Designing a Big Brother or Big Sister Paddle

A big brother or sister paddle is a great way to show what kind of relationship you had with your big brother or sister throughout your fraternity or sorority pledging process. It also gives you time to show your creativity by purchasing and decorating a paddle in an untraditional shape and the use of several different arts and crafts materials available to you.

There is no right or wrong way to create a paddle, but here are some tips to get you started:

You may want to use a piece of wood carved into a shape aside from a traditional paddle/ For my fraternity alone, I've seen paddles designed in the form of Betty Boop figures, wooden stars, wine glasses, tea trays, and more. Good places to get wood are home improvement store such as the Home Depot, any arts and crafts store, or Wal-Mart. You can have a worker cut down the wood for you or if you know what you're doing, take a piece of wood home and cut it down yourself or find a friend who can help.

If you want a traditional paddle, try checking out a store near your college that makes merchandise for the sororities and fraternities on campus. If this doesn't work out or you don't have such a store near you, check out online Greek memorabilia businesses such as Something Greek, Greek Gear, or The Greek Shop. Paddles come in many shapes and sizes so pick the one that is most affordable and has the best quality wood.

Once you have selected your wood, you need the decorations and design accessories. Try to use a wood paint or stick on letters and other small stick on accessories. You can also use painted wood letters and glue them to the paddle. Try going back to Wal-Mart or head over to A.C. Moore or Michael's if available.

Another good decoration is any pictures of you and your big. You can print them off the computer using photo paper or develop any pictures you've taken throughout pledging.

Include the following on your paddle:

Your name

Your big's name

The semester you pledged

Your pledge class

The Greek letters for your organization, or the organization's name spelled out, depending on the size of your paddle.

From that point on, you are free to design around a certain theme. Maybe you want to include yours and your big's favorite colors, or stickers or pictures of favorite animals or other hobbies. You have a lot of creative freedom with your paddle so try as hard as possible to customize it to the relationship you share with your big.

A last touch that is not necessary but a nice added extra is a note to your big on the back of the paddle. Let him or her know how much they have meant to you and thank them for their help during pledging. Again, customize it to your personal experience as well as how close you have been with your big brother or sister. With your own personal touches, the paddle will be a gift for your big to cherish for a long time.