If you are anything like me, the past few weeks have been filled with over indulgence... And I’m not just talking about the excess food and drinks! Yes, like many of you, I have been sucked into social media's bottomless feed. The temptation usually begins with an innocent tap - and just like in Alice in wonderland, I find myself spiralling down a rabbit hole into a hypnotic swipe fest, clicking and consuming content. It's crazy to think how much has changed in just 20 years. Back in January 2004, platforms and apps like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter) and TikTok, didn’t even exist. “It’s true that attention is the only scarcity we have in this world of abundance, how come you and I are giving our attention away for free?” - Kevin Kelly Social media is an invisible addiction. Currently, the average person in the UK spends nearly 3hours per day lost in a ‘scroll hole’. I think it’s fair to say that we are quickly becoming a nation of passive zombie consumers, rather than active ‘Creators’. Unlike other recreational vices, most virtual addictions have no obvious tell-tale signs of misuse, such as discarded paraphernalia, empty bottles or stained teeth. And without any clear signs of bad habits, if you’ve accidentally had one scroll too many, there is no intervention from loved ones saying “I think you need to log off”. This insatiable desire for constant content is relatively new. Before tech infused every part of our lives, people consumed media in a more limited fashion. When I was younger, ‘surfing the web’ was a luxury activity - My family shared one noisy dial-up desktop computer, with time restrictions. This meant that there was a clear beginning and end to my after school MSN mischief. Even our TV screens had a signal to show that our night-time entertainment was over, with the symbolic appearance of the classic ‘Test Card Girl’ on BBC - you know, the one playing noughts and crosses with that eerie looking clown! 🤡 Yep… the perfect imagery to have in mind, just before bedtime! Without the social media matrix holding our evenings hostage, people had time to engage in leisurely creative activities - like writing stories, playing instruments, painting, learning a language and more. These creative outlets not only passed the time, but gave people a purpose, a project and a long lasting sense of achievement. I’m by no means a Luddite or technophobe. But, I do feel we need to start treating social platforms as a tool for constructive consumption not just for digital distraction. For creation, connection and community-building. And by transforming from idle users into useful creators, perhaps we can feel 'content' when we put our phones down at the end of the night? "A 2014 study in the Journal of Media Psychology showed that passive consumption of media was linked to a 14% decline in self-esteem compared to active social media creation, which led to a 9% confidence boost." Sadly, the sobering truth is I’ll never get back the hours wasted scrolling, but I can begin my road to recovery. So, this year instead of a resolution (which, I always end up breaking by the end of January 🙃) I decided to make a pledge to create more and consume less in 2024. Here are 3 steps I'm going to take to make the switch: 1. Conscious consuming: I will start tracking my daily usage. Simply developing an awareness of my consumption habits to highlight areas for improvement. 2. Get Inspired: I will devote 30 minutes each morning to reading, watching or listening to content from industry leaders, innovators and creators... Not just memes! 3. Small steps: I will start small by setting a goal to create something each week. Gradually building this creative muscle and new habit that will lead to bigger and better projects over time. The creative economy train is leaving the station, with or without us. Too many of us are just  passively spectating, thinking we'll hop on board later. But the reality check is - this train isn't making any pit stops. Delaying our action puts many current lifestyles at risk. Especially when this new creator-powered economy takes over with A.I, it's more than likely many of our traditional jobs will become extinct. Do you want to take on this new challenge with me? Pledge now to skill up, make new things, connect with new people, and offer our gifts to serve real needs... Trust me, we'll thank ourselves later for getting creative ahead of the curve.🙌 🧠

