In Felicia the Artist

Bite the Biscuit…

Bite The Biscuit…

Hello, it’s been a while, how are you?

I wanted to tell you about being a biscuit.

I know I’m a bit odd (all the best people are) but a biscuit?

“What like a custard cream or a chocolate digestive?” I hear you ask.

Not quite. One day I was lucky enough to meet a woman who said, “You need to join ‘Bite the Biscuit’, it’s brilliant.”

So, intrigued, I went to Facebook and requested to join this group for creatives.

It’s run by a fabulous woman named Tara Boo – she is a rare creature – she has an incredible business brain and understands that creative people (not all, but A LOT of us don’t).

Her mission in life is to get creative people of every kind, poets, photographers, cake makers, artists, life coaches,( the list goes on…) to be able to run their businesses AND MAKE MONEY.

She will not tolerate us saying, “You want to buy this thing I’ve made? but it’s not very good really – I was going to charge €100 for it, but really, you can have it for nothing…” and if you have ever tried to sell your work then I bet you’ve had that conversation!

She also has a love of cows and facial hair…….

Tara Boo

Anyway, I joined this group and here is what I found.

It is welcoming, it isn’t bitchy, no one is going to steal your ideas. It is full of people who are at different stages of their artistic journey. Some are just starting with an idea, some are turning their hobby into paying for itself, some are fully living the dream, making a decent living doing what they love.

They will all give you advice if you ask for it. They will answer questions about where to get this or that. They will share their knowledge and information about markets and exhibitions.

They will give you amazing support, the biggest cheer when you post about your work. Tara fully encourages #ShowOffFriday do you remember the ‘Snap cup’ in Legally Blonde? Yeah, it’s like that, snaps for everyone who has something to show off about this week!

It’s like a big family. I have made so many friends and we actually get to meet up, real live Biccies all in one place. The creative energy at those meet ups in incredible – you go home totally inspired and raring to go.

There is business training, resources, even discounts from suppliers, if you want to learn how to do this properly then this is where you need to be.

You might be wondering why i’m telling you this?

Well, to keep this community going and to allow Tara to do what she does best, it’s time to give something back.

If you think you’d benefit from this group, then request to join here

Then, you can support the group by becoming a Backer or just buy Tara a cup of coffee (virtual coffee that is) the cost of a couple of coffees can really make a difference to the artistic/ creative world

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/bitethebiscuit

I cannot explain how much this group has changed my path as an artist (thank goodness says you, or you’d still be reading this next week!)

My name is Felicia and I am proud to be a Biscuit!

07/03/2020 By felicia

In Felicia the Artist

House 2019

(That’s me up a ladder, planning the layout)

Last weekend was the House 2019 Event in the RDS, Dublin.

I had signed up to exhibit there last December, but since I work well on a deadline is was the last two weeks that everything was finished. I had a good idea what I wanted to bring, the prints were framed, the cushions ordered but the original “Red Kettle Street” paintings and the Polly Dolly quilts were down to the wire.

Finally the car was packed and we left home at 6 am on Thursday. I was so organised. Everything was crossed off the list but what did I forget? to put diesel in the car!! Fortunately I realised before disaster struck.

There is always a lovely buzz for show set ups, you unload the car, get it all to your stand (upstairs for this show) and then stare at the blank walls wondering where to start!

A ladder and a tape measure was the first thing. Then gradually it started to take shape.

Tim came with me, he is very good at maths, I am not. So, his help with putting up the framed prints was much appreciated. I was sharing the stand with my friend Midi who does amazing work – it’s very different from mine so there is an obvious divide on the wall.

(Midi with her acrylic panels, they are so gorgeous)

With the set up done, we checked into our Air B&B then headed into town on the bus to see Rocket Man (which was brilliant).

Opening Day:

Friday arrived, we didn’t open until 12,which gave loads of time to look at all the exhibits. I got this dress in Kenmare and actually wasn’t sure about it (’tis fierce bright) but I got loads of compliments and will wear it more often now.

This was Saturday’s dress…. If you know me you’d shocked I owned a dress let alone wear one two days running!

(I realise this isn’t a fashion blog, but these things need documenting.) (Actually, it’s a ‘What ever I want to write about’ kind of blog).

This was my biggest painting, “The Star House” (it’s about 3 ft x 2 ft) it was much admired all weekend but didn’t find a new home. I’m secretly delighted because I love it. So, now we are home, unpacked, rested and ready for the next time.

I met so many lovely people from customers to other artists to the car park staff. It was amazing to see the work from the other artists, we had fantastic neighbours for our stand (Eibhilin Crossan and Miriam Dowling).

I am starting to make plans for Art Source which is back in the RDS in November. If you want to follwo the preparations for that, you can follow me on Instagram at feliciathomas.art

Felicia xx

29/05/2019 By felicia

In Felicia the Artist

Polly & the Fox.

For the first time in ages there is a new Polly Dolly.

This is Polly & the Fox.

She is a quiet & curious little thing. Her best friend in the whole world is her fox, they go everywhere together.

Their favourite thing to do is play hide & seek in the woods (hence the dried leaves in her hair), or to sit under a tree, eating cake while she reads a story to him.

This piece will be available in the ‘Shop’ link soon. It comes as a mounted or framed print.

The original will be coming with me to the House exhibition in Dublin’s R.D.S in May – but more about that another day.

I hope you have a lovely weekend,

F xx

30/03/2019 By felicia