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If Walls Could Talk

April 02, 2025

Hello April, and hello to our fourth installment of Around the House, With Artifcts. This month’s focus? Our walls, and all the ‘stuff,’ photos, mementos, art, and more that make their way into our hearts and eventually onto our walls.  

So Many Frames! 

There is no precise figure on how much Americans spend annually to frame their photos and mementos, but the global picture framing market was valued at $9.3 Billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $14.67 Billion by 2031, according to the team at Straits Research. Entire companies, such as Framebridge, Frameology, and Keepsake Frames exist with a singular purpose: to frame your ‘stuff,’ from photos to kid-art to travel mementos. They are hoping to cash in on the custom framing market, once dominated by established brick and mortar chains such as Michaels.  

Adding to the myriad of choices you can now make as to what you’ll frame is the complexity of framing itself. You have dozens of choices and endless combinations including types of wood, mattes, and glass. Do you know the difference between museum glass and conservation glass? It gave our co-founders pause! Conservation glass blocks 99% of UV rays, whereas museum glass does that AND provides less than a 1% light reflection. This can dramatically change the view, so to speak, depending on where you intend to hang your piece. 

So many choices. So much money. That said, we’ve yet to encounter a frame that can tell you the story or history of the object under that optimal museum quality glass. Why is THAT photo in a frame? Better yet, who is that in the photo? And what are they doing? What’s the story behind the ticket stub or hotel room key so lovingly matted and preserved for all to see? Oh, and that’s a cool pennant! What’s it doing in a frame?  

Stories and Frames Go Better Together 

Our co-founders LOVE looking at ‘stuff’ in frames (and they love framing ‘stuff’), but they also love the stories, histories, and memories often captured within those four wood-bound sides and UV protective glass. It should come as no surprise that here at Artifcts, we think stories and frames go better together. 

A couple of years ago Ellen was in a home in New Mexico concierge Artifcting with a bachelor in his late 70s who had a collection of really old documents and currency framed in his stairwell. His passion in sharing the history was captivating and they were top of his list to Artifct. “It’s not like I can get my great nieces and nephews to stand still to learn this history.” 

So how do you ensure that the story, history, or memory that prompted you to invest in a frame in the first place lives on for generations to come? Our co-founders share their favorite tips below to help you get started as you tell the stories that live on your walls, one object at a time! 

 

One of Ellen's favorite moments on her walls. Click to view the Artifct! 
  • Heather has a rule that if it goes into a frame (and on a wall), it must be Artifcted first. Her husband and daughter know the drill, and thanks to the Artifcts, all the stories and memories hanging on their walls (even the ones her daughter is too young to remember on her own!).  
  • Don’t let the perfect story trip you up! Sometimes simply stating a fact, like what the item is and how it came into your life, is a great starting point for an Artifct. You can always add details or favorite memories later.
  • Add an Artifcts  QR code sticker to connect the physical item with the digital Artifct. Heather’s second rule for anything that goes on her walls is that once it’s Artifcted, it’s stickered, ensuring that if anything happens to her or her husband, their children know what’s what (or in the case of framed photos, who’s who!), and why it mattered to them. Bonus! Fill out the 'In the Future’ field in your Artifct, and your family will have a roadmap for what happens next to all your ‘stuff.’
  • Add audio or video to really bring photos, art, and other framed mementos to life! Ellen and Heather are not shy about asking others to record a short audio or video snippet if they gift them a hangable item. Heather’s husband was put on the spot to share his story after gifting her a print from a trip to Chile. That's love! 

 

Got a favorite framed future Artifct hanging around your house? (See what we did there?) Take a moment to Artifct That and share with us at editor@artifcts.com for a chance to be featured in an upcoming edition of our curator’s choice series.  

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Looking for more tips to get started? You might enjoy these ARTIcles as well!

How To Artifct Art

How To Artifct That Photo

Memories At Home Checklist

© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Looking Back with Gratitude, Looking Ahead with Purpose

Dear Artifcts Members, 

As we step into a brand-new year, I want to pause and say thank you. Artifcts exists because of you—your stories, your trust, and your belief that the memories behind our things matter just as much as the things themselves. As we reflect on 2025, I’m filled with gratitude and pride for what we’ve built together. 

This past year was one of meaningful growth and exciting milestones. We partnered with Clutter Cleaner to help families facing downsizing and life transitions preserve what truly matters—the stories and significance behind their belongings. This collaboration reinforced our shared belief that letting go of things doesn’t mean letting go of memories. 

