Beyond my expectations! I framed my Vintage Gen 1 collection on a budget accessible to everyone - Tutorial & Material list included!
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share my recent project: showcasing my vintage Gen 1 collection instead of letting it gather dust in a binder. I’m honestly blown away by the final result and how much it elevates the cards.
This is my childhood collection, including a significant number of 1st Editions (Base set, Jungle and Fossil). Most cards are in Light to Moderate Played condition. The only missing piece is a Fossil Hitmonlee (will get one online), which is why the second frame shows the layout prep rather than the final sealed result for now (last photo).
Like many, my first thought was to fit all 151 cards in a single frame, but that gets expensive very quickly. Instead, I opted for two 70x100 cm frames. This gave me the flexibility to dedicate specific rows to the starters, and I couldn't be happier with the spacing.
Shopping List:
- 2x IKEA RÖDALM Frames (70x100 cm): €30 each. This fits a 9-column x 10-row grid with 5mm gaps between cards and a nice outer margin.
- 2x Black Foam Board (70x100 cm, 5mm thick): ~€15 each. Note: Don't go thinner (too flimsy) or thicker (the frame won't close).
- Scrapbook Glue Roller: ~€10 (get a refill just in case).
- 80cm Ruler: ~€15. Essential for marking the grid and alignment.
- 2x Packs of Perfect Fit Sleeves: ~€5 each.
Total: ~€135
The Process & Tips:
- Prep the Board: Foam board is fragile. Double-check that it fits perfectly inside the frame before you start. I had to trim a few millimeters off the edges to make it sit flush.
- The Sleeves: Use Perfect Fit sleeves (64x89 mm). Standard sleeves allow the card to slide, which will ruin your alignment.
- Layout & Measurements: Do a dry run of your layout first (see last photo). Measure and mark small dots on the foam board for the bottom-left corner of every card position.
- Gluing: Apply two small strips of the glue roller to the back of the sleeved card.
- Alignment: Use your ruler as a horizontal guide against your marks to ensure every row is perfectly straight.
- The Final Stack: Place the frame face down on the floor. Add the plexiglass (remove the outer film). Remove the inner film and immediately place your foam board face down. This presses the cards against the glass, ensuring they stay put over time. Add the inner spacer and the backboard.
With a bit of patience, you can get a professional-looking display for a fraction of the cost of custom framing! It’s easily adaptable for other sets, frame size, or landscape orientations too.
Hope this helps some of you get those cards out of the shadows!