As an avid postcrosser since 2016, I\u2019ve been lucky enough to receive over 800 postcards from around the world. There\u2019s something magical about finding a new postcard in the mailbox from a stranger in a faraway place. The Global Postcrossing community has connected me with fellow enthusiasts who share this joy of surprise mail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
While active Postcrossing grows your collection quickly, it also presents the challenge of how to store and display these treasured postcards. Through trial and error with various methods over the years, I\u2019ve discovered some creative solutions for organizing, cataloging, and showcasing my postcard collection. In this post, I\u2019ll share everything I\u2019ve learned as a seasoned postcrosser.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As your collection expands, organization becomes key to keeping track of all your postcards. Here are some approaches I\u2019ve used to tame the chaos:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sorting postcards by the country or city they were mailed from is a straightforward system. I use divider cards labeled with location names to separate these sections in storage boxes. This makes it easy to quickly find a postcard from a certain place.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I also categorize postcards by sender usernames. This allows me to easily pull out all the cards I\u2019ve received from a frequent postcrossing pal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some postcrossers opt to sort cards into thematic collections like Beaches<\/em>, Sunsets<\/em>, or Vintage Cars<\/em>. This takes more work upfront but makes it simple to pull out postcards to match a decorative theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For display purposes, sorting by size can be useful. Group postcards into categories like Regular<\/em>, Oversized<\/em>, Panoramic<\/em>, etc. This streamlines selecting appropriately sized cards for framed arrangements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I highly recommend creating a digital catalog of your postcards to help keep things organized. An Excel spreadsheet allows tracking key details like sender name, date received, country, notes, and themes. This provides an easy reference point for your collection details.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Carefully storing your postcard collection protects it from damage over time. Here are some DIY storage ideas I\u2019ve used successfully:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Collecting albums designed for postcards allow you to neatly archive your collection in an organized fashion. Look for albums with acid-free pages to prevent deterioration. I love the American Crafts Postbound Albums \u2013 the binder format makes it easy to rearrange pages or add new ones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a more decorative storage option, collectible tins or memory boxes can safely contain your postcard trove. Look for acid-free tissue paper to wrap delicate vintage postcards. I\u2019ve found this set of hinged boxes<\/a> perfect for separating my collection into categories or themes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n With some binder rings, construction paper, and glue, you can create custom postcard binders. Use the binder rings to attach and reorder pages as needed to accommodate new acquisitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Framing your favorite postcards, or arranging several in a collage frame, transforms them into art for your walls. Make sure to use acid-free backing and UV filtered glass to prevent fading.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A carefully curated postcard display turns your mail treasures into d\u00e9cor. Here are some innovative ideas I\u2019ve used to showcase my collection in style:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Covering a wall or bulletin board with postcards creates a visually striking statement piece. Use map pins or mounting putty to affix cards, rotating them out periodically for a changing exhibit. Postcard walls work especially well highlighting cards from a specific country or matching a color theme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Suspending postcards from strings or wire with mini clothespins transforms them into airy mobiles. Paint clothespins to match your color scheme. Add dangling beads, feathers, or ribbons for a whimsical accent. Hang over a desk or bookcase so the postcards twist gracefully in the breeze.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Mini easels are perfect for highlighting individual postcards on shelves, side tables, or windowsills. These small stands prop up postcards elegantly. Search for acrylic easels which are nearly invisible, keeping the focus on your postcard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the holidays, attach beloved postcards to a small artificial tree with ornament hooks. Choose a tabletop size tree and select small postcards that won\u2019t overwhelm delicate branches. Arrange them to highlight beautiful winter holiday scenes from around the world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Craft a nostalgic advent calendar using twenty-four postcards glued to the front of a cardboard box or stacked art block. Affix number stickers to the bottom corner of corresponding date cards. Place a gift, ornament, or chocolate behind each postcard door for a delightfully different holiday countdown.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A digital catalog provides vital searchable access to your postcard collection details. Here are some of my top software recommendations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Excel offers customizable spreadsheets perfect for postcard collection databases. Create columns for key details about each postcard like date, sender, location, description, and themes. Powerful sorting and filtering tools make it easy to analyze your collection. Charts and pivot tables offer insights on postcard statistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For cloud-based convenience, Google Sheets provides free online spreadsheets accessible from any device. Build your postcard catalog using the same column fields as Excel. Share view-only access to your sheets catalog with other postcard collectors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This user-friendly app creates mobile-ready databases for postcard collections. Scanning a QR code adds each postcard to the database with photos. Sort, tag and filter your collection with ease. Sync across devices via iCloud or Dropbox. Use offline for postcard