We were also honored to be named one of Family Tree Magazine’s Top Genealogy Tech Websites for the third year in a row. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to supporting families, historians, and everyday memory-keepers with thoughtful, accessible technology. 

In 2025, I also had the opportunity to join the Northern Trust “Secrets of Enterprising Families” podcast, where we talked openly about legacy, loss, and practical estate planning. These conversations are at the heart of why Artifcts exists—to make space for reflection, clarity, and connection across generations. 

On the product side, we reached a major milestone with the launch of ARTIAssist, our first AI-backed feature. ARTIAssist was designed to make creating Artifcts easier and more intuitive, helping members capture historical and factual details behind their most cherished keepsakes. This was a big step forward for us, and we’re just getting started. 

None of this would be possible without your continued support, feedback, and enthusiasm. You inspire us every day. 

Looking ahead to 2026, we’re excited about what’s to come: 

  • Continued refinement of ARTIAssist and other AI-powered tools to help you create new Artifcts with confidence and ease 
  • Virtual workshops designed to help you get the most out of every Artifcts feature 
  • And a growing team, bringing new ideas, energy, and expertise to better serve our community 

Thank you for being part of the Artifcts family and for trusting us with your stories. Here’s to a new year filled with reflection, discovery, and connection—and to preserving what matters most, together. 

With gratitude and warm wishes for the year ahead, 


Co-Founder & CEO, Artifcts 
Happy New Year ✨ 

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Happy 12 Days of Artifcts!

The holidays have a way of stirring up memories—some wrapped in joy, some tucked quietly into the corners of our hearts. This year, Artifcts is celebrating those moments in a way that’s meaningful, creative, and deeply personal with the 12 Days of Artifcts holiday challenge. 

If you’ve been following along on our social channels, you’ve seen how powerful a single object can be when paired with a story. An old photograph. A travel souvenir. A well-loved family quilt. These aren’t just “things.” They’re touchstones to the people, places, and moments that shaped us. 

 

The first four days of our 12 Days of Artifcts challenge. Objects with stories, your stories!

That’s what the 12 Days of Artifcts is all about—and we’d love for you to join in the fun. 

Are You Up for a Challenge? 

We promise, our “challenge,” doesn’t involve Tik Tok or ice buckets, and it’s simple enough to do even if you’ve never done one of those “I-saw-it-on-the-evening-news" challenges before. 

Over 12 days, we share 12 different themes, one per day via our Facebook and Instagram pages. Each theme invites you to choose a meaningful item from your life and Artifct it—capture a photo, add the story behind it, and preserve the memory digitally for yourself and for the people you love. 

By the end of the challenge, you’ll have: 

  • 12 Artifcts
  • 12 memories preserved
  • 12 stories ready to share with family and friends—now or for generations to come 

There’s no right or wrong way to participate. Some people choose deeply sentimental items. Others lean into lighthearted or unexpected objects. Every Artifct tells a story worth saving. 

Every Artifct tells a story worth saving. 

A Theme for Every Kind of Memory and Artifct 

Each day’s theme offers a gentle nudge to look at your life through a new lens. One day might spark a story about family traditions. Another might bring back a personal milestone, a favorite place, or a meaningful relationship. Some themes make you smile instantly; others may surprise you with memories you hadn’t thought about in years. That’s part of the magic. 

You don’t need museum-worthy artifacts. The beauty of Artifcts is that meaning isn’t measured by monetary value—it’s measured by connection. If an item holds a story only you can tell, it belongs here. 

 
 
 
 
Pick a theme that works for you and join in the fun as we count down the 12 Days of Artifcts!

Why Participate? 

Because memories fade—but stories don’t have to. 

The 12 Days of Artifcts is more than a creative challenge. It’s an opportunity to pause during a busy season and reflect. To document the moments that matter. To create something lasting that you can revisit, share, and pass on. 

Many participants tell us that once they start, they can’t stop. One Artifct leads to another. One memory unlocks three more. Before you know it, you’re building a living archive of your life (and your holidays!)—your way. 

Share the Joy 

One of our favorite parts of the challenge is seeing how people share their Artifcts with others. Share yours on social media, tag us, and use #12DaysofArtifcts to be part of the community countdown. Or keep them private, sharing only with family and close friends. However you participateyou’re contributing to something meaningful. 

