patience! Keep up the amazing work! :)

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  25. Very well said!!! Please don't let one idiot get you down (I know its hard). I also have not left my house since Thursday so do understand a little bit.
    Your work is amazing & don't let anyone tell you otherwise. People wouldn't pay what you ask if it wasn't. You should be proud of yourself & your work (& yes sue the pants off anyone who copies it) stay strong :) x.

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  26. Dear Paper Panda,

    Please don't let some person on the internet upset you. The disturbing thing about the internet is that people feel anonymous when they are surfing online and so often feel like they can say all manner of unpleasant things without taking any responsibility for their words. I think they feel that there can be no ramifications for their actions because they are behind a computer screen and not face to face with you. Would they say such unpleasant things in person? Or on the phone? Chances are, probably not, because that would mean they would have to feel the consequences of their actions. Ah well, it is just cowardly in my opinion! And also very untrue! You have a life! And it is a life doing a creative job! An artistic profession is, I am sure, hard work and can at times be financially draining and difficult, but it is so uplifting too! I admire the fact that you are doing something you love and creating new designs and artwork each day!

    And as for the pricing of your work, have those critics you mention in your blog post, actually tried papercutting?! It is hard! I have your starter kit and I love it, but I will be honest, it is not the easiest skill to master and it takes time, effort and concentration (I even gave myself a blister!). I love your designs but I would never imagine using them for profit. They are yours, from your own creative brain and you own the rights. Anyone who is selling them online and claims they did not know, is obviously not doing their research properly! A proper artist would know all about copyright.

    Anyway, keep on cutting Paper Panda! If it makes any difference, I think what you create each week is amazing and lovely and look forward to the day when I have some wall space available to hang one of your beautiful creations!

    Best wishes,
    Clara

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  27. Hi, as a fellow self employed artist I completely understand where you are coming from on all counts of your post. My business is my main job and I work full time hours on it. Like yourself my day is ruined by any negativity and I'm always questioning my capabilities and beating myself up when things aren't going my way. I wake in the middle of the night worrying about my business and always feel a little bit silly when anyone asks what a do for a living. I have a head full of ideas yet no time to work on them and get very frustrated when i see substandard work selling like hot cakes on Facebook because it's 'cheap'. I recently had someone not only copy my work but steal my images too. I got the exact same response as you "Sorry I saw your pic on google images blah blah blah" but I didn't take it any further once she'd removed the pictures but I wish I had now! Despite all of this I truly love what I do and wouldn't change it for the world. I admire your work (I definitely wouldn't have any fingers left) courage and honesty and just wanted to let you know you're not alone!

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  28. My mum used to say that too Panda. Ignore the vile trolls they haven't got anything better to do. Your work is amazing x

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  29. May I just recommend that you do a watermark with your name across all of your pictures....that way if they do come up on Google pictures it will have your mark so no excuse for not seeing there yours....

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  30. Today is the first day your art has been brought to my attention. Your work speaks for itself. It's amazing and worth every bleeding penny. It's such a shame that you have to justify yourself to people who probably don't have a life themselves, haven't got an ounce of creativity and are just jealous of your success. It's a generalisation that I've made of them but come on...why on earth would you otherwise put someone down for their craft? If they think that you're too expensive then they can jog on. Rise above it Paper Panda. By the sound of things you've got a lot of loving fans out there. Hopefully they'll keep a smile on your face. x

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  31. Well said hun
    I love your stuff and Lv that you help us by putting DIY stuff and prints for those Lv us who miss out and can't afford an original
    Thank you soooooo much
    Xxxx

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  32. Well said hun
    I love your stuff and Lv that you help us by putting DIY stuff and prints for those Lv us who miss out and can't afford an original
    Thank you soooooo much
    Xxxx

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  33. Well said hun
    Thanks for being so wonderful and giving us DIY templates and prints for those of us who miss out and those who can't afford an original
    Now take a deep breath and pat Ur self on the back
    Xxxxx

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  34. Hi Louise, really sorry to read that one thoughtless, spiteful comment by someone took all the joy out of your day but not surprised - I would feel the same! Some people do it on purpose, some have no concept of the damage they do, either way it's them that have the problem, not you! You spread happiness, give 100 per cent in your work, and help others to learn a skill- you also employ others and beautify the world with your work! You're an original designer and skilled craftsperson - I could go on but I think the point is already clear - you have a life to feel proud of! Somehow I I doubt your troll has contributed anything to the world on that scale.

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  35. You have a life to be proud of and contribute a lot to the world, somehow I doubt your troll can say the same.

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  36. :( Cheer up Panda! As someone that is attempting to learn, and to design some bits for my new house, I realise how hard you work even if some people don't. :) So, it isn't in everyone's price range, not everything is. And if it isn't then you sell templates so we can have a go ourselves! (Which is even more fun!) X

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  37. Written from the heart.
    The part about a single comment ruining 4000 others so strikes a chord. I hate it when people hide behind their screens and make stupid remarks, almost impossible not to take it to heart.
    Hope you're ok.

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  38. In the words of Bob Marley... 'You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time'. Some people just like to say hurtful comments because it makes them feel better about themselves. Managing to live off the sales of your work and employing others speaks volumes about the wonderful 'life' you already have. I wonder what kind of 'life' this person thinks you should get?

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  39. In the words of Bob Marley... 'You can please some of the people some of the time, but you can't please all of the people all of the time'. Some people just like to say hurtful comments because it makes them feel better about themselves. Managing to live off the sales of your work and employing others speaks volumes about the wonderful 'life' you already have. I wonder what kind of 'life' this person thinks you should get?

