How to Create a Family Coat of Arms

Designing an original family coat of arms is an entertaining project for a rainy day. Although as far back as the 1100’s, a coat of arms made of cloth was worn on the shirtfront of a uniform—probably over armor in most cases—these later came to be a symbolic representation of companies, universities, clubs, and other organizations. Creating the coat of arms will give lots of opportunities for family discussion.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scratch paper
• Pencils
• Large sheet of poster board
• Colored markers
• Ruler

1. Begin by distributing scratch paper and pencils and asking family members to brainstorm possible ideas as you reach each step of the process.

2. Start with a decision about the shape of the shield. It might be rectangular, diamond-shaped, a simple rectangle, or even heart-shaped. Once a consensus has been reached about the shape, draw it in the middle of the poster board. Make it approximately 16 x 20 inches.

3. Ask everyone to brainstorm ideas about what each section of the shield will represent. These should be abstract ideas that are important to the family—such as truth, loyalty, friendship, faith, love, ambition, strength, patience, power, among others. Once a decision has been made on the top four or five of these, divide the shield into sections. Make the sections parallel with each other; however, their size might be indicative of how important family members consider each to be.

4. Together, make a decision about what colors will be used in your coat of arms.

5. After dividing the shield into sections, draw a small illustration in each that symbolizes that particular value. Write the name of the value under the drawing.

6. The next step is to decide on the supporters--that is, what animals, mythical or real, will guard the shield on either side. Lions, unicorns, horses, elephants, and dragons are just some of the commonly chosen supporters. Draw your selection (you might want to choose two different ones) on both sides of the shield, facing in. If no one in your family is a natural artist, look in picture books or a reference book for a picture to draw from or trace.

7. In a semi-circular arc above the shield, write the family name. Decorate as you wish.

8. To finish the shield, you’ll need a semi-circular arc, facing upward at the bottom of the shield. On this arc, you’ll need to write a short phrase, perhaps something you’ve made up yourselves, or a meaningful quote.