A structure for mounting electronic devices. The structure uses a non-conductive, compliant spacer interposed between an underlying carrier and an overlying thin film. The spacer includes a pattern of through-vias which matches opposing interconnects on opposing surfaces of the carrier and the thin film. In this way, solder connections can extend in the through-vias to electrically connect the thin film to the carrier and smooth out topography. In a related process for forming the structure, the thin film is built on a first sacrificial carrier and then further processed on a second sacrificial carrier to keep it from distorting, expanding, or otherwise suffering adversely during its processing. The solder connections between the thin film and the carrier are formed using a closed solder joining process. The spacer is used with laminate cards to create thermal stress release structures on portions of the cards carrying a thin film.