Finding that perfect gift for loved ones can be challenging enough... let alone when money is extra tight across the UK this holiday season. Rising costs are making everything pricier. But often the most meaningful presents don’t have to cost much at all. Getting crafty with handmade gifts allows you to give from the heART without overspending. Making something yourself adds that personal touch and thought, and doesn’t a unique, specially crafted gift spark more joy than something generic or store-bought anyway? Your lucky recipient will surely love knowing you created something just for them. If you’re feeling stumped on easy DIY gift inspiration, consider getting creative with ART SIPPERS. Festive Paint-and-Sip workshops like ART SIPPERS make producing your own masterpieces fun and approachable for all skill levels. These online classes guide you step-by-step through creating handmade artworks. ART SIPPERS provides all the art materials needed so you can paint along from the comfort of your own home or you can just dig out your old paints and get creative with what you have got! For only £9.99 per workshop, you’ll gain beginner painting skills while producing thoughtful handmade gifts. Not only can you give the artwork itself... but the artwork also makes for good Christmas decorations or heartfelt cards. So if you're feeling crafty this Christmas, ART SIPPERS makes it affordable, easy and enjoyable to spark creativity on a budget. The next sessions are: Saturday 9th December 2023, 7-9pm. Saturday 23rd December 2023, 7-9pm. Can’t make those dates? ART SIPPERS offers online paint and sip workshops all year-round in 2024 and will be covering seasonal subjects, modern motifs and more unique designs. #SipSipBeret!

This is what I really wanted to say to my big brother about 4 years ago. Shortly after me and Josie had the initial idea of starting up a business together… We soon realised that we needed a professional looking website. Unfortunately, I had no idea how to make one! 😐 But, luckily my bro Neo Nortey had recently completed an online course in website building and started to get paying clients for his services. So, obviously that meant he would create one for me... right!? Erm… not exactly! He bluntly said. “No, I think it would be better if you created it for yourself.” His response felt like a bit of a punch to the stomach. 🥹 What was I going to do now? We didn't have the skills... Or quite frankly the patience to make an ecommerce website. It seemed like our wantrepreneur dreams of success were shattered! 😩 But, after feeling sorry for ourselves for a few hours… We jumped onto Wix and started designing our first website from scratch. After lots and LOTS of trial and error. Publish and live. Yes, we finally managed to stitch together something that resembled a workable website! 🙌 Even more miraculously, real humans started to find our site and began to book our services. Fast-forward 4 years and we are currently redesigning and re-branding our website again. And this previously expectant and entitled little brother, did not run to the rescue of his big brother. Looking back, it seems so obvious… “You can't hire someone else to do your push ups for you”- Jim Rohn Even though I still love a productivity hack or short cut, hindsight shows that the hardest lessons are usually the most rewarding. 💭 PS. it would be helpful to get some feedback on the new website so far... it's in beta mode right now. www.artsippers.com PPS. Be careful if you are not kind or constructive I might call you a bellend 😅💟

This Bride-Tribe planned their p-ARTY to perfection!💃 Cheeky peek at their party package... Itinerary: • Bottomless Brunch 🥞 @starliverpoolst • Karaoke 🎤 @starliverpoolst • ART STRIPPERS Life Drawing 🎨 @artsippers • Sipping 🍸@beatone.liverpoolstreet • Bingo 🤩 @bongosbingolondon Looking to plan an epic bachelorette bash in London? This SIPPERS itinerary is full of fun activities, delicious food and cheeky sips, making it an experience the bride-to-be will never forget. Read on for ideas on where to go and what to do for the perfect girls' getaway! Bottomless Brunch: Start off your Hen Do with a bottomless brunch at The Star by Liverpool Street. Enjoy plates filled with Chuck-Berry pancakes, Waffle Chicken or the Devil Bacon Burger all while sipping unlimited bubbles! It's the perfect place to gather the bride tribe and kick things off right. Karaoke: After brunch, head downstairs in The Star for some hilarious karaoke sessions. Belt out your favorite throwback tunes in the private karaoke rooms. Bring your best dance moves and singing voices as you cheer on the bride-to-be! Life Drawing & Painting Session: For a cheeky activity, enjoy a boozy bridal brush with ART SIPPERS (strip-pers). This nude figure drawing & painting workshop is sure to turn the heat up, as you get an eyeful of the diamond model in the buff! Make a Masterpiece bulging with creativity! An experience you'll talk about for years to come! Cocktail Bar: Continue the sipping and singing at a Be at cocktail bar. With an extensive drink menu and upbeat atmosphere, it's the perfect spot to sip fruity cocktails as you dance the night away with the bride's best gals. Bingo: If you're looking to switch up the pace, check out a round of bingo at Bongos Bingo London. Expect more dancing, cocktails, eccentric performers and prizes for the winning bride tribe. 🖌Get in touch if you fancy a CHEEKY creative challenge!🍑🍆 Info@artsippers.com Repost video from @alexoconnorx 😘💟

