The team at Natural Stone Source had the unique opportunity to help a family create a family crest this past month, so we became curious and wanted to learn more about family crests and how they came to be. We also wanted to showcase our work to help others add this beautiful, focal point to your home or outdoor space.
What are Family Crests?
Family crests, also known as coat of arms, have a long history dating back to medieval Europe. Originally, they served as a unique identifier for knights and noble families, distinguishing them on the battlefield. Each element of a family crest had specific meaning, with symbols and colors representing values, achievements, or familial lineage. While not every family has a historical crest, modern interest in family symbols has surged as people look to celebrate their heritage. Today, family crests can incorporate personal significance through designs, materials, and styles, allowing families to express their identity in unique ways.
How to Make a Family Crest
Designing a family crest is a personal process, blending historical influence with modern style. The first step is choosing the symbols, colors, and layout that best reflect family values or accomplishments. Many people start by researching their ancestry to see if their family name has any associated symbols. If not, they can create one, infusing it with meaningful colors, animals, or objects that tell a story about their family’s unique background.
When it comes to crafting a physical representation of the crest, the choice of material plays a significant role in the look and feel of the final piece. Traditional materials include:
Metal: Metalwork is a classic choice for family crests, often seen in gilded shields or bronze plaques. It offers durability and an elegant, historical feel.
Wood: Wood can add a warm, rustic element to a family crest. Hand-carved wooden crests allow for intricate details and can be finished with stain or paint.
Mosaics: Mosaic tile is a beautiful and versatile medium for creating custom family crests. The unique patterns created with different colors and textures make each piece one-of-a-kind. Mosaics allow for vibrant, detailed designs and give family crests a modern and artistic touch.
Each material lends a different aesthetic, from the traditional and refined to the colorful and creative.
Custom Glass Mosaic Family Crest Design
Creating a glass mosaic family crest involves selecting individual pieces that match the colors and shapes in your design. From deep blues and greens to shimmering golds and reds, glass offers a wide palette to express the essence of the crest. The flexibility of glass tiles allows for a range of textures, from glossy finishes that reflect light to matte tiles that add depth and contrast.
Mosaic family crests can be crafted for indoor or outdoor spaces, meaning they can be displayed on an entryway wall, above a fireplace, or in a pool. When professionally built and installed, a mosaic crest can last for generations, becoming a cherished heirloom.
Selecting the Right Mosaics for Your Family Crest
Natural Stone Source, based in Wichita Falls, Texas, offers hand selected glass mosaics specific to your project. We have supplied mosaics across the globe for projects such as pool builds, backsplashes, fountains, and many other architectural elements. If you are looking for the perfect pieces of glass for your next project, contact us at Natural Stone Source so we can help you select the best mosaics to give you a one-of-a-kind finished project.