How to Design Family Crests
Family crests are symbols that let others know the status of a family, including social status, history and values. Crests can be created with consideration for your family history as well as what you feel your family stands for. The coat of arms, as a family crest is called, is passed from the father to his children, mainly sons. Each individual will have his or her own symbol within the crest identifying him or her.
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Instructions
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How to Design Family Crests
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Research family crests online to get an idea of what the shapes, colors and charges (animals or symbols) mean. Web searches may reveal your original family crest if there was one.
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2
Sketch the basic shape of your family crest on the paper. This can be in the simple shape of a shield or include a wreath, banner or other identifying symbols. Decide on how you want to divide your crest---as one main symbol, halves, thirds or quarters. Draw dividing lines.
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3
Choose your basic colors and metals. It is recommended to keep it simple. The basic rule of heraldry at professional crest creators fleurdelis.com is "less is more." Color-on-metal or metal-on-color shows up the best in contrasting colors. For example, gold on red or blue on silver. Lightly draw a line in each section to remind you of what color or metal will go where.
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Draw the charges---or animals or symbols---in their proper places. Lightly color in each of the shapes as well as the other areas of the crest. Confirm the crest is what you had in mind.
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Finish coloring in the crest. You can then scan your design into your computer to order glass or wood carvings, hats or other items featuring your finished family crest.
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Tips & Warnings
Choose animals and symbols that have meaning to you and your family. Crests can be made using graphic and design software if you're better at designing on a computer than with paper and pencils.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Brett L.: Flickr.com
