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

Heraldic shield carved in wood  
 Heraldic woodcarving 
 Coat of arms / crest carved into wood

As specialist in heraldic woodcarving and family coat of arms, we are passionate about bringing your personal unique piece of history to life. Using the finest European traditional carving skills we create timeless works of art that will last for generations. With a strong emphasis on customer service, we help take your ideas from concept to reality.

Heraldry, family coat of arms and crests can come in all shapes and sizes and with a multitude of finishes (natural wood finish, painted and gilded in the technique of the icons are available. Below we describe our most common heraldic commissions, coats of arms and crests.  Please feel free to visit our website and see more examples of high quality heraldic woodcarvings. For pricing send us a mail, mind that our work of arts are in a higher price range.

info : https://www.patrickdamiaens.info

Heraldic shield carved in wood | 
Heraldic woodcarving 

Where to buy family coat of arms wall plaques | Family crest carvings | Heraldic woodcarver-sculptor Patrick Damiaens

Family crest carvings |
Heraldic Woodcarver / Sculptor Patrick Damiaens

Welcome to the coat of arms and crest plaque promotion page of my personal ornamental woodcarver blog. Heraldic Woodcarver-sculptor Patrick Damiaens specializes in designing and manufacturing custom carved coat of arms plaques. This blog page provides you a description and a picture Gallery of my custom  and personalized wooden wall plaques carvings featuring family & organization coat-of-arms, crests, and other heraldry symbols.

I design and carve a wide variety of custom and personalized hand-crafted wooden wall plaques of a high quality, they are beautiful works of art that last for generations.

Our coat of arms / family crest plaques are museum quality. We offer the highest quality materials, traditional craftsmanship and great customer service.

Have your personal family coat of arms carved into wood. All we need is a good photo or drawing of your personal family coat of arms / crest. 

In the portfolio of my website you can see some examples of different versions and applications of heraldic crests and coat of arms manufactured by our woodcarving workshop.

Heraldic municipal arms or club arms carved or sculpted in wood, can be provided with the correct heraldic colours, gold leaf and silver leaf applied by traditional technique. These techniques give the family coat of arms an exclusive and distinctive look.

Hand carved Heraldic coats of arms in wood are also a welcome gift for an anniversary or other occasion.

Family crest carvings |
Heraldic woodcarver-sculptor Patrick Damiaens

Where to buy family coat of arms wall plaques

Carved wall plaque with coat of arms / crest

Heraldic woodcarver-sculptor Patrick Damiaens

https://www.patrickdamiaens.info

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