When I joined a sorority I was not prepared for everything that came along with it. One thing, in particular, was the crafting. Ever wonder why those girls on your dorm floor look like they have a billion adorable canvases from straight out of Pinterest? Chances are they are in a sorority, and it’s because either they or their big made them. Now, it’s not a requirement to be crafty as a sorority woman, but it sure does help. Here are my tips for new members just starting out their crafting journey.

1. Pinterest

For sorority events like the big little reveal, big appreciation or anytime you have to make a backdrop. Check Pinterest, it really is a magical world of creativity and different ideas for any skill level. Personally, I stole all the canvases I made for my little off Pinterest. Check out my Pinterest board for some of my inspirations.

2. Michaels Rewards

This is truly a gift from God himself. Crafting is expensive and who doesn’t like coupons. If you are close any Michaels just do it. When I was crafting for Big Little Reveal, I spent the most money on simple craft supplies because all those little paints sure do add up quickly.

3. Look at your paints

Fun fact: there are many different types of paints, and I’m not talking just color. There are paints with a metallic finish, matte finish or satin finish to name a few. A beginner mistake is not making sure you are getting the type of paint you want. One time I picked out this gorgeous blue paint, but it turned out to have a metallic finish so I spent two dollars on a thing of paint I didn’t even use.

4. Work smarter, not harder

There are a few things that just make your life easier when crafting. For one paint pens, definitely, make the sought after beautiful calligraphy, that much easier to accomplish. Also, don't stress about making those straight lines or geometric shapes just use the blue painter's tape. This is a lifesaver! Also please, please, please do not forget to put some kind of sealer or finish on your crafts, so they last longer. You can just buy some in a spray can for cheap, and it makes your canvas, crates and anything else you do last longer.

5. Invest in some nice brushes

Nothing is more frustrating than having those ugly paint strokes that you can see on your work. My advice to you (DELETE) is to invest in a nice brush set. To be honest they really are not that expensive and you will be using them a lot. You may not know the importance now, but having different size brushes is also a lifesaver because different brushes are better for different things. For example, big flat brushes are perfect for painting the background of canvases. Smaller, round brushes make outlining and tracing over script a breeze.

6. Crafting crate

Keeping all your craft stuff in one place is key. Plus if you have a big crate it is easy to throw a bunch of random extra pieces for crafts in because you never know when you are going to need those fake daisies you bought for your little's letters. Crates like this one are perfect and you can even decorate them, however, you would like.

7. Have fun

Lastly, have fun! I know this is cliche, but it's true. I am very hard on myself when I craft because I think everything I make just looks like a tragedy. When in reality, my pieces of art don’t look as awful as I think. Plus crafting shouldn’t feel like a chore, it should be fun and a way to express yourself.