We love a good collaboration… and last week we had our first taster session of being a “creator” with the @anymomentdotcom team who are all about bringing the magic of experiences to life by partnering with local creatives. 😝 👉 The Brief: A creative and collaborative team social for @deloitte_uk 👉 The solution: It was time for a “Mural Masterpiece” which is our apprentice style creative challenge that offers x2 groups the chance to compete against each other to re-create the designated artwork within 120 mins. ⏰️ 👉 The Benefits: Perfect team building activity to showcase leadership skills such as: communication, collaboration, contribution, strategy, confidence, and creativity. A little competition never hurt anyone or any team... in fact, it brings them closer together. 💟 With the Boss announcing that the winning team's artwork would be going up on the wall in the office, the ideas and imaginations were insane in this one! 💡 👉 The Results: We will let the two masterpieces speak for themselves. Which artwork do you prefer? 💭🖼 Whether you're looking for entertainment, learning something new, or just a memorable experience… Anymoment.com has got something for everyone and every occasion. Don't forget to book your Christmas Party before ut is too late! 👨🏿‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨🦩

Last Friday our SIPPERS family got together virtually for a FANG-tastic night to get into the Halloween spirit. The TRICKY-TREAT of the night was painting "Basqui-ART" a piece inspired by Jean-Michel Basquiat. Armed with big brushes and bold colours, our guests let loose and created abstract, expressive pumpkin paintings, the results were SPOOK-tacular! As the paintings came together on the screens, it was clear everyone let their imaginations run wild. We saw pumpkins done in moody blues and deep oranges, splattered with paint for a textured look. Others went with cleaner lines and graphic shapes. No two paintings were alike, but they all captured the playful, avant-garde style of Basquiat. Adding in the Halloween twist made this paint and sip workshop extra special as we got to see our SIPPERS dressed up in their Halloween costumes. The energy was electric, even through the screens! Online painting classes like this Basqui-ART workshop allow people to tap into their creative side in a fun, low-pressure environment. It's a great way to pick up a new skill and make art from the comfort of your own home. Upcoming workshops include Van Gogh inspired pieces and a Winter wonderland special. At ART SIPPERS we offer one off online painting classes for adults, or the option to join our membership and paint twice a month LIVE! Haven't got the creative tools? Head to our website to grab your creative gift box jammed packed with everything you need, including the sips and snacks! Don't miss out on the creative treats we have in store. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for announcements on new challenges and artworks.

Tired of giving the same old promotional swag and festive hampers? 😴 This year, treat your employees to the ART SIPPERS Creative Gift Box - stuffed full of premium art supplies, tasty treats, cheeky sips, and a virtual art challenge! ✏️🖌 Watch your team go on a creative tranformational journey as they sketch, paint, and sip their way from Zero to Picasso!💪 Grab your ART SIPPERS unique corporate gift boxes now. 🎁 UK wide delivery direct to employee's door. 🚚🏡 Get a custom quote for your team now: www.artsippers.com/corporate-gifting #CorporateGifting #CreativeGifts #ArtSupplies #ArtWorkshops #VirtualEvents #PromotionalGifts #HolidayGifts #ChristmasGifts #ArtsAndCrafts #TeamBuilding #UniqueGifts

