Pi Beta Phi -Paint a Sorority Gift Container

Pi Beta Phi sorority has an angel. Well actually, their mascot is an angel. This handpainted container turned out so cute. I found this at a sale (sorry, I didn't paint it myself). I really love the whimsical style of the Pi Beta Phi angel.

The box is not in perfect shape. You can see some scratches where something scratched the paint in a few places. Still, it is hand painted and darling. Check Sorority Gifts Etsy to see if it is available. It may be grabbed in a hurry so I apologize if it is gone when you check.

For those of you who like to make your own sorority gifts, this idea is inspiring - find a nice container and paint your mascot encircled with your Greek letters. It makes a fine sorority gifts that has a personal touch.
Notice how the Greek letters have a shadow painted behind the main color. This is a painting technique that is easy, but gives letters a more professional look - the touch of an artist.

What ideas do you have for handmade sorority gifts. Add a link to your creative sorority gift photo on my Sorority Sisters Facebook or your blog. Let us see.

Alpha Omicron Pi Panda Pillow Gift

This Alpha Omicron Pi pillow is one of the selection of custom handmade sorority pillows available on Etsy. I just finished an AOPi order last week and it turned out almost like this one. Since the sorority pillows are handmade they are unique. The ribbon may be different on one than on another. The painted panda or sorority mascot may have some differences because of that human tendency to individualize, not like factory produced sorority merchandise.

Making your own sorority gifts is a great way to make an especially meaning little sister or big sister sorority present that you put your own self into in time and love. You will be surprised at the creativity that you will discover when you decide to make your own sorority gifts.

Inexpensive Sorority Gifts

Inexpensive Sorority Gifts -quick and easy greek gift for little of big sisters.

Here's a quick sorority gift idea for making an easy sorority notebook.  All you need is a colorful portfolio notebook or folder and acrylic paint to whip up one of these in no time flat!

Look for a notebook that represents one of your sorority colors. Find inspiration from an image that is not too difficult to draw and paint. I like to do a search on Google Images or Etsy for the sorority mascot or sorority symbol. Usually, I can find several good ideas to choose from these. I just print off a copy of the image that I like and adapt it to my needs, really making my own design that is inspired by the image. The great thing about creating your own sorority design is that your gift item is one of a kind, even the painting or drawing is your creation.

Sorority notebooks are a great place to stash all the sorority sheets that you need to keep up with, so make one for yourself and one for your little sister.  These also make great inexpensive sorority Christmas gifts if you want to give gifts to a lot of your sisters.

SororitySisters.net is a great resource for other inexpensive and handmade sorority gifts.

Add a Handmade Card to Your Sorority Gift

There is one more thing you need to do to give extra special sorority gifts this year. It's all in the words of friendship that express the sentiment of sorority sisterhood. When you want to give your little sister a special gift this year, remember that a handmade card with an appropriate meaningful message can express much more than any sorority gift. You can find many sorority quotes, poems, and sayings that will give you some ideas at SororitySisters.net. Like the one on sisterhood shown in the image above.

Just head to your craft store or even to Wmart to get a few sheets of beautiful scrapbook paper that suit your colors and you are ready to create a gorgeous card with a little glue and some scissors. Taking time to make a card is SOOOO worth it.

You Are My Sister...

We laugh together,
or we cry together.
You are there for me.
I know that I am not alone
Because I have a sister who stands
with me through thick and thin.
Our bond is greater than a friendship.
You are more than my friend.
We are united through a sisterhood
that is wide and deep.
We are forever Sisters!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Do you have a great sorority quote or poem? The comment section is waiting for yours.

Sorority Easter Eggs

Photo from Etsy shop GreektoMe

Celebrate Easter with personalized Easter eggs with your own Greek letters. I just love this bright basket set created by another talented crafter and offered on Etsy. 

Since plain plastic eggs are available everywhere right now, try your hand at making your own Greek letter eggs. It is so much fun to make your own sorority gifts!

Little/Big Sorority Gifts? Unique Sorority Sisters Pillow Made for You

Need a Sorority Gift? See these cute Sorority Sisters handpainted pillows
You can order a unique, handpainted sorority pillow at Etsy Sorority Gifts.

If you have been thinking about ordering a custom designed sorority pillow, don't delay because I get quite busy with everything this time of year. Remember, I will need three days not including the weekend to get your pillow painted and sewn, and then you need to allow a few days for the USPS to get it delivered to you after I mail it. I ship my pillows by First Class mail which is usually about at quick as Priority.

