How to Decorate Greek Paddles

Show your love for college Greek life by personalizing your paddle.

Your sorority or fraternity passed out Greek paddles and told you to decorate them. Don't worry. You can finish this assignment in a few minutes with some simple supplies, even if you are craft-challenged. Decoupage is the art of decorating objects with paper cutouts. Decorate your Greek paddle in a style that reflects your personality. Look through your photos and souvenirs for items that reflect the high points of your year, then use them to make a decoupage paddle as special as your Greek friends.

Things You'll Need

• Photos
• Paper souvenirs
• Scissors
• White glue
• Varnish
• Paintbrush
• Wooden letters
• Wood glue
• Wood stain
• Acrylic paint

Instructions

How to Decorate Greek Paddles

1. Cut out photos and paper souvenirs such as tickets and invitations and arrange them on the paddle. They can overlap, but nothing should hang over the edge of the paddle.

2. Mix equal parts white glue and water. Brush a small amount of the mixture on the back of the pictures and paper items. Brush evenly to all edges; be careful not to saturate the photos.

3. Glue the items on the paddle. Smooth away the air bubbles and pat down all the edges. If you want, add wooden letters to spell your name or your society's name. Use wood glue to attach the letters and allow it to dry overnight. If you add details with acrylic paint, allow it to dry for an hour.

4. Brush on a thin coat of varnish---after the glue and paint have dried---covering the entire decorated surface of the paddle. Use only horizontal brush strokes. Allow the varnish to dry according to the directions on the can.

5. Brush on another coat of varnish when the first coat is dry. This time, use only vertical brush strokes and let the paddle dry. Apply varnish a total of four times, alternating the direction of your brush strokes each time and allowing the varnish to dry thoroughly between each coat.

Tips & Warnings

• If you only have a few minutes, you can glue on photos and add the varnish when you have more time.

• You may paint or stain the paddle and any wooden letters before you start gluing.

• Use varnish in a well-ventilated place and follow all the directions from the manufacturer.

References

• HGTV: Decoupage Crafting