Whether it is painting, creating or just enjoying some time out from the daily routine, the ‘sip and create’ culture is taking personal diaries by storm.

With a variety of elements to choose from, these events offer participants opportunities to explore their inner artist in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Dipping into the craze, the Benoni City Times explored some of the art forms, blending a singular theme driving the movement – putting the pressures of life on pause to enjoy being in the moment.

Piano Paint and Pottery at Pink Piano – Northmead

Just as the keys of a piano create beautiful melodies, the space at Pink Piano lends itself to creative flair.

When ordering a slice of lip-smacking chocolate cake, visitors to the eclectic, tucked-away gem can now opt to select decorative ceramic items such as bouncing bunnies, mugs and plates.

They are supplied with quality ceramic paints that would make the rainbow blush, taking time to paint items to their heart’s desire.

“The items are all individually priced and all implements, as well as paints, are included in the price to suit everyone’s pocket,” said co-owner of Piano Paint and Pottery, Chanelle van Wyk.

“You create at your own leisure; however, our staff are trained to offer guidance on request. This is your time to play. Once complete, your item is marked and will be ‘baked’ in the kilns, giving it a beautiful high-gloss finish, ready to be displayed in your home.”

Adding a crafting element to the popular eatery’s menu allows patrons to explore their creative sides while enjoying the comfort of a relaxed milieu.

“We want to offer more than just a dining experience; we want customers to be creative, friends to connect over more than just a cup of coffee and for families to engage in the absence of technology or pressures,” said Van Wyk.

Sonette van der Merwe – Messy Masterpieces

Dabbling with colour, finding freedom in artistic expression and using canvas to escape the world is how one would best describe Sonette van der Merwe, local artist and owner of Messy Masterpieces.

Through her guided painting events, she has taken hundreds of novices from merely doodling to completing canvases, which left them astounded by their own artistic prowess.

“The worst thing to happen to us as humans is that we grew up. Forced to maintain rigid routines, living in pre-determined straight lines,” she said.

“Through these events, we are giving participants permission to rediscover their childhood creativity, to bravely colour outside the lines, giving flight to their expression.”

She explains that the rise of sip and craft events has gained immense popularity as it allows participants to explore their creative talents without committing to formal classes.

“It has become a detoxification of the mundane and rejuvenation of the spirit which may often be silenced by the hum-drum of living,” she said.

“Watching people step out of their comfort zones, exploring rich colours and letting their imaginations run freely, that is the reward of hosting these events.

“The sip aspect may just be an ice-breaker, but witnessing how budding artists break through shells of self-doubt and get in touch with magic that lies within their hearts, that is what these events are truly about.”

Maria Els – Pistilli Gift Studio

We’ve all experienced the joy of slipping on a pair of sneakers which are not only comfortable, but whose design and hue speak deeply to our personalities.

Rynfield resident Maria Els is adding a little bit of sass, a sprinkling of bling and a whole lot of pizzazz by presenting Paint a Sneaker events.

Founded at the beginning of the year, the events afford participants the opportunity to paint, decorate and adorn quality sneakers using only the highest grade durable textile paint.

“Women are looking for uplifting outings where they feel safe and can unwind without feeling guilty about taking a little time-out for themselves,” she said.

“As wives, mothers and partners, we need to prioritise time for ourselves and what better way than pouring your heart and soul into a creative expression in the form of a functional item you can add to your wardrobe?

With the cost of living constantly on the rise and safety fears often keeping individuals locked behind high-rise walls, acts of self-care, such as enjoying a little ‘me-time’, are often put on the back burner.

Until the burner bites back, warns Els.

“If we allow concern, fear and stress to consume every waking hour of our lives, eventually it will impact your mental and physical health,” she said.

“By allowing time to explore meaningful creative expression, you are visually creating what you cherish and in turn the experience will reward you with feelings of happiness and accomplishment,” she said.

“Let the beauty that lay within you overshadow that which may be causing you stress and anxiety.”

Yolandi Palmer – Rain Momentous

Looking for moisture-rich lipsticks in colours that match her bubbly personality, Lakewest resident Yolandi Palmer researched lipstick making, digging in her bounty of baking colours for inspiration.

With her first flirtatious hue resting in its tube, she created an event inviting women to sip, stir and create their unique lip colours.

“The events were well-received, and I was blown away by the bold and daring colours the women made, definitely much braver than most cosmetic houses could imagine,” she said.

As a baker, Palmer’s creative expression relies largely on enticing the senses, which again piqued her imagination.

“If we could make our own lipsticks to suit our personalities, why can’t we do the same with perfume?” she said.

“Investing in high-quality imported fragrance oils, consisting of a variety of notes that speak to the taste of the individual, event participants now have the option to blend their own unique scent, further creating a personal identity stamp.”

Hosting events that involve choosing from an array of lipstick tubes and perfume vials, decorating them and naming them, she says she has witnessed how participants express their individuality.

“Whether trying to replicate a long-forgotten hue or scent, capturing an endearing memory or simply seeking individuality, participants engage all their senses during the creative process,” she said.

“As the product develops, you can see their confidence grow, and their uniqueness break free from the shackles of conformity that often ensnare us,” she said.

“Self-expression is the highest form of individuality, and we owe it to ourselves to be the best, most authentic versions of ourselves.”

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