My handmade hand painted sorority pillows have evolved over the years since I first started making them for sorority sisters at Georgia Southern in 1981. I still enjoy making them, even creating a new design for a sorority that I haven't had an order for before. I just got my first order for Kappa Delta Chi with the Penguin mascot. I'll be making that pillow on Monday.

The last new design sorority pillow order was for Delta Alpha Sigma.

 This Alpha Chi Omega pillow was ordered by a mother for her daughter. I enjoyed painted the lyre and I really like the way the pillow turned out.

Another owl mascot pillow I made for Kappa Kappa Gamma.

I still enjoy painting the pillows and sewing them together, even creating new designs for sororities that I haven't yet made a custom design. I just got my first order for a Kappa Delta Chi with the Penguin mascot. I'll be making that pillow for her on Monday.

Don't forget to visit my main website sororitysisters.net for unique sorority gift ideas. Look at the Sorority Crafts page or the Sorority Quotes page for lots of ideas.

Sorority Merchandise-Zazzle.com Deal

Check out this great deal on Eversave.com today!

$20 for $40 worth of custom goods from Zazzle.com.
Use promo code 'FOOL' for an additional $4.00 savings

Delta Gamma Gifts-Make a Sorority Bucket

Delta Gamma Handpainted Bucket

Here is a fairly easy idea for a special Delta Gamma gift. This particular container is a bucket, but you could paint similar Delta Gamma designs (or any other sorority design) and make a little sister or big sister gift that shows you car. I didn't paint this bucket; it is on eBay this week, but a little expensive. If I wanted to paint a sorority bucket like this, I would use enamel paint which is usually available beside the acrylic paint in the craft stores like Hobby Lobby or Michaels...probably Walmart, too. I always draw my pattern first on paper and then use graphite paper (also available at Craft stores) to transfer (trace) the pattern onto the bucket.

Then comes the painting which is my favorite part. Good paint brushes are essential for good results. You should have at least two paintbrushes...a fine liner for detail and a wider brush, either flat or round for fill in painting of the bigger.

The letters in the Delta Gamma pail above are painted with more detail. They are fill painted with pink, outlined with thin black, and highlighted with a light pink. Black lining the edge of the pink letters is a good way to cover up little mistakes. Believe me, I know.

The flowers are pretty basic shapes for painting. If you have the paint colors that you need you can use the picture as a guideline for painting something similar.

Always think of how you can make an idea design...your own, by changing it up with your own ideas. Making your own gifts is fun and the fact that you make a gift, makes it mean more to the recipient. If you can ever make time for it, creating your own sorority gifts is the way to go.

A TIP FOR PAINTING SORORITY GIFTS:
for general personalizing---
If you have had a little practice, you can use a flat brush that is the width that you want your letters (spelling Delta Gamma - or another sorority). A quality flat brush makes painting letters fairly easy. --some day I need to make videos to show how--

(Please note that photo above is a screen grab from eBay.com)

Sigma Kappa-Baby Snakes on Bid Day

I love to share the sorority pictures that are sent in. Congratulations on this great Sigma Kappa photo with the Giant Greek Letters full of peace signs and all the Sigma sisters dressed in peace shirts. Thanks to Mary K. for submitting this picture for consideration.

From Mary, "Love your blog! Here is a picture of some of my pledge sisters after getting our new baby snakes on bid day!

Also, follow our sorority blog! Its new and we are trying to build a following

http://southerngem.blogspot.com/"

You can send your picture and information you want to share on this blog to sororitygiftideas AT gmail Dot com.

Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority Fleur De Lis

If you are looking for something unique for your little sister or big sister, check out the Etsy Shops! Heart My Sisters is dedicated to sororities and has that "handmade" touch that makes it stand out from all the mass produced, manufactured sorority items! Marcelina of Heart My Sisters does custom orders, so if your sorority is not included, just send her a message through Etsy Convo. Below you will find an example of some Kappa Kappa Gamma items that she is making.

A message from Marcelina of Heart My Sisters:
"You can find hand carved rubber stamps, 1 and 2 inch buttons, journals, and jewelry items. Remember, if you don't see your sisterhood or sorority here, convo me and I can make a custom creation for you! Also, if you are interested in wholesale prices, please contact me. Enjoy!!"

This hand carved rubber stamp is a one of a kind design of a key, which is a symbol of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. It measures approximately 1.5" x .75".

This hand carved rubber stamp is a one of a kind design of a fleur de lis, one of the symbols of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority. It measures approximately 1.25" x 1.25".

