Select a motto. This will be the theme of the crest. Traditionally, the motto is in Latin; however, it can be in any language you see fit. Not all crests have mottoes, but for the purposes of creating a personal crest, it can be helpful to have a theme.
Select a color palette for the crest. Each color has a specific name and meaning. It is important to pick colors that represent the traits you wish to convey in your personal crest. You may also want to pick colors that go well together. Example colors include gold (known as Or), which means generosity or elevation of the mind; blue (Azure), which means truth and loyalty; or black (Sable), which means constancy or grief.
Select ordinal and sub-ordinal charges. "Charges" are geometric shapes that hold specific meanings. Ordinal charges are major elements and sub-ordinal charges are minor elements. There are many ways to present these charges. You may wish to use them across the crest or only in one quadrant. A quadrant refers to one section of a shield that is divided into four equal parts: the upper right, upper left, lower right and lower left quadrants. Charges can occupy a quadrant on their own, or they can be used as a background for the third kind of charge. Examples of ordinal charges are the "chevron," which is a bowed "V" that represents protection, or the "heart," which symbolizes sincerity. The following are examples of sub-ordinal charges. The "chequy" -- a design composed of squares in alternating colors -- is a symbol of wisdom. The "compony counter-compony" is a design composed of two lines of squares of alternating colors. It is a symbol of verity. The "saltire" is a diagonal cross that represents resolution.
Select a third kind of charge for your crest; it can be a creature or an inanimate object. Lions or other symbols of power are popular choices for this charge. There are a number of symbols already in use that have "accepted" meanings. For example, the eagle-headed, lion-bodied griffin symbolizes vigilance, among other qualities. However, anything can be used for this type of charge and it can be given its own meaning.
Cut the construction paper into a shield shape. It's best to use one solid color, and then divide the shield into quadrants by pasting a second color onto the first.
Make your charges. The ordinal and sub-ordinal charges can usually be drawn onto construction paper, cut out and pasted to the crest, but the third type of charge may require using an image from the Internet. This image can be printed, cut to shape and then pasted on the shield as well.
Type your chosen motto into a text editing program on your computer. Select a font for the motto that complements the style of your crest. Print out the completed motto and paste it onto your shield anywhere you choose.
Include a paragraph with your crest that explains all of the symbolism and why you chose the exact elements you did, if you wish.