An Interview with Woodcarver Patrick Damiaens | Heraldicum Disputationes Heraldic Magazine | Heraldic Woodcarver - Sculptor

 

Heraldic Woodcarver-Sculptor

An Interview with Woodcarver Patrick Damiaens 

 Heraldicum Disputationes Heraldic Magazine 

In March 2026, a very extensive 45-page bilingual (NL/ENG) supplement on the work of heraldic sculptor and woodcarver Patrick Damiaens was published exclusively for subscribers to Heraldicum Disputationes.

This separate magazine was published alongside the March issue of this quarterly, the only Flemish journal dedicated to heraldry.

www.patrickdamiaens.info

Wooden reproduction of family coat of arms | Heraldic woodcarving | Custom-made crests & arms carved in wood

Wooden reproduction of family coat of arms

Wooden reproduction of family coat of arms 

 Custom-made crests & arms  carved in wood

 ‘One could indeed say that heraldic coats of arms carved in wood have, to a certain extent, become one of my specialities.

I also really enjoy doing it; it is always a personal challenge to be able to carve a family coat of arms in wood. Heraldry is also a very interesting subject and I always look forward to starting a new commission for a heraldic coat of arms.

!!! CNC routering or even AI images of coat of arms.

As for the internet, it is important to remain vigilant: do not be misled by ‘good reviews’ or the appearance of images offered online. Many of these photos, supposedly from ‘colleagues’, are not handmade, but are the result of CNC machine production.

 For the true connoisseur, such works have no lasting value in the long term, as they lack the unique character and craftsmanship that distinguish hand-carved pieces. After all, authentic craftsmanship can be recognised by subtle details and a personal touch, something that machine production can never fully replicate.’

‘Every heraldic sculpture or bas-relief usually starts with a design or image that the customer sends me. In some cases, I am obliged to add a helmet and/or mantling to this design, but always with respect for the original. I don’t usually touch the shield and the crest. 

Several clients have had their coat of arms registered somewhere before coming to me and they believe that the version of the coat of arms on their certificate or letters patent is the only way their coat of arms can or may be displayed. That is not the case, of course, but I respect their wishes in this regard.’

‘It is true that a design on paper cannot always serve as a blueprint for cutting wood; the lines are slightly different, since they have to be translated into a relief design. In such cases, there is really no other option.’

‘Once I know the correct contours of the coat of arms, I can start selecting the wood. Sometimes planks are glued together or on top of each other and then planed and cut out. Sometimes a whole structure is needed.

‘For a high relief family coat of arms, the outline of the design must first be cut out: the mantling, helmet, supporters – and sometimes the crest as well – are then glued onto a board and a piece of paper is glued between the board and, for example, the supporters. This paper – usually a newspaper – later serves as a dividing line to separate the board from the finished component.’

Some years ago, when a customer asked me if it was possible too applied heraldic colors, I went in search of a specialist who could do this professionally. I ultimately chose a fellow craftsman who specialises in ‘writing’ icons and therefore also has complete mastery of the technique of applying gold and silver leaf. The heraldic colours and metals are applied in this traditional artisanal manner, if the customer so desires, of course.

Ultimately, the choice of a family coat of arms in wood with or without colours is a personal choice or matter of taste. However, options such as a family crest made entirely in gold or silver or using a technique that imitates a marble effect are also possible; the result – especially in the latter case – is remarkable and relatively unknown.’

 

 Custom-made crests & arms  carved in wood

https://www.patrickdamiaens.info

A family coat of arms or crest in wood | Have a family coat of arms made in wood | Heraldry in wood

A company logo carved in wood | G3 Engineering Australia
Have a family coat of arms with shield holders made in wood 

A number of family crests and coats of arms in wood that I have created in recent years. Usually these heraldic sculptures are done in lime wood and sometimes they are given heraldic colours, but mostly they remain uncoloured.

Heraldic Family Arms carved in wood is one of my specialities. It is always a personal challenge to be allowed to carve a family coat of arms in wood. Heraldry in wood is a very interesting subject and I also always look forward to being able to start a new commission for a heraldic family crest in wood.

You get to know interesting people who fascinate you with each 'their' fascinating family story or history. And for me personally, it is always nice to hear that they appreciate my craftsmanship and quality enormously.

Every heraldic coat of arms is different. It usually starts with an example as a source of inspiration that is provided by the client in the form of a drawing, old sketch or even by a signet ring. Our clientele consists of private individuals or nobility, but it also sometimes happens that the order comes from an institution, association or company.

A number of family crests and coats of arms in wood 

that I have created in recent years.

A client from Austin, Texas US.
The coat of arms carved in wood | THORNTON family

Heraldic shield carved in wood, a client from Northern Ierland.

Coat of arms in wood, The REIJNDERS family, Netherlands.

Coat of arms with shield holders carved in wood |
The LOENEN family coat of arms, Netherlands.

