Middle Ages Coat of Arms

crayola supplies

Erasable Colored Pencils
Fabric Markers
Glitter Glue
Pointed Tip Scissors

household supplies

white paper
fabric
hook and loop fastener tape
dowel sticks

Why

Imagine wearing head-to-toe armor in the Middle Ages! Declare your allegiance and proclaim victory with a bold, bright coat of arms.

Steps

1. What do you know about battles in England during the Middle Ages? Warriors covered from head to toe in armor carried banners to identify their allegiance. Colors, emblems, and seals came to represent different sides.
2. Choose your symbols. Sketch some ideas for your coat of arms with Crayola® Erasable Colored Pencils. You could borrow historic symbols such as an eagle, lion, or fleur de lis, or design your own marks of bravery and power. Make your design bold and readable from afar!
3. Decorate your banner. Cut a banner from felt or other fabric with Crayola Scissors. Draw your coat of arms with Crayola Fabric Markers. Crayola® Fabric Markers stain clothing and surfaces, CLOSE ADULT SUPERVISION IS REQUIRED. Highlight your banner with Crayola Glitter Glue. Air-dry the sparkles.
4. Hang it high! Attach hook and loop fastener tape to the back of the banner to hang on a dowel.

When & Where

"Kids made coats of arms at my son’s birthday. They were delighted with the imaginary historical play."
- Jeb C., father of a 10- and 8-year-olds.

"We have kids compare English coats of arms with the Asafo of Western Africa and Japanese samurais."
- Anita T., museum volunteer.

Interesting Info

Very few coats of arms were granted to individual family surnames. The few that were are considered more a form of property used by the uninterrupted male line to which it was first given. Check to see whether one exists for your family’s surname.

Safety Guidelines

Glitter Glue— WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD—Small parts. Not for children under 3 years. Not for use on skin.

Scissors—ATTENTION: The cutting edges of scissors are sharp and care should be taken whenever cutting or handling. Blunt-tip scissors should be used only by children 4 years and older. Pointed-tip scissors should be used only by children 6 years and older.

Wood—By its nature, wood is rough and may contain splinters or sharp points