History and DIY Tutorials for Alpha Kappa Alpha Bracelets

The History of Alpha Kappa Alpha Bracelets

Alpha Kappa Alpha (AKA) is the first historically African American Greek-lettered sorority. It was founded on January 15, 1908 at Howard University in Washington, D.C. by a group of nine students led by Ethel Hedgeman Lyle. Since its founding, over 300,000 women have joined the organization which now has over 1,000 chapters around the world.

The sorority's colors are salmon pink and apple green. These colors adorn all kinds of AKA paraphernalia from clothing to accessories like bracelets. Bracelets with the letters AKA or the sorority's symbols have become a popular way for members to proudly display their affiliation.

Materials Used for AKA Bracelets

Alpha Kappa Alpha bracelets come in different materials like:

• Sterling silver - This precious metal is very common for Greek lettered jewelry. Sterling silver AKA bracelets may feature pearls or crystals in the sorority's signature colors.
• Fabric - Handwoven bracelets using cotton, nylon, or other threads allow for inexpensive but cute accessories.
• Rubber - Rubber AKA bracelets became popular in the 1990s. These flexible bracelets often have the letters AKA molded into the rubber.
• Wood - Sorority members also wear wooden bead bracelets on their wrists to display their AKA pride.

Popular Styles of Alpha Kappa Alpha Bracelets

There are many styles that AKA bracelets come in, but some of the most popular include:

• Bangles - These rigid cuff style bracelets slip on over the hand and are often made of metal with some kind of charm.
• Charm bracelets - Heavy metal links connect collectible charms like Greek letters, ladybugs, pearls and more.
• Beaded - Multiple glass, wooden, or gemstone beads adorn a flexible string and tie the bracelet together.
• Cuffed - Bold cuff bracelets feature the AKA letters prominently across the band in metal or plastic.
• Woven - Braided fabric, leather, or yarn pieces woven together allow members to wear their letters.

How to Make Your Own Alpha Kappa Alpha Bracelet

Beaded Bracelet

Beaded bracelets make for simple but cute DIY projects. All you need are:

• Beading wire
• Beading needle
• Beads in sorority colors - pink, green, white, gold
• Bead letters to spell out AKA
• Clasps

String the beads in your desired pattern onto the beading wire and secure with clasps on ends. Use bead letters from a craft store or wooden letters painted in sorority colors.

Embroidery Floss Bracelet

Show your crafty side with a friendship bracelet made from embroidery floss.

• Embroidery floss in green, pink
• Clasps
• Scissors

Tie knots in the floss to create stripes in the AKA colors. Braid the strands together into a long band then tie clasps on the ends for closure.

Leather Knotted Bracelet

Give your bracelet an earthy feel by knotting together leather cord.

• Leather cord in varied colors
• Clasps
• Scissors

Cut cords into pieces then make tight knots along the entire length. Make knots in green and pink cords next to each other for AKA colors. Clasp ends together for wear.

Where to Buy Custom Alpha Kappa Alpha Bracelets

Of course you can always buy pre-made high quality bracelets instead of making them yourself. There are great online shops to custom order AKA accessories.

Etsy Shops

Etsy has many creative vendors selling handmade AKA bracelets. Options include:

• Cute bracelets with dazzling AKA charms
• Bangles engraved with the sorority letters
• Personalized bracelets with your name or initiation year

Support small business owners while getting a unique bracelet.

Official Sorority Shop

Alpha Kappa Alpha has its own official branded shop for apparel and gifts. Here you can find options like:

• Fine jewelry AKA bracelets covered in real pearls or crystals
• Gold or silver plated bangles with sorority symbols
• Elegant charm bracelets that make great keepsakes

While the official shop is pricier, the products are high quality mementos built to last.

Greek Shops

Online Greek clothing and gift stores offer the largest selection of AKA bracelets. Shop categories like:

• Jewelry - Sis bracelets, pearl bracelets, chains featuring charms
• Fabric - Woven bracelets displaying letters or symbols
• Accessories - Slider bracelets, hair ties, bag charms

Their wide selection ensures you find a bracelet for your style.

FAQs

What do the AKA letters stand for?

The letters AKA stand for Alpha Kappa Alpha, the first Black sorority founded in 1908 at Howard University.

What are the colors of Alpha Kappa Alpha?

The colors are salmon pink and apple green. Bracelets feature one or both colors.

Where can I buy an customized AKA bracelet?

Many online shops on Etsy or Greek clothing stores allow you to custom order Alpha Kappa Alpha bracelets with your name or symbols.

What is a good DIY bracelet idea for AKA?

An easy homemade bracelet is using embroidery floss in sorority colors, braiding it together, then adding clasps to make a friendship bracelet.