👉 A cheeky glass of wine with dinner. 👉 A cheeky beer while watching the footy. 👉 A cheeky cocktail to unwind after work. For many, alcohol is a beloved part of our social rituals and everyday relaxation. 😌 But did you know… a cheeky sip can increase your creative ideas? 🤯 Yep, a recent study in 2020 suggests that low levels of alcohol might reduce our inhibitions and anxiety, allowing more creative ideas to flow. 👌 “When participants reached a 0.075% blood alcohol level (this is around 3 drinks in 2hours for the average adult) - they actually performed better on creative problem-solving tasks compared to when they were sober.” 🙌🍾🥂 BUT… before you go rushing off to the nearest bar for “inspiration” 🏃‍♂️💨 The benefits of booze were modest with just a 10-15% increase over sober levels… And if you went above that ‘sweet-spot’, it caused creativity to quickly deteriorate - impairing judgement, co-ordination and decision-making. 😯 While a small amount of alcohol (aka little sips) may reduce stress and loosen lips and hips… it is NOT a magical creativity serum! 🤔🚫 Rather than prescribing alcohol there are many healthy ways to stimulate your imagination that don't require a drink: 🌳 Taking a walk and enjoying nature's beauty 🏋‍♂️ Gentle exercise 🎵 Listening to music 🧘‍♀️ Meditation So, the next time you crave a glass of wine or beer to get that EXTRA dose of courage, confidence or creativity… Remember that moderation and mindfulness are the key. 😉 #SipSipBeret

If you've got a boring blank wall… Take on the Art Sippers Challenge. 💪 Transform any dull space with something wall-worthy made by your team. 🦙 The Backstory: @lloydsoflondon had a cheeky Llama Pinata in their office, so a new larger-than-life ‘No Drama Llama’ artwork was the perfect replacement. 🎯 The Objective: In two teams, we set them on a mission to sketch and paint an eye-catching multi-panel mural masterpiece in just 120 minutes! 🧠 Our Creative Framework:Through our creative workshops, we teach employees the step-by-step process of how to break down complex challenges (the artwork) and reverse engineer them into its basic parts (the brushstrokes). ART is our little secret weapon to tackle life’s small or big challenges! 👌 🤩 The Benefits: It's not just art, it's an experience that enhances your teams… 👉Communication and collaboratives skills 👉Leadership abilities 👉Planning and delegation 👉Creative-Confidence The Results: 🙌 Take a look at these two unique and individual artworks of ‘No Drama Llama’ that are ready to take pride of place in the office. 🖼️ Ready for your own creative challenge? 🚀 Email us at info@artsippers.com 👨🏿‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨🦩 #NoDramaLlama #CreativeChallenge #ArtSippersChallenge #Teamwork #CreativeConfidence #TheBigBakes🧁

The confidence to say YES! 🙌😝🖌️ Last week we got our biggest commission ever from @google The bigger challenge… I had only 48 hours to complete it and not just one canvas… but x6 large bespoke pieces to create! 😬😳😨 Before starting ART SIPPERS 4 years ago, there would have been NO WAY I would have agreed to this. 🙅 My anxiety and self-doubt would have flared up like an irritating heat rash, followed by a looong and extensive list of EXCUSES and REASONS why this was an impossible task. 😐 💭 "I’m not capable of doing that many artworks!" 💭 "What if I fail to complete it in time?" 💭 "What if they don’t like my creations?" 💭 "F*ck, what if I don't like it!?" etc, etc... All of these negative voices would have sent me into a merry-go-round of criticism and cynicism about my own abilities and talent. This spiral would inevitably lead me to miss out on this incredible opportunity. 🥲 But… if there is one thing that I have learned by painting over 500+ paintings in the past few years... 🙃🎨 “Whether you think you can, or think you can’t... you’re right” - Henry Ford 💪 By doing the ‘creative reps’ for over 4 years, I have formed a new creative habit of discipline and consistency, which over time has given me the ability to be able to churn out paintings week after week... Even if I am not in the mood for it (which is a lot of the time!) 😅🤣 This daily and weekly practice has gradually built up my creative-confidence muscle to FINALLY say YES! 🙌😝🖌️ P.s Big love to Nortey who secured this cheeky commission and for his constant support and belief in me. 😘💟 👩🏼‍🎨👨🏿‍🎨🦩

