How can I mount/display post cards?

[Michael Weatherhead]

This might sound like I need to get a life. But I am interested in the Scottish military regiments, and have a collection of regimental post cards. I want to mount these into a big frame, behind glass. But, how do I mount them? I don't want to use tape, glue etc. I also want to have extra space, for when I order more. I thought about using some thin wood, making little "rails" inside my frame, where I could slide the post cards in. I don't know, though. They look great, I want to show them off. Help.

[Michael Weatherhead]

I thought about using those plastic notebook sleeve holders, but I really don't want to use those. They waste too much space, the post cards don't sit right up next to each other, in the plastic sleeves.

[Tarheel]

You will need a classic "shadow box" design. There must be room between the cards and the glass so moisture will not damage the cards. The cards can sit on a ledge of thin wood, but I would secure a line of the cards (interior side of frame to other side) with clear fishing line to keep them erect and away from the glass. A spacer between cards will not be needed with the fishing line. A border of matte material behind the glass (and as a substitute to the wood slats) will also help with the air gap if a deeper frame can not be found.

I made a shadow box for some lighters that may or may not give you an idea.

[Dughlas mor]

You might consider the old fashioned photo corners, as in your Grandma`s old photo album. They are widely available on the web, and in acid free versions. If your postcards have an old timey look to them, they might work. As Tarheel says, best to have space between the glass and the artwork.

[Lady Grey]

Visit your local Scrapbooking shop or group and ask their advice. They will have access to all the necessary information and tools to preserve your collection for future generations. They don't just play with pretty paper and should have some good ideas for your display and how to safely mount the cards.

[Michael Weatherhead]

Stupid me...I was at Hobby Lobby today, and didn't even think about asking them what they had. (I live two hours from Tucson, where Hobby Lobby is) We have a wedding coming up, my wife was looking for a few things for it. I've thought about the photo corners, or even cutting diagonal slits in some backing paper, to poke the corners into. Time-consuming, though. Also considered a shadow-box type thing. Just wasn't sure how to go about that. Next, I'd like to collect cap badges, from Highland regiments. Even if they're reproductions, I think they'd look good with my cards. I'll line my cards up on a table, show you all a photo.

[Michael Weatherhead]

Here is my collection, so far. Some are post cards, others are cigarette cards. I know they're not worth much, monetarily. I just like the look of them, and enjoy learning about the various regimental histories. I would like to find more of the Scottish clan post cards, by the artist named MacIan. He did illustrations of various clansmen, dressed in their respective tartans. I was lucky that I ended up with two of them, in a group of military post cards that I ordered. I would like to find more. When I build my framed display, I plan to build it large enough, to accommodate more cards, in the future. Anyway, hope you enjoy it.

[Michael Weatherhead]

By the way, your shadow box is great.. I enjoy building things like that, in my shop. Thanks for the advice, and cool photo.