Sorority Girl Time: KD Sorority-Creating Sister Bonds

Sorority Girl Time: KD Sorority/Creating sister bonds, originally uploaded by JamiSierra.pr.

Big sisters and little sisters are always there for each other. I love this picture because of the Kappa Delta letters in the background and the green shirts show clearly that this is a picture of sorority sisters.

Send in you pictures of sorority sisters with Greek letters displayed somewhere in the picture and I will consider featuring your photo in a blog post.

Show forth the variety, enthusiasm, love, and friendship of sorority sisters in your Greek sorority. Send pictures to sororitygiftideas (AT) gmail (DOT) com.

Thanks to JamiSierra.pr for her KD picture on Flickr! Add your comments to her photostream if you like it.

Sorority Gifts Deal

News Alert for those who need sorority gifts:
Great Deal on big sister and little sister sorority gifts while Greek Gear has their Spring Cleaning.
See Little Sister Gifts blog post at SororitySisters.net for more information or go directly to Greek Gear to see the up to 90% off sale. See you there.
Great Greek Sale Right Now

Something Greek Costs Less

Don't pay more than you have to for your sorority items.
Something Greek  usually has lower prices on sorority gifts and merchandise.

Great Greek Savings this month.

Happy Sorority Shopping!!

Sew Greek Letters on Bag for Unique Sorority Gift

This Delta Zeta bag was made by simply adding the Delta Zeta letters to a premade bag. The letters are cut out of hot pink fabric with a layer of Stitch Witchery cut out at the same time to back the letters. Stitch Witchery is not the only brand name of fusible bonding material that you can buy at any fabric store. It is fairly inexpensive and is perfect for appliqueing letters on fabric.

To set the fabric letters (with bonding underneath), lay a sheet of paper over the letters, and then iron the letters firmly with the iron set on WOOL. The paper is to protect the iron from the bonding if any of it hangs out from behind the letters.

Gently remove the paper from the letters after ironing them on.

Now I am ready to sew. I set my machine for ZigZag and short stitches and sew around each letters with matching or complementary thread. On this Delta Zeta bag, I used matching thread, but I like to use black thread sometime to make the applique really stand out.

See my other handmade sorority gifts ideas.

Have any of you appliqued Greek letters on a tote bag or some other item?

Sorority Quotes for Sorority Sisters

"Sisterhood is the essence of all the wisdom of the ages, distilled into a single word. You cannot see sisterhood, neither can you hear it nor taste it. But you can feel it a hundred times a day. It is a pat on the back, a smile of encouragement. It's someone to share with, to celebrate your achievements." ~ Anonymous


"Individually unique. Together complete." ~ Unknown

"A sister is a special friend you grow up with and never outgrow."

"There is no chance or choice when pledging, only strength and survival. Let your sisters give you the strength to survive" ~ Anonymous


"Sororities symbolize all that we wish to accomplish in our lives. They represent the struggles we all face as we grow. Why we cling to them no one can explain, but in the end, we are all stronger for it." ~ Unknown


"The group of people you associate with says a lot about your character. In my opinion, we're on the right track." ~ Unknown

We're not sisters by birth, but we knew from the start;
God put us together to be sisters by heart."


"We are sisters. We will always be sisters. Our differences may never go away, but neither, for me, will our song." ~ Elizabeth Fishel


"You should never look down upon a sister except to pick her up." ~ Unknown


"There's a special kind of freedom sisters enjoy.
Freedom to share innermost thoughts, to ask a favor, to show their true feelings. The freedom to simply be themselves." ~ Anonymous


"To have a loving relationship with a sister is not simply to have a buddy or a confidante -- it is to have a soul mate for life." ~ Victoria Secunda


"What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it?" ~ Jenny DeVries


"When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us?" ~ Pam Brown

See more sorority quotes.

Greek Gear Coupon Code

GREEK Halloween Sale Coupon CODE: PUMPKIN20- save 20%

Get your Spooky Weekend savings of 20% OFF at GreekGear.com (available for a limited time)

The big sale starts today and will continue thru November 1st! (2009)

So you're thinking about Christmas already even though Halloween is this week...hoping to buy your little or big sister something really special for Christmas this year. I am happy to announce a sale that can make everyone happy to start shopping for Christmas today. My favorite online Greek store is having a sale on EVERYTHING. Not just this and that, but everything that they sell, that is everything for your sorority, too, is on sale for the next 3 days, 'til the end of this weekend.