Maybe it was fate… A few weeks ago after Googling the term “a stroke of genius”💡 (I thought this could be a good name for a Podcast in the future 💭) The search results popped up… Doug Hyde and his artworks. I had never heard of him before or seen his paintings. 🖼 But, even more baffling …It stated that he was 'one of the UK’s most popular contemporary artists.’ 😳 Well… It was soon obvious why! There was something almost nostalgic and heartwarming about his characters… and that playful trademark smile made me stop, pause and reflect. After learning about his past… I found that we had some interesting similarities… Both of us were paperboys at a young age… 🗞🚴‍♀️ And we were shelf-stackers during our early years at supermarkets (big up my Safeway crewdem 👌😅) Doug Hyde has a innate ability to capture the simple everyday moments 📸 This is 100% intentional... as he uses his paintings like pages in a diary, filled with cherished memories. He often notes that "The most important things in life are not things; they are moments." 💕 The genius called Josie Anna Pitcher went off to research Doug’s works and inspired by his paintings created her own masterpiece called ‘HYDE AND SEEK JOY’ for our Sippers family event on Friday. 🎨 Little did we know, Doug Hyde was going to be unveiling ‘One Love’, his major new collection of pop art- inspired originals, classic editions, and statement sculptures in London White City (our neck of the woods) the day after our show. 📍 We had to pop down! It would be a chance to see his works in-person and maybe share our Sippers artworks too. 💑 Yesss... We did it!!! Luckily we got a chance to chat with Doug and find out more about his backstory, the meaning of the characters, his techniques and the creative process for making his iconic artworks. 🖌 What an amazing exhibition and the artworks are just like the man himself… genuine, positive and heartwarming! 😊 P.s He was very impressed with your paintings Sippers… and we even managed to gift him with his BERET own ART SIPPERS #BlueBeret 😛 Stay Curious. Stay Creative. 👨🏿‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨🦩 #OneLove

ART SIPPERS X BIG BAKES creative challenges are all about getting confident with your creativity… All you have to do is follow the recipe! 👌 Gathering Supplies: 🎨 For painting, you need brushes, canvas, paints, and other materials. 🧁 For baking a cake, you gather ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, and baking powder. Preparation: 🎨 In painting, you may sketch or plan the composition before starting the actual artwork. 🧁 In baking, you measure out your ingredients and prepare the oven/ baking tray. Layering and Blending: 🎨 In painting, you apply layers of colors, mix paints and blend them to create the desired effect. 🧁 In baking, you mix and blend the ingredients, creating a smooth batter. Adding Details: 🎨 The painting process, you add intricate details to enhance the artwork's visual appeal. 🧁 The baking process, you might add decorative elements like frosting or toppings. Express Yo Self-Raising flour: 🎨 Painting allows you to express emotions, ideas, or stories through visual art. 🧁 Baking a cake can also be a form of creative expression, with designs and flavours reflecting your personality. The Big Reveal: 🎨 Once the painting is finished, it's time for the big reveal, sharing your masterpiece with the world. 🧁 Similarly, after baking, you present your cake, and it becomes a treat for others to enjoy. 🏆Challenge Completed: Finally, both processes give you a sense of accomplishment, whether you've created a stunning painting or a delicious cake... Your creative-confidence will be boosted by the experience! 💪 💟👨🏿‍🎨👩🏼‍🎨🦩