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Son wants his college diploma framed. Yikes! I checked on line and they start at $164.00!

Do I pay the price? Or can I get it done simpler somewhere else???

Check your local frame shops to see what they charge. Is this the kind of place that also sells rings and items intended for graduation memorabilia?

Shop around and also ask your son to do research with his friends to find out if any of them used this service or some other kind of framing that could be less expensive.

I have often thought of framing mine but so far have not done so. I would use a dime store or dollar store frame. Unless you are a professional, like a physician or psychiatrist etc and need to display them for sort of verification of your creds, they are just another decorative element and can be framed with the same criteria you would use for any other framed work in your (or his) home. BTW is this a gift for him? I thought such a framing job was the responsibility of the owner of such a document.

A simple black frame with glass, with a cut mat and the diploma behind. Not very expensive at all.
A pre-cut mat may work, so take the diploma or the size of it in to Hobby Lobby or Michaels and find a frame/mat and put it in for him. They sell specific diploma/certificate frames that may work just fine.

The mat is necessary to keep the actual diploma away from the glass surface. Avoids any damage due to humidity, in the future.

They have acid free mats and framing to keep the paper from discoloring over time since this is not something that can change over the years. So, I would frame this in the best possible way you can afford at this time so it won't need to be done again or appear unimportant when hung on the wall. Treat it the way you would with important wedding photos and any other important document to insure its preservation.

On my way to Michaels...great point on acid-free mats. They have a 50% off coupon and then additional 25% off. Have never seen that offer before.

I took my daughter's to Hobby Lobby, they helped me select one of their off the shelf frames that coordinated nicely (and was on sale for 50% off), and I decided on no mat as I felt the finished size would have been too large. I did have them cut non-glare glass for it. It looks perfectly fine in my opinion. Good luck and congrats to your son!

In the real world, these things seldom hang on the wall for decades...unless you have a Doctor's degree and it is customary in your business location, as L of S stated above.
So most anything that fits your presentation needs is going to be fine.

nance, Michael's offers that price quite often--but their original prices are SO outrageously high that the %age off doesn't really help. For example, I wanted a stitched piece framed with no mats (all they would do is stretch the fabric over a board and then frame it) and the price for just that was just under $200.00. I patronize a local frame shop which does a 20% off sale twice a year, does a much better job, has just as good a choice of moldings, AND ends up costing less. If you have a Michael's in your area, then I'll bet you have local framers as well. See if you can find out when they have their sales. Another suggestion--go to Michael's and get their quote and then go to your local place and tell them what Michael's wants. I'll bet your local shop will work with you. One other thing--Michael's will only use the most expensive glass in their custom framing. This is an expense you may not need or want. The only way I would ever use Michael's again is if they started having their 90%/80%/70% off sales for framing at least three pieces. And that should tell you something right there--if they can make a profit on a sale like that, they are robbing you blind with their regular prices.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: sms29s66,

even target has a nice collection of diploma frames...

Thanks everyone for your comments. I am considering all of them.

Spartan graduates are pretty proud of their school. The real "special" frame with the university etc. on it would cost about $200.

Went to Michaels...
Off the shelf 11x14 frame would be about $23-25, less 30% off;
Acid-free mat cut for $14.93
(so total about $31 for a DIY project)

Custom with basic frame, matt, glass, etc. with acid free everything about $68.

Not sure if acid free mat is necessary for a document???

BTW: I'm pretty proud of this guy. He's got 2 more frames to do. One for law school and one for passing the Bar! They will all be hung and in full view wherever he ends up.

Will check Target tomorrow...thanks for that idea, sjf.

It has been awhile since I have dealt with Michaels. But the last time, the frame shop there would put it all together for you and only charge you for supplies. So if you bought a ready to frame with glass, and the mat, they would put it together and only charge you the foamcore backing and a bit for wire if needed.

I also suggest to my clients, go to a couple of independent/local frame shops that I recommend here for their custom framing needs. The prices are much less than either Michaels or Hobby Lob, even on sale/with coupons. The most expensive are the National chain frame shops, so avoid those.
Check with a art gallery that shows local art, for their recommendation of framers in your community. Artists usually know the best deals, they have to!

Another suggestion, if you get it and he likes the frame (or you find a real deal on it), consider buying two more just like it? Then they will all match when he eventually hangs them.

Great points, Conrad. Thank you so much...

I will pass on to him the suggestions by everyone. This started out on his Christmas list he sent to us, but I don't think it's possible to surprise him with it. There's too much to think about and we're physically miles apart! I'd like to make it happen for him by doing the leg work and getting estimates for a possible gift card or check. Otherwise, it just might end up sitting in his drawer.