Coat of arms Elenbaas family carved in wood, Netherlands

Heraldic shield carved and painted.
The LONGLUNE family, Belgium

Heraldic shield carved on a plate.
The VAN DIEVOET family, Belgium

Coat of arms in wood of a Portugese client.

Coat of arms carved in wood, partly painted.
Bellotti, Switzerland

Coat of arms carved in wood & painted.
The ENGELHARDT coat of arms, Switzerland

Coat of arms of a client from Hong Kong
Carved in wood & painted ( technique stone finish )

https://www.patrickdamiaens.info

Armorial carving in wood | Have your family coat of arms carved in wood

 

McClintock coat of arms carved in wood

To create a wooden family coat of arms or crest

Family coats of arms carved in wood

Heraldic Family Arms, shields or crest carved in wood is one of my specialties. It is always a personal challenge to be able to carve a family coat of arms or shield in wood. Heraldry is a very interesting subject and I am always looking forward to start carving a new heraldic assignment.

You get to know interesting people who captivate you with 'their' fascinating family story or history. And for me personally it is always nice to hear that they appreciate my craftsmanship and quality enormously.

Every heraldic arms is different. Usually it starts with an example as a source of inspiration provided by the client in the form of a drawing, old sketch or even a seal ring. Our clientele consists of private individuals or nobility, but it sometimes happens that the order comes from an authority, association or company.

A carved municipal and city coat of arms or shield in wood, a commemorative panel for an association or a wooden logo of a company belongs to the possibilities. We try to solve small and sometimes larger problems together with the client to achieve a special result. 

Out of respect for the wishes of our national and international clients, we cannot show you all the family coats of arms in wood made by our heraldic woodcarving workshop.

Vanhanen family coat of arms, Finland

Drenth family coat of arms, Belgium

Leutscher, Netherlands

Lievense, Breda Netherlands

German Coat of arms carved in wood

https://www.patrickdamiaens.info

Custom Family Crest Sign | Coat of arms Carved Signs | Heraldic woodcarver | Custom Coat of Arms and Family Crest

Custom Family Crest Sign | Coat of arms Carved Signs |
Custom Coat of Arms and Family Crest

Custom Family Crest Sign | Coat of arms Carved Signs | Heraldic woodcarver | 

Custom Coat of Arms and Family Crest

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https://www.patrickdamiaens.info

Carving a heraldic Commission

The process is very simple. Please send our woodcarving studio a picture or heraldic design of what you'd like made. Also tell me what size you'd like your heraldic sculpture to be, and maybe you have some special requirements you may have.  

I will send you a quotation free of charge.  If you find it acceptable, we make clear agreements on advances and deadlines. When the heraldic sculpture of your coat of arms - crest is complete I will mail your item, packaged securely and insured by DHL.  

Personal checks ( expensive), a normal banktransfer and XOOM ( a Paypal service).... are all acceptable forms of payments. And for every payment you recieve an invoice.  If I am working on your heraldic commission, I will always send you photos of the carving stages, so that you will always know how the custom sculpture is progressing. 

You are also always welcome in my studio for a visit, coffee is always available.

The Coat of arms “or Coat armour” dates back to the mid-12th century when knights began to have their shields decorated with marks to identify them.

These marks and colors evolved into a way to identify the bearer as a member of a certain family, clan or allegiance. The coat of arms represents the bearer’s family lineage and is traditionally passed down from fathers to sons.

A family crest is the element placed on top of the helm or helmet and indicates the rank or designation of the original bearer of the Coat of Arms.

The mantling is a depiction of the protective cloth worn by knights which is usually shown tattered or cut to shreds. Less often it is shown as an intact drape, suggesting that the bearer did not involve himself with combat, such as a clergyman.  At the bottom, a scroll bears a motto or the origin of the Family name.

Rusian client

From the stripes on the shield to the images depicted, the Coat of Arms is the coded family history of the person or family who owned the Coat of Arms. The study of Coats of Arms and their meaning is called Heraldry and in some countries the official Herald is appointed by the Government and has the only office able to issue and regulate Coats of Arms.

Nearly all surnames originating in Western or Eastern Europe have some or other version of a Coat of Arms. If you have a surname originating in Europe, somewhere in your genealogy, over the course of history, it is most likely that a member of your family rose to distinction and earned a Coat of Arms. This is a mark of your History and in a sense belongs to you.

A beautifully hand carved Coat of Arms is a symbol of honor and a family heirloom to hand down to future generations; a highly prized gift to someone who values their families’ origin and culture. It gives the bearer a sense of place and belonging; a reminder of a family’s ongoing responsibility to honor the family name.

Over the past eighteen years, the sign carver has produced many Coats of Arms of various sizes for Families, Schools and businesses. These have been either carved in wood or made of clay and cast in cement. We offer custom made Family Coats of Arms with colour or natural wood, cement (painted or plain) or painted resin.

Belgian client

German client

Duché d'Amerval (France)

https://www.patrickdamiaens.info