How to Frame a 5x7 Greeting Card: Turn Art Into a Keepsake
A guide from Will Davis Studios
Greeting cards are often too beautiful to tuck away in a drawer. Whether it's a hand-painted watercolor card, a stunning photographic print, or a piece of original illustration, a 5x7 card deserves to be displayed. Framing is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to transform a greeting card into lasting wall art — and it's simpler than you might think.
Why Frame a Greeting Card?
At Will Davis Studios, we put genuine care into the design of every card we create. The artwork doesn't stop being meaningful once the envelope is opened. Framing preserves the piece, protects it from handling and fading, and gives it a permanent home in your space. It's also a wonderful way to honor a card given by someone special.
What You'll Need
Before you start, gather a few basic supplies: a 5x7 frame (or larger, if you plan to mat the card), a mat board cut to fit (optional but recommended), a piece of acid-free backing board, and clean cotton gloves to avoid fingerprints on the artwork.
Step 1: Choose the Right Frame
You have two main paths here. The first is a standard 5x7 frame, which fits the card exactly with no mat — clean and minimal, great for modern interiors. The second is a larger frame with a mat, such as an 8x10 or 8x6 frame with a mat cut to a 5x7 opening. The mat adds breathing room around the artwork, draws the eye to the image, and gives the whole piece a gallery-quality feel. We almost always recommend the matted approach for greeting card art.
When choosing a frame style, consider the mood of the card. A rustic wood frame suits botanical or watercolor designs beautifully, while a thin black or gold metal frame works well for bold graphic prints and photography.
Step 2: Use Acid-Free Materials
This matters more than people realize. Standard cardboard backings and ordinary paper mats contain acids that will yellow and damage your card over time. Look for frames that include an acid-free backing, and if you're cutting your own mat, use acid-free mat board. For cards you truly want to preserve long-term, you can also look into UV-protective glazing (glass or acrylic) to prevent fading from sunlight.
Step 3: Position the Card
Open your frame and lay it face-down on a clean, flat surface. Remove the backing. If you're using a mat, place it face-down first, then lay the card face-down centered in the mat opening. You can use small pieces of archival tape or photo corners to hold the card lightly in place without damaging it — avoid regular tape, which can tear or stain the card over time. Place the backing board behind everything, secure the frame's tabs or clips, and flip it over to check the positioning.
Step 4: Hang or Display
Most 5x7 frames are lightweight and easy to hang with a small nail or adhesive strip. They also look great propped on a shelf, mantle, or desk with a small easel back — many frames include this built in. Consider grouping several framed cards together into a gallery wall for a collected, personal feel.
A Few Extra Tips
If the card has a handwritten message on the back, don't cover it up! You can simply display the card as-is on a desk so both sides are accessible, or frame it with the message side visible if that's where the heart of it lives.
Also, don't stress about perfection. Framing a greeting card is meant to be low-stakes and joyful. Even a simple dollar-store frame can make a beautiful card look intentional and special.
Ready to Find Something Worth Framing?
Browse the card collection at Will Davis Studios — each design is made with the kind of care that deserves more than a junk drawer. Whether you're buying for yourself or gifting to someone who appreciates art, our cards are made to last.
Have questions or want framing advice tailored to a specific card? Reach out — we're always happy to help.
