How to Make a Sorority Paddle
One steadfast tradition that applies across just about all sororities (and fraternities) is giving the gift of a sorority paddle to members. These paddles are given to new members, current members who acted as "big sisters," and alumnae who continue to contribute to the sorority in various ways. These paddles come pre-made in a variety of styles, but you can also design a sorority paddle by hand.
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Instructions
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Determine the size of sorority paddle you want to make. Sorority paddles range from tiny keychains to as large as 2 1/2 feet tall.
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Purchase a piece of wood, preferably maple or walnut, that fits the size paddle you want to make. Use a 4-to-1 or 5-to-1 ratio where the length of the paddle is about four or five times the width. A standard-sized paddle is about 3/4 inch thick, but this varies according to your preferences.
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Draw a line down the exact center of the top of the piece of wood to use as a guide. Draw the shape of your paddle handle in the shape you see in the photo. Add a special flair to the handle, such as textured sides or a square shape at the tip, if you want. These paddles are usually displayed on walls or shelves for decoration, so the comfort of the handle is not a big issue.
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Carve the handle with a jigsaw. Drill a hole in the center of the paddle handle where the user can insert a string or hang the paddle on the wall.
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Use large-grit sandpaper to sand down the rough edges of the entire sorority paddle. Then move to a finer sandpaper to smooth the paddle to a nice finish.
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Customize the paddle. Paint the paddle in the colors of the sorority or stain it with a deeper wood color. Add glitter, colored tape (some people like stripes), rhinestones and other decorations to give the paddle your own flair. Glue raised, wooden or ceramic Greek letters on the paddle that identify the name of the sorority (usually two to four letters---see Resources). Have a professional engrave it, if you prefer.
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