A Keepsake Quarantine Project
A Family Coat of Arms
During the quarantine, Dave and I challenged our children to create a family crest. We looked at some online - Hogwarts, of course, and our family’s - and briefly discussed similarities and common designs, and then… with a prize of $10 to spend online, they were off! I’m not going to lie. There were tears. Failed attempts. Aborted plans. Fierce competition. Nagging doubt. A calm-down bath. Trash-talking, then remorse and over-compensating praise. Lots of discussion about what $10 can buy. And then more fierce competition. But a day later, we had 3 strong entries.
We could have turned this into a lesson on magical creatures (griffins, unicorns, etc.), our family ancestry, world maps, colors and patterns/negative space, or turned it into a research or writing project. But we didn’t, and that in itself made it fun (but you could!). The prize money is an added bonus… any prize could work: what would motivate your children?
Dave and I didn’t participate, but you could. You could even open up the competition to extended family. Imagine the competition between cousins!
TIPS:
Look at a few examples so the children know what you’re expecting.
As a family, brainstorm a list of things that make you collectively unique.
If you’re particular about home décor, limit the color pallet (we didn’t).
Put any fair game materials on the table (we didn’t, which is why one has bead “sprinkles” which are difficult to frame). Consider limiting to crayons and markers… or not! Painted and mixed media versions would be fun!
For little ones, spell your name out so they can copy it and have it spelled correctly, but still in their handwriting.
Encourage them to draw big on the paper and use all the white space.
When they’re done, ask them about their image and write down what they describe… it might melt your heart!
Vote. Consider asking your extended family and friends to vote, too!
Frame and hang them!
This is a super simple project, but it’s packed with love, and it’s truly special. I have ours hung by the front door, where we can see them - and what we stand for - each day!
If you try this project, I would LOVE to see it! It would truly make my day!
Our Family Coats of Arms
Here are our three beautiful drawings and the artist’s description:
Danny (5): “I drew Baby Mark because I love him. Next is Baby. I drew him because I love him. And then Ducky and I drew him because… I don’t know. And the last one is Beary and I drew him because I love him.”
Jack (9): “I asked everybody what their favorite things are. Maria said Ducky and Beary, and her background is tie-dye because that’s what she chose. Danny’s is Baby Puppy and Baby Mark and his background is blue because he had a very hard time deciding, so I did blue because it’s his favorite color. Next is Mom’s. Hers is coffee, a book, and the sun and ocean. Her background is blue because it’s her favorite color. Then is mine. It’s Baby and Fortnight with a red background. Next is Dad’s. He has a football, a window, a storm trooper helmet and 2 light sabers with a blue background.
What we have on top is a heart and K, then a knight, then an E and another heart. The letters are the first two letters of our last name. Then there’s another shield with Dad, Mom, Maria, me and Danny and a lion underneath. There’s a love sword through the shield and the American and Canadian flags. There’s a golden strip with our names. The background is stars, red, white and blue.
Maria (8): My family crest. I made it based on how we live in America and we’re really lucky to live there because we have freedom. It has a K for Kemery. A heart for family, and the American flags are for America. I tried to do 50 stars, but I don’t know if I did 50 stars. And the bald eagle stands for freedom. I did the sparkles for decoration. I thought it would be good because the bald eagle stands for freedom, so they could be stars or sparkles in the air. I had fun making it.
Our extended family voted, and we let our friends on FB vote, too. Coincidentally, there was a 3-way tie! (Although I am against participation trophies, I am also not looking to create tears.)
In her usual way, Nana (my mom) went above and beyond to show support, and offered a full critique of each work. Here is what she wrote, which made the children GLOW with pride.
Danny
Danny’s crest is fantastic for its very strong simplicity of design. Danny’s crest exudes LOVE because all appropriate figures are represented his crest design. Each drawings represents the love and connection to those closest to him. The color choices of each animal is realistic and true to each character. Danny’s use of a strong straight horizontal line is another symbolic representation of stability. His choice of a flexible, curved relays a sense whimsy and fun.
Important to the design is the fact that all four figures have open, loving arms.
Great job Danny!!
Well done!!
Jack
Jack used complex design strategies to represent each family members identify. Jacks decision to represent family members in each section inside the crest shows a strong connection to his family. Jack’s crest shows dynamic use of bold, black lines suggesting strength. Further use of fierce strength symbols are evident throughput the crest, namely the sword, knight and studded banner. Jack displayed a creative blending of a US/Canadian presence. Symbolic stars throughout background suggest a celestial influence while hearts strongly represent love and courage. In the center of Jack’s crest is the strong, colorful center- Dads triangle.
As a bonus is the fanciful fringe at the bottom of the banner.
Fantastic job Jack!
Very well thought out!
Maria
Maria’s family crest is beautifully executed. It has precise design in that it is strong in its balance of color, strength of color and boldness of color. Maria’s family crest has clear, defined symbols. The crest shows a prominent gold outline and a vibrant purple heart. Both purple and gold colors are strongly representational of royalty and are therefore a perfect choice in the family crest. The very large heart symbolizes love of family.
Patriotism and US loyalty are strongly evident throughout the crest and the background design with the use of the US flag, the American Bald Eagle, and the subtle background American flag.
Maria, wonderful crest!
Great job!
