Design Your Own Coat of Arms

Rich Haynes, Children's and Youth Librarian, Harlan County Public Library

This craft is a variation of the craft “Design Your Own Coat of Arms” found on page 217 of Dragons, Dreams, and Daring Deeds) and “Heraldry” (found on page 65 and 71-77 of Joust Read). It details another way to do the craft that takes into account the varied drawing ability of participants in multi-aged programs.

Materials

• Cardboard or poster board shield blanks (approx. 8.5” x 11”)
  Click here to download design of shield (separate window - right click on image to save)
• “Richeson Miracle Sponge” or “Design-a-sponge” Charges (premade) or other decorative sponges / stamps
  Click here to download clip art: Bear, Fleur de Lis, Bird, Mace (separate window - right click on image to save)
• Stapler
• Brown paper sacks
• Scissors
• Tempura paints
• Paper plates / paint basins
• Sponge brushes
• Markers

1. Provide each participant with a shield blank. These may be pre-cut or traced on the poster board and cut at the time the craft is performed.
2. Allow participants to paint and “divide” the shields using the shield colors and tinctures as well as heraldic divisions found on pages 71—76 of the Joust Read Manual. Alternately, you may allow participants to color their shields using markers.
3. Allow the shields to dry. Use this time to present a book or other activity.
4. Allow the participants to choose a “charge” from the pre-made sponge cut-outs of lions, dragons, and other heraldic beasts and symbols.
5. Using a single color of paint poured into paper plates / basins, let the participants “stamp” their charge on their shield.
6. Allow the shield to dry.
7. Cut two strips 2” x 8” from the paper sacks and staple them to the back of the shield as straps and handle.