Big Little Reveal is a week that people like myself live for. Not only are you supposed to shower a specified new member with gifts and love, you are basically obligated to pull out same acrylic paint and Modge Podge and craft for a week straight. It makes you feel like the next Picasso, but also mildly drives you insane.
For even those who don't know a paint brush from a glue stick, here's a low-down of the must-have crafts for your little's basket.
Canvases for dayyyys
Canvases are the go-to craft for Bigs because they say, "Hey Little, this shows that I've never taken an art class in my life, but the fact that this is on canvas makes it look 1000% more artsy than a poster would ever look." Plus, from the little's end, they look fantastic for dorm decor.
Quick Tip: Use pencil to draw out your design before you paint. And if paint brushes aren't your friend, paint pens are a gift straight from God himself.
Letters
New Mems are so busy with the first few weeks of school that there's no way they've had time to deck out their dorm/apartment with their letters. That's why crafting wooden letters is a fun and easy choice. Pinterest has hundreds of beautiful examples that will make your little's letters the envy of her entire hall.
Quick Tip: Can't find your house's letters? Use 4x4 canvases to paint the letters on!
Pin Box
Yeah, she's not officially an active yet, but making a beautiful box for her pin will only make her more excited for initiation! Michaels' and Joann's both have great selections of small wooden boxes for this craft.
Quick Tip: Less is more with this craft, since the box is so small!
Poster
If you can't tell by my posters for my littles, this is by far my favorite part of Big/Little. I was so excited to hang these beauties on their doors that I forgot to bring tape. No matter if your little is your rush crush or a new mem you're meeting for the first time at reveal, the poster says, "ILY Little and I want everyone to know it!"
Quick Tip: My Big was so proud of the poster she made for me, she ran down the hallways of our house yelling, "Look what I maaaade I'm so crafty!" That is how you should feel upon completing your little's poster.
Baking
Baking is basically crafting but more delicious. If you don't burn water like I do, a batch of cookies is always the move (but make sure your little isn't gluten-free first).
Quick Tip: Not the most savvy with an oven? Pick up a cupcake at Sprinkles or Gigi's Cupcakes to feed your little's sweet tooth!
(And because we all know those cookies look life-changingly delicious, here's the recipe.)
Mugs/Glasses
This craft is simple and will definitely get used. From a mug that says, "I love you a latté" to a wine glass with your letters that practically begs for a family night in, you can't go wrong with this crafty cups.
Quick Tip: For mugs, use Sharpie to add the design and then bake the mug to make the ink stay. Details on what to do can be found here.
And if you're feeling REALLY crafty...
COOLERS
Coolers are the be-all end-all of sorority crafting. They require a ridiculous amount of work to complete, so I'd suggest saving yourself a few weeks to do this craft and make final customizations when you know who your little is.
Quick Tip: Coolers are not for the faint of crafty hearts. Spare yourself unless you really want to make one.
No matter whether you actually are the next Picasso or if your crafting skills didn't progress beyond kindergarten, your little will love you regardless. So have fun with Big Little Week and if all else fails, rhinestone the crap out of everything.
And finally...
A collection of cheesy big/little quotes for your viewing pleasure
(You know you need them)
Of all the fish in the sea, you're the Little one for me!
It's the Little things that make life wonderful.
Dream Big, Little One.
Sometimes the Littlest things take up the most room in your heart.
In the middle of my Little mess, I forget how Big I'm blessed.
Here's to the nights that turned into mornings with the friends that turned into family.
She's a Little bit of heaven with a wild side.
Though she be but Little, she is fierce. (Thanks Shakespeare.)
I'll love you forever, I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living, my Little you'll be.
Here's to you, Here's to me, Big and Little we'll always be.
We mermaid for each other. [Insert mermaid canvas here]
Leave a Little sparkle wherever you go.
Enjoy the Little things.
