Sorority Pledge Paddles for $9

Make your own sorority pledge paddle for your Big. I really like starting with a basic pine paddle and then making a one-of-a-kind sorority paddle gift with acrylic paint and a perky bow around the handle.

I looked around for some reasonable prices on sorority pine paddles and this is what I found today:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Look at Cutie Pi's Greek Ideas Site to get inspiration for painting your own paddle.  Personally,  I love the  Cutie Pi  paddles, but there are so many other options for painting sorority paddles, don't let your mind be limited to just one type of design. Look at Google Images for some great ideas for using your mascot, symbol, and or flower.

Here is an example of  Google image for Chi Omega Owls

Acrylic paint can be fun to use. Just be sure that you have quality brushes or your best efforts will be less than desirable. I have learned that from experience.

1. First paint the paddle with the chosen background color. I would put on at least two coats of paint. You want it to cover completely. (for a better result, paint on sealer before painting on the color paint- Sealer is available in paint department or hardware store. Sealer may also be at craft stores, but it may be more expensive. You can probably find it at Walmart, too)

2. Decide what you want and draw it on paper first. Keep the drawing simple, put pretty. You don't need every detail on the drawing, but all the basic lines should be there.

3. You can transfer your pattern to your paddle with graphite paper which should be available at all craft stores that carry acrylic paint.

4. Once your pattern in on the paddle, paint your design. You may want to outline some of it with black paint or even a Sharpee marker. It depends on the look you are aiming for.

5. When all the painting is like you want it, spray on a varnish. I use Crystal Clear by Krylon.

6. Optional: Tie a matching ribbon around the neck of the paddle into a pretty bow. I think the ribbon makes the paddle really stand out. When I made paddles for orders, I always tied a bow on and everyone loved the outcome.

 

Simple Greek Paddle

Paddles are generally given by 'little Sisters' to their 'Big Sisters,' or  from 'little Brothers' to their 'big  Brothers'. The paddle  is a symbol of their being  inducted into the sorority or the fraternity.

Here is a screen shot from GreekCreations.com showing examples of their custom sorority paddles. They also sell the basic shapes (paddles) and wooden Greek letters in various sizes so you can make your own paddle.

Here's what the wooden Greek letters look like, if you are interested in making your own Greek paddle or other sorority plaque:

The paddles and letters shown above can be found at the GreekCreations.com website. They have some unique Greek items that I haven't seen elsewhere. It's worth a browse.

Here is an example of a paddle (Delta Phi Epsilon) probably made by the giver. For people that do a little woodwork, making a paddle is pretty simple. It takes a length of pine or other wood, penciling the pattern in the wood, a few cuts with a saw, sanding, staining, decorating, then varnishing. Others prefer to pay someone to make their paddle.

photo credit: hoyasmeg