Framing my Compostela(s) & c.

[SeñorJacques]

After some post-Camino waffling about I found a semi-decent frame for my Compostela at Michaels* this week and am quite pleased with it.



I walked in with plans to have a mat cut to A4 paper size** and put it in a larger frame. But lo, there was a sale on the unusual 9x12" ("internet print size" or somesuch) frames, which I took to be a sign of the Camino providing even unto suburban New Orleans. It just about perfectly fits my Compostela, and with a light colored backing behind the certificate looks almost as good to me as if it were properly matted. (No, it's not UV protective glass or plexi - but it's not in direct sunlight and will be fine until I have the urge and/or wherewithal for a longer term solution.)

Hanging it on a wall near my desk not only gives me something to look at and daydream about while/instead of working: It also provided a perfect place to hang the remnant of the walnut walking staff I bought in SJPP and walked with all the way to Santiago. Since I knew I couldn't take the whole staff with me on my post-Camino travels, I bought a hacksaw for 5 euro at a variety shop, sawed off the bottom of the staff, and saved the part I held every day. Along with the scallop shell I bought after ending in Finisterre and my credencials, it's the most treasured memento of my walk. (I only hope whoever cleaned my room the next day figured out why I left a hacksaw and half a walnut walking staff behind. Something tells me it's not the first time it happened.)

* An arts and crafts supply store in the U.S. & Canada. Like a bigger Hobbycrafts in the UK. Not sure what the equivalent it is in other places.
** There are several older posts on Compostela sizes on this forum, but the Compostela and Finisterriana I received in June 2022 are standard A4 paper size: 21 x 29.7 cm, or 8.25 by 11.7 in. I believe that's what they've been at least for the past several years. As always, YMMV.

 

[henrythedog]

If it’s not behind UV glass, I’d suggest scanning it, printing a copy and displaying that instead; perhaps with the original behind.

 

[SeñorJacques]

If it’s not behind UV glass, I’d suggest scanning it, printing a copy and displaying that instead; perhaps with the original behind.

Good suggestion! I already made a pristine scanned copy, but I'm not unduly worried about the original fading over time. Sic transit gloria mundi and all that

 

[Rick of Rick and Peg]

Clever idea to cut your walking staff.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Hola (or G'Day from Oz) @SeñorJacques Great idea and well done. I too have both my compostelas framed and hanging on the study wall along side my large scale map of the Camino Frances (1200 mm by 450mm - 4 ft by 15 inches). I also have my two credentials frame - they are great reminders of where I was on a particular day 5 or 7 years ago. Buen Camino to all.

 

[SeñorJacques]

Added my shell to complete the tableau

 

[StuartM]

Good suggestion! I already made a pristine scanned copy, but I'm not unduly worried about the original fading over time. Sic transit gloria mundi and all that

Mine has been on my wall along with my stamped credencial since 2012. Neither have faded that I've noticed. It's just in a cheap frame from Ikea, I can't remember if it's even glass or acrylic.

 

[t2andreo]

Again, this is one of the highly personal decisions. Knowing I would accumulate multiple Compostelas, Distance Certificates and Volunteer service certificates, I found an alternative method for preserving my memories.

While in Santiago, I went to a China Store / Oriental Bazaar and bought one A4 sized ring binder. I also purchased a supply of clear document protector pages, pre-punched to match the ring binder's pattern. If you do not live in the US, this is an easy enough thing to do locally, as we are perhaps the sole country that sticks to our old "letter-sized" and "legal-sized" document conventions.

In any event, I trim the A3 (larger) sized Distance Certificates to A4 size using a paper cutter I have. I do the same with the volunteer thank you certificates. Each certificate goes in its' own clear acetate document sleeve. The resulting "library" of certificates can fit on a bookshelf. I printed a label for the spine that simply says "Tom's Camino Certificates."

This simple and compact approach works for me. It might do for you too.

Tom

 

[SeñorJacques]

This simple and compact approach works for me. It might do for you too.

Another admirable suggestion! Thank you for sharing. I will keep your idea in mind for that happy day when I have multiple Compostelas and other certificates in my collection and not enough wall space to display them all

 

[Ex99125b]

Looks great! Relatedly, can you have your credential stamped only on one side and start a new one when the side is full? This would allow a framing of all stamps accumulated? Not sure of the rules.

 

[Kev&Kath]

Framing was a priority! It’s a fantastic document that should be on view. However, currently thinking that ‘collecting’ Compostelas is not something I want to do…but will get the distance certificate as a record of any future pilgrimage.

 

[LavanyaLea]

Again, this is one of the highly personal decisions. Knowing I would accumulate multiple Compostelas, Distance Certificates and Volunteer service certificates, I found an alternative method for preserving my memories.

While in Santiago, I went to a China Store / Oriental Bazaar and bought one A4 sized ring binder. I also purchased a supply of clear document protector pages, pre-punched to match the ring binder's pattern. If you do not live in the US, this is an easy enough thing to do locally, as we are perhaps the sole country that sticks to our old "letter-sized" and "legal-sized" document conventions.

In any event, I trim the A3 (larger) sized Distance Certificates to A4 size using a paper cutter I have. I do the same with the volunteer thank you certificates. Each certificate goes in its' own clear acetate document sleeve. The resulting "library" of certificates can fit on a bookshelf. I printed a label for the spine that simply says "Tom's Camino Certificates."

This simple and compact approach works for me. It might do for you too.

Tom

I have done exactly as you have! I got a 20 page folder and they do fill up quickly! (It’s for me and Fuji’s caminos).

I have a piece of artwork from Zamo Tamay that I framed and is now sitting proudly in the hallway apparently the glass has 99% UV protection

 

[SeñorJacques]

Framing was a priority! It’s a fantastic document that should be on view. However, currently thinking that ‘collecting’ Compostelas is not something I want to do…but will get the distance certificate as a record of any future pilgrimage.

What a gorgeous display!
And something to think about regarding multiple Compostelas.
I too like the idea of collecting distance certificates instead, but will still likely frame my Finisterriana (Fisterrana?) the next time I make a Michaels run. The certificate itself is quite lovely.

 

[Kev&Kath]

What a gorgeous display!
And something to think about regarding multiple Compostelas.
I too like the idea of collecting distance certificates instead, but will still likely frame my Finisterriana (Fisterrana?) the next time I make a Michaels run. The certificate itself is quite lovely.

Senor Jacques - I'd not previously heard of the Finisterre Certificate...so had a quick look at Google. As you note...it is quite a lovely looking certificate!!

 

[SeñorJacques]

Senor Jacques - I'd not previously heard of the Finisterre Certificate...so had a quick look at Google. As you note...it is quite a lovely looking certificate!!

Yes, I think it's very beautiful! I hadn't planned on making an effort to get one, but I had some time before my bus left for Santiago my last morning there and the process couldn't have been easier. It's done at the tourist office/Punto Informacion off Praza da Constitución. I'm happy to have it.

 

[Saint Mike II]

Looks great! Relatedly, can you have your credential stamped only on one side and start a new one when the side is full? This would allow a framing of all stamps accumulated? Not sure of the rules.

I am not aware of any rules that say you can only have stamps on one side of your credential. Yes it would require a bit of planing and carrying two or even three credentials (especially on the Via De La Plata). Cheers