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  40. And another thing (I feel like ranting too at this guy!) - your work is NOT too expensive - it is artwork by a professional, talented artist. I wonder if that guy walks into an art gallery and gasps in horror at the price tags on the wall! x

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  41. Being jealous of other people is what makes someone miserable and ultimately unpleasant, you should never try and justify yourself to someone like that it will never get thru... You know you are a nice person ignor the jealous ones,
    keep doing what you do it is such a talent and your work is beautiful and makes me smile every time I see it.xx

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  42. I think you're amazing, all the beautiful artwork you do is absolutely outstanding, with all the fantastic comments you've received you should bin the bad guys who lurk in poke' corners and spring out at you, to do what exactly? That fool doesn't really deserve all this air time, so if all the people who love your work, me being one of them, can emotionally stomp on his ignorant, mean minded head, then we can fight the fight for confidence, we can make a stand, preferable on his head, and be proud to be an Artist. x

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  43. Just found your website and I love it - your work is fabulous (hope that helps balance the crap comment - I think the person making it is the one that needs to get a life, they obvoiously can't see the value in what you do - I'm sure their life is poorer for it.)
    It is so hard to get a decent price for the amount of work that goes into making a finished article (I make Quilts but don;t sell as nobody wants to pay even the cost of the materials used)
    Keep up the good work and I'll look forward to seeing your book on the shelves.

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  44. I always get your updates on FB and rather guiltily dont access your blog enough. I have followed you for about a year now and am always amazed by your talent, your designs are so unique. I bought your Papercut design pack 1 when it was on offer for £10 last summer and have attempted a couple (really slow) and blooming heck, they aint half hard. I have just finished the 'Were all mad here' cut which I am framing and giving to a crafty friend who I know will really apprecaite it. Long may you wave your scalpel, take care PP xx

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  45. Don't let the b's get you down! Your work is amazing! Any copiers wouldn't put the love and care into their 'work' (I use the term loosely where they're concerned) like you put into your work. And the results shine through! Keep treating us to your wonderful creations. I love it! :)

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  46. I haven't been on the blog for a while, but my Easter holidays are looming and I'm looking for some inspiration as I've finished my starter kit and the templates I've bought and this post has made me rage and cry at the same time :/ Your work is AWESOME, the fact you share your ideas and help others learn is out of this world! I will probably never be able to afford a Panda Original but a little piece of Panda Love adorns the wall of my sons bedroom and my husbands bedside table. I thank YOU for this, I don't understand how people can be so narrow minded and plain ignorant, as the person above has written don't let the b's get you down! It's easy enough to be mean from the safety of your sofa and those negative and narrow minded people should just keep their thoughts to themselves as the sit in the safety of their home, they are not the type of people who pour their heart and soul into a piece of art and then put it online to share, opening themselves to comment. Keep going Panda, Big Loves, Cate, aspiring Panda Trainee x x

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  47. hey, i agree the pieces are very expensive but the point is, if they sell within seconds of you putting them up then WHY the hell not? they are so many artist out there who charge thousands of pounds and more for what day do so why shouldn't you be able to do that, another reason why i hate the fact your pieces are so expensive is because I'm a complete egoist and i just wish they cost a tenner so I could own one :P

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  48. Hello Paper Panda...I have felt inspired to leave you a comment tonight - I have followed you on Facebook before but it was your ebay listing and the staggering bids that caught my attention tonight and has led me to reading this blog post. I just wanted to say WOW! and flippin heck! :-D I'm in awe of the following you have gathered for yourself and the amazing response you get to your art -please don't let the minority spoil this for you. I also wanted to say that I'm also in awe, because I set up a page a year ago and the response I've had has been phenominal - but it also scares me - I too read through all the lovely comments I get and it makes me so happy and smily -Iove it too -but I'm scared of the day I get negative comments or it all becomes too much and I can't cope -how the heck do you manage messages and comments with 103k facebook fans -I struggle with 5.5k (I work full time so my page is in my sparetime)-I'm seriously impressed Paper Panda...wow! keep up the amazing work! what an inspiration to other artists and makers! xx

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  49. Hey PP, New phone and it now picks up G+ woohoo! While reading I felt your pain and I was crying. My God some people are just unbelievable, why don't they get a life than commenting crap on genuinely honest and lovely people! I find this is becoming a problem of late and you'll find they do not have a life themselves and are sitting on their sofas catching up with the soaps, chat shows and watching every minute of BB and I'm a celebrity get me out of here!

    You have inspired many including me who is stuck at home always because of an illness but now I'm excited about my art once again and I thank you so much!

    When you ever get down again because of an arse, remember all the ones that love and adore you!

    Katie :-) x

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  50. I know this is an old blog - I'm a newbie so only just read it. Just wanted to say that unfortunately there will always be rude people around that believe, as you have said, that it is their "right" to be a$$holes. Please believe that most of us Panda "likers" are true fans that believe that you and your work is awesome. X

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  51. Dear Panda
    I also think it is totally unacceptable that some individuals feel the need to comment negatively, its totally rude and they could do with learning some manners.. i love your page/website so much as i fellow crafter/artist may i just say you are very talented and i adore looking at your work.. i'm even going to treat myself to a diy kit :) ... chin up you should be very proud

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  52. this has made me feel so sad esp as its things like this that has made u leave FB! I wish people weren't so cruel and didn't feel the need to hurt people! but I spose he didn't give 2 thoughts to the post he put up! however I always grew up thinking if u csnt say something ncie then don't say anything at all! guess not everyone is like that! sendin u hugs! hope ur feeling good! xxx

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