cataloging anywhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Designed for collectors, this cataloging software has handy Postcards templates ready for custom fields. Barcode scanning captures card details fast. Online backup sync keeps your database up-to-date across all devices. Print neat inventory reports showcasing your postcards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Made specifically for postcrossers, this iOS app offers tools for organizing, tagging, rating, and searching your postcard collection. The map view displays pins where each postcard was mailed from. Digital notes record details and impressions about each card. Integrates with Postcrossing to track cards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The joy of Postcrossing comes from sharing postcards with others who appreciate the magic of surprise mail. Postcrossers have many ways to engage this global community online:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Active Postcrossing groups on Facebook and Instagram allow members to share their latest card arrivals and make post pals. Seek out local Postcrossing groups to potentially arrange in-person meetups and exchanges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The forum on Postcrossing.com connects members around specific discussion topics like postcard storage, displaying cards, and mailing tips. Experienced postcrossers offer advice to new members. Arrange private 1:1 exchanges via the forum PM system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An online journal of your postcrossing adventures lets you showcase favorite cards received. Link to your blog from your Postcrossing profile so others can follow along on your mailbox surprises. Discover new member blogs to admire their postcard shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Arranging postcard swaps with other postcrossers expands your collection with cards tailored to your interests. Swaps work well around topics like cuisine postcards, UNESCO sites, botanical illustrations, or pet photos.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Now that you know my top tips for organizing, storing, and displaying growing postcard collections, I hope you feel inspired to start your own Postcrossing adventures. This incredible global community has brought me much joy, new friendships, and over 800 treasured postcards (and counting!). However you choose to store and showcase your beloved mail, the connections made with fellow postcrossers around the world are the real prize.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" As an avid postcrosser since 2016, I\u2019ve been lucky enough to receive over 800 postcards from around the world. There\u2019s something magical about finding a new postcard in the mailbox from a stranger in a faraway place. The Global Postcrossing community has connected me with fellow enthusiasts who share this joy of surprise mail. While… Read More »Collecting and Displaying Postcards: A Postcrosser’s Guide to Showcasing Treasured Mail<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":189,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"neve_meta_sidebar":"","neve_meta_container":"","neve_meta_enable_content_width":"","neve_meta_content_width":0,"neve_meta_title_alignment":"","neve_meta_author_avatar":"","neve_post_elements_order":"","neve_meta_disable_header":"","neve_meta_disable_footer":"","neve_meta_disable_title":"","neve_meta_reading_time":"","_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"_ti_tpc_template_sync":false,"_ti_tpc_template_id":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[23],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/wtere.teganreilly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/181"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/wtere.teganreilly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/wtere.teganreilly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wtere.teganreilly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wtere.teganreilly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=181"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/wtere.teganreilly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/181\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":204,"href":"https:\/\/wtere.teganreilly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/181\/revisions\/204"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wtere.teganreilly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/189"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/wtere.teganreilly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=181"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wtere.teganreilly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=181"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/wtere.teganreilly.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=181"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}Size Sorting<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Digital Postcard Catalog<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
DIY Postcard Storage Solutions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Postcard Albums<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Decorative Boxes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
DIY Postcard Binders<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Framed Displays<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Creative Ways to Showcase Your Collection<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Postcard Walls<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Postcard Mobiles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Display Easels<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Postcard Christmas Tree<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Postcard Advent Calendar<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Digital Tools for Postcard Cataloging<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Microsoft Excel<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Google Sheets<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
TapForms Database App<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Collectorz.com Software<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Postcard Manager App<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Connecting with the Postcrossing Community<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Social Media<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Postcrossing Forum<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Postcard Blogs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Postcard Swaps<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n\n\n\n