And don’t worry, this isn’t about perfection. It’s about presence, and preserving lasting memories and stories during the holidays.

It’s Not Too Late to Start 

If you’re reading this and thinking, “I missed a day… or five,” take a deep breath. You’re right on time. 

The 12 Days of Artifcts isn’t a race. Start today. Pick the theme that speaks to you most. Go back and fill in the others when you’re ready. The stories will wait for you. All that matters is beginning. 

As we count down the 12 Days of Artifcts, we invite you to reflect, remember, and create. At the end, you won’t just have a collection of items—you’ll have a collection of stories that only you can tell. 

So choose your first theme. Find your first item. And Artifct that {old photo, handmade ornament, special gift} or other holiday keepsake. From all of us at Artifcts, happy holidays and happy Artifcting! 

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Why an Artifcts Membership Is the #1 Holiday Gift for Grandparents Who Have Everything 

As the holiday season approaches and families search for meaningful, memorable gifts, one option rises above the usual sweaters, gadgets, and gift cards: a gift membership to Artifcts.com. For grandparents, who are often the keepers of stories, traditions, and treasured belongings, Artifcts offers something far more valuable than another item to unwrap. It offers a way to preserve their legacy, share memories, and connect with loved ones in a lasting, joyful way. 

A Modern Solution to a Timeless Desire: Sharing Stories 

Grandparents often have homes filled with objects rich in personal history—photographs, souvenirs, heirlooms, handmade pieces, letters, and charming odds and ends. But the stories behind those items aren’t always written down or passed along. 

Artifcts.com changes that. With an easy-to-use platform, grandparents can upload photos of meaningful items and record the stories, memories, and details behind them. Each “Artifct” becomes a digital keepsake—part story, part history, part heirloom—preserved beautifully for future generations. 

It’s the perfect way to capture moments like: 

  • The origin of Grandpa’s well-worn fishing hat
  • The recipe card with Grandma’s handwritten notes
  • The ornament that’s hung on the tree for 40 years
  • The ticket stub from their first date 

This isn’t just documentation—it’s storytelling. 

A Thoughtful Gift That Builds Connection 

A gift membership to Artifcts isn’t something that sits on a shelf. It’s a shared experience. 

Grandparents can invite family members into their private circle, allowing children and grandchildren to explore the stories behind the items they’ve always been curious about—or never knew existed, sparking conversations across generations, bridging distances, and helping younger family members better understand their roots. 

It’s especially meaningful for: 

  • Families who live far apart
  • Grandparents who want to connect with tech-savvy grandkids
  • Loved ones who want to preserve memories before they fade 

Perfect for Legacy, Estate, and Family Planning 

In addition to emotional value, Artifcts has practical benefits. Grandparents can document: the provenance of their heirlooms; instructions for what should happen to certain items someday with our "In the Future" field; and the significance of objects family members will inherit. With Artifcts you can pass down the stories, meaning, and value along with the actual item.  

This avoids confusion, conflict, or lost historical context later. Family decision-making becomes clearer—and more heartfelt—when the story behind each item is preserved. 

Tech-Friendly for All Ages 

Artifcts was designed to be simple for anyone to use—tech-savvy or not. The platform walks users through the process step-by-step, making it enjoyable and unintimidating. Our Quick Start Guide helps anyone age 16-97 get started right away, while our YouTube Channel offers dozens of short, easy to follow videos that will have you up and Artifcting in no time!

Plus, because it’s digital, grandparents can create and share Artifcts from the comfort of home or even use the mobile app when inspiration strikes. 

A Gift That Lasts Long After the Holidays 

While most holiday gifts are eventually forgotten, Artifcts grows more valuable with time. With every story uploaded, the gift becomes richer, deeper, and more meaningful. 

It's not just a membership—it’s: 

  • A storytelling tool
  • A memory-preservation system
  • A family-connection platform
  • A legacy-building experience 

And it becomes a treasured part of a grandparent’s life year-round. 

The Heart of the Holiday Season 

Ultimately, the best gifts are those that bring people closer together. A gift membership to Artifcts.com celebrates a grandparent’s life, honors their stories, and preserves them for generations to come. It transforms holiday giving into something timeless—ensuring that the memories, laughter, lessons, and love of today remain part of your family’s story forever. 

This holiday season, wrap up something truly meaningful. Give the gift of Artifcts. 

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© 2025 Artifcts, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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