So in the busy fun of this upcoming Halloween weekend, take a little time to place an order while the 20% off is in effect. You'll be ahead of the game with your Christmas shopping, and you'll have 20% left in your pocket for the other presents you need to buy.

Just enter the coupon code "PUMPKIN20" in the coupon field at checkout and it will automatically deduct 20% from your order.

This is a great help on an early start at Christmas shopping. Buy today and save. Hurry!...limited time offer -good through November 1.

If you want to jump right to your sorority page at Greek Gear, here are a few of the links:

• Alpha Chi Omega
• Alpha Delta Pi Sorority
• Alpha Epsilon Phi
• Alpha Gamma Delta
• Alpha Kappa Alpha
• Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority
• Alpha Sigma Alpha
• Alpha Sigma Tau
• Alpha Xi Delta Sorority
• Beta Sigma Phi Sorority
• Chi Omega Sorority
• Delta Delta Delta
• Delta Gamma Sorority
• Delta Phi Epsilon
• Delta Sigma Theta Sorority
• Delta Zeta
• Gamma Phi Beta
• Kappa Alpha Theta
• Kappa Delta Sorority
• Kappa Kappa Gamma
• Phi Mu Sorority
• Phi Sigma Sigma
• Pi Beta Phi Sorority
• Sigma Delta Tau Sorority
• Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority
• Sigma Kappa
• Sigma Sigma Sigma Sorority
• Zeta Tau Alpha Sorority

Paint Your Sorority Bag

Here is an idea for a cute sorority gift that is relatively inexpensive. I bought this canvas bag at Hobby Lobby for half off. Hobby Lobby regularly has their canvas items for 1/2 price sales.

I pencil traced my turtle pattern and the letters for Delta Zeta on the canvas purse. Then I painted the turtle pink and green with acrylic paint and the "DZ" letters green. After the turtle and the letters were dry, I heat-pressed the design with an iron set on medium.

Be sure to cover the design with a piece of paper before applying heat. Heat it with the iron for about 10 seconds moving the iron over the paper. The heat will set the design so it does not wash out ( in this case, you probably won't be washing the bag, but setting the painted design with heat is something that I do by habit)

Lastly, I tied a pink ribbon around the handle of the sorority bag for a nice accent.

Sorority Letters Rubber Stamping

For ideas for handmade sorority ideas, Click Sorority Greek Letter Stamping Ideas

• 36 stamps in total; 24 letters and 12 pictures
• Each wood piece measures 1" x 1" x 3/4" thick
• Deeply etched & closely trimmed red rubber on 1/8" foam cushion
• Plastic storage case

-

Sigma Kappa Sorority Paddle

Sorority Paddle, originally uploaded by Rachel René.

Sorority Paddles are still around though some frown upon them. Since they are for decorative and gift purposes only, I don't see why any should object.

Anyway, isn't this a beautifully decorated ? The sorority sister that made this, designed it around the theme, "Painting the Roses Red" Since Sigma Kappa's symbols are hearts and doves along with maroon and lavender as its colors, the design features all came together in the theme based paddle. She commented, "The paddle was very hard to take pictures of as I coated it in glitter and it was late afternoon but I think this picture turned out alright. :)"

I love the paintbrush full of red paint.....what a great touch? The 3D dove and rose at the top really set it all off.

Thanks to Rachel Rene for her Flickr picture of this Sigma Kappa paddle.

Greek Afghans-Coupon

Sorority Afghans-code for discount

(SALE no longer in effect: see end of post for new sale items at Greek Gear- 9-10-09)

Greek Gear is still having a sale on fraternity & sorority afghans. (as of April 9, 2009) Now is the time to get yours while the price is low. These Greek afghans incorporate your sorority crest in the design. They can be hung on your wall or actually used as a throw blanket.

Enter the word “Afghan10″ in the coupon field at checkout and $10 will automatically be deducted from your Greek Afghan purchase. (One coupon per order, per purchase.) You can click on the image below to get a closer look:

Added Sept 10, 2009:

SORRY, I just checked and this sale is over. Right now there is a coupon code for free shipping from Greek Gear. Free Standard Shipping Today. Use Coupon Code "ILOVEGREEKGEAR"

Also, the high quality HOODIES at Greek Gear have been on sale with coupon code.

Enter the word "Hoodie" in the coupon field at checkout and Greek Gear will automatically deduct $10 from your Greek Lettered Hoodie purchase if the sale is still in effect.

The folks at Greek Gear didn't give an ending date for this sale, but they did say that the offer will expire soon! ...so hurry if you want to order a hoodie with this discount code.