How can I frame my check?

January 22, 2008 10:07 PM

I just got a check from one of my personal heroes. Not a huge enough hero that I won't cash the check but how can I frame the photocopy I made?

I checked Target and my local (cheap) framing gallery, but no dice. I'm both poor and cheap, so I'd prefer not to get a custom frame just to frame a photocopy of a check. Really, I'd like something that is small enough that I can put it up behind my desk without looking stupid (so please don't suggest I get a big ol' frame and use mat board to frame it.

Any ideas? Or other ways that you've preserved/displayed special check-size thingers?

posted by stewiethegreat to grab bag (15 comments total)

I'd use one of those picture frames where the picture gets sandwiched between two plates of glass, so it looks like it's floating. Something like this: http://www.amazon.com/Fetco-International-Floating-Photo-Frame/dp/B00004YB9B
posted by CrayDrygu at 10:15 PM on January 22, 2008

There're frames that are just basically two pieces of glass sandwiched together with screws... maybe get one of those?
posted by Verdandi at 10:15 PM on January 22, 2008

Would it fit in a panoramic photo frame?
posted by pseudostrabismus at 10:17 PM on January 22, 2008

I've found that buying framed pictures or posters at places like Target or Ikea or even a thrift store is often cheaper than buying just a frame. Then I just thow out the picture and use the frame.
posted by winston at 10:47 PM on January 22, 2008

Thrift store frame.

Cheap!
posted by Wolof at 11:04 PM on January 22, 2008

Was it for $2.56?
posted by null terminated at 11:55 PM on January 22, 2008 [2 favorites has favorites]

Seriously, guys:

"I'd like something that is small enough that I can put it up behind my desk without looking stupid (so please don't suggest I get a big ol' frame and use mat board to frame it."

I don't want a poster frame or a random family pic frame (which wouldn't be the right size anyway) I want a check-sized frame. Goodwill is totally out. I spend a lot of time there and I've NEVER seen the kind of frame that would fit a check.
posted by stewiethegreat at 12:50 AM on January 23, 2008

How much are you looking to spend? Is $13 over your budget?
posted by Oriole Adams at 2:15 AM on January 23, 2008

If he got *THE* $2.56 check then I wouldn't cash it all...I'd recommend getting a cheap frame of approximate size and get an art handy friend to cut a matte to fit.
posted by mmascolino at 6:54 AM on January 23, 2008

For those wondering, the famous $2.65 check if from Donald Knuth, an eminent computer scientist. He rewards people who find errors in his books. The 'pedia knows more.
posted by cosmicbandito at 7:35 AM on January 23, 2008

Would be cool if you could get back the canceled check and frame that instead of a mere photocopy. Some banks will return them to you upon request.

Just found out I got third place in a racing series last year, which pays $176 -- yeah, gonna cash that check, but I really want to frame it too!
posted by LordSludge at 9:47 AM on January 23, 2008

For the love of God, if it's a $2.56 check, don't cash it. I'll send you $2.56.
posted by Netzapper at 9:59 AM on January 23, 2008

That is the kind of thing that I wouldn't cash, don't worry. This is from an eminent organization that I think is wonderful and special and they think I'm special enough to pay me for my work. Never thought it would happen, and I'm elated. Its in the 200s range, not 2 dollars range.

The panoramic frames seem like the way to go- thanks
posted by stewiethegreat at 10:06 AM on January 23, 2008

I'm more amused by the fact that Wikipedia doesn't blur out the routing & account numbers.
posted by drstein at 6:22 AM on January 24, 2008

drstein, note the added info on that wiki page
"One of Donald Knuth's reward checks. Note that the machine-readable numbers at the bottom of the check have been randomly swapped or modified, so that no personal information about Don Knuth's personal bank account is leaked through this image."
posted by cosmicbandito at 6:54 AM on March 7, 2008