How to Build a Family Crest or Coat of Arms

Designing and making a family crest or coat of arms is not that difficult to do. You can use these for home decor, as gifts and even as a way to start a small business. This article will review some of the important factors of consideration for your design.

Colors
There are nine colors for consideration for your crest or coat of arms. They and what they represent are; Gold-generosity and elevation of mine, Silver or White-peace and sincerity, Red- warrior and martyr, Blue-truth and loyalty, Green- hope, joy and loyalty, Black-constancy and grief, Purple-majesty, sovereignty and justice, Orange-worthy ambition, Maroon-patience and victory in battle.

Animals
The positions of heraldic animals also make a difference. For example, a lion could be leaping, resting, fighting turning his head and so on. Each pose has a different meaning. There are all types of animals to use. If you do any research, it would be in this area. There are so many different animals, birds and even insects to use. Each has a special meeting. If you decide to make your own, you can choose what you want.

Lines
Lines are used to divide your crest into two or four parts. Most families use four so that they can expand on their family identity. There are eight types of lines. They include straight, wavy, nebuly, engrailed, indented, dancette, rafuly and embattled. These lines have a meaning. For example, wavy stands for water and indented stands for fire.

Other Items
Many other figures can be used as well. Things like anchors, acorns, leafs, anvils, hammers, axes, arrows, finger rings, bells, flames, crosses, trees, candles, wagon wheels, steer horns and so on. The list is endless.

Dates
There are several purposes for dates. They could be the date of the design, the beginning of a family or business, the first birth of a child or even of an important date in history. These are usually placed at the bottom of the crest or as an added appendage that hangs from the crest. Some families leave room to add important dates in order at the bottom of the crest.

Design the Crest
Using a plain paper with colors and decals, design your crest. Once you have it on paper, you ready to move on. Feel free to make changes as needed.

Get others Involved
This is important, because others can assist you with ideas for design.

Metal or Wood?
Once you have a final design, decide if it goes on metal or wood. I prefer wood. It never rusts and it is easy to add fresh color from time to time. Metal also might require an outside source and they can make mistakes.

Placement
Many like to place it to the side of their front door. Others center it on an overhead roof. It can go on your deck or garage. Business can hang them over a door sort of like a swinging sing. The key is putting it where it can be viewed by all. I have even seen them on entry gates to a front yard or garden.

Gifts
Family crests and coat of arms make excellent birthday, wedding and Christmas gifts.

sources; www.fleurdelis.com