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A Coat Of Arms - An Easy Way To Design And Make It
By Catherine Calder, Fri Dec 9th

Designing and making your own Coat of Arms is an interesting andenjoyable project. The Coat of Arms could be for your family oras a present. It will make a distinctive and original gift.

You can choose whether it will be funny or more traditional. ACoat of Arms can be an unusual leaving present for a co-worker.

The Coat of Arms can be themed to a particular event or hobby �

Hobby or special interest � golf, fishing, cooking Life event �graduation, winning a particular contest Humorous � funnyepisodes in life, the person�s quirks

Begin by choosing a background shape for the Coat of Arms. Ashield shape is traditional; however choose a shape that matchesthe person it is for. You could have a heart shaped one for ayoung girl or for someone who is getting married.

Then select the items that will be included in the Coat of Arms.This could be very simple - for example a couple of crossedtennis racquets - or fairly elaborate depending on your theme.

The final size of the Coat of Arms will restrict the number ofitems you can include. A smaller �letterhead� size Coat of Armsmay only have one or two things, but one painted onto a canvascould include a lot more items and extra detail.

If you�re only using one item it would probably be placedcentrally. For two items you could place them side by side orone to the top and the other to the bottom. When a Coat of Armshas four items they are often placed in the four quadrants whichhave been sectioned off with lines.

Clip art is a handy way to select the different things toinclude in your Coat of Arms. Copy and Paste a range of suitableitems onto one page and then make your final selection fromthese.

When you are making a Coat of Arms for a particular person youcan include the things that they like to do. My husband is ateacher, he likes golf, fishing

and does a lot of DIY. Atraditional Coat of Arms for him could be a shield shape dividedinto four quadrants. The sections could have � * A mortar board* Golf clubs * Fisherman * A cross shape made from a hammer andscrewdriver

For a smaller, less formal one I could use a golf ball shapebackground with a diagonal cross made of a fishing rod and agolf club. There could also be a motto like �Life�s too short towork!� or something similar.

A good theme for a funny Coat of Arms would be to choose thingsthat represent silly episodes in their life. You can really getcreative with your items!

To make up your Coat of Arms draw in the background shape andplace your items for a pleasing result. You could add a motto atthe bottom as well. Using computer fonts for this will ensurethat the lettering, and the spacing between the letters, isperfect.

If you have done this in a computer program you could print itout. Remember that most computer inks will fade over time ifleft in the sunlight.

Alternatively you could trace and paint the Coat of Arms onto acanvas panel. For a larger one you can print out sections of theCoat of Arms onto several pages of computer paper and join themtogether. Trace this onto a canvas panel or stretched canvas andpaint it � I like to use acrylic paints because they are waterbased and quick and easy to use.

A large Coat of Arms on a stretched canvas is an impressive gift.

If you have made a family Coat of Arms you could add it to yourletterhead, or print it onto the front of cards for your ownpersonalized stationery.

This is a great project that you will enjoy doing either byyourself or with others. Be sure to give it a try.