How to Create Your Own Printable Family Crest
Family crests or coats of arms were designed centuries ago by noble European families. Whether you have a traditional family crest passed down from your ancestors or you've never even considered what a family crest is, you can make a fun coat of arms online and start a new tradition.
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Things You'll Need
- Internet access
- Computer with color printer (optional)
- Email access (optional)
Instructions
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Log onto the family crest website at the Victoria and Albert Museum. You will be taken to a page that tells a little bit about coats of arms. Click the "Create a Coat of Arms" button to begin your project.
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Decide whether your coat of arms is to be for a male or a female. The male design is on a shield and the female on a diamond shape. Click on the correct shield background name to choose. This will take you to the page to divide your shield.
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Divide your shield into either halves or quarters, or leave it one continuous color. Click on the corresponding shield shape to divide your crest. If you change your mind you can continue clicking until you get the one you like. Click "Next" to continue.
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Paint your shield background. If your shield has separate sections, paint one part, then click "Next" to go on to the other half. Apply background color to all sections then click "Next" to go on.
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Add a design function called an ordinary. This is an additional decorative X or V shape or stripe on the face of the coat of arms. Choose your ordinary and then click "Next" to choose whether to color it silver or gold. Move on to the next page.
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Add a design element like lions or roses on to the ordinary. There are five to choose from, including birds, stars and dragons. The next page adds color to this design element.
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Add the side design elements that indicate whether you are a noble, a queen or king. Add a family motto, choosing from five different options. Click the final "Next" button, and you will be taken to the page with your finished family crest, ready to print or email.
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