Artistic Memories by Alice provides reproductions of inspirational pencil sketches created by Alice Craig, a talented artist, wife, and mother of seven. Each print comes in several size choices, and you also have the option to have your print matted and/or framed in your choice of colors. The back of each matted print includes a short devotion or story from the artist.

The first print I received (entitled Keep Your Chin Up) encourages women to look to the faith of their childhood and keep their eyes upon the Lord, not on their circumstances. This 8 x 10 print was matted in adorable double pink to fit in an 11 x 14 frame. The first thing I noticed was the intricate detail of the little girl, who is looking up to the Lord as His hand gently holds her chin up. I also immediately noticed the 11 Scripture references sketched in around the action of the print, such as "With God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26) and "Look to the Lord and his strength; keep his face always" (Psalm 105:4). Each Scripture was pertinent to the subject matter, and every time I look at the print, I will remember to look to the Lord.

The second print I received is entitled The Blessing Collection for a Boy. This collection of four small sketches within one sectioned mat is 11 x 14 in size. This print has additional options; you can choose from three variations (Hands, Father's Prayer, or Cup) for one of the prints and have it personalized with your son's name at no additional charge. Again, I noticed how much detail was put into the faces of those in the drawings. The first picture is that of a mother lovingly kissing her son's tiny forehead as she holds him close in her arms. I could almost smell his newborn baby skin myself while looking at the picture. The next is a sketch of the Lord's hand holding a child's hand and a reminder that He will never forget them. The third small sketch is of a toddler receiving help from a parent in drinking from a cup, with a Scriptural reminder to parents that by helping our children, we have done so as unto the Lord. The last beautiful sketch is of a young boy kneeling beside his bed and saying his prayers. To tie all four of these small sketches together, there is a blessing from parent to child at the bottom of the matte that reads, "May the Lord bless you and help you grow to be a godly young man and to love Him with all your heart." This blessing is one I believe all Christian parents would have for their sons. This print reminds me that our sons grow up before we know it, and they need our prayers every step of the way to become what the Lord intends them to be.

These prints would make a wonderful addition to your home or a great gift. I highly recommend them. The sketches alone are amazing, but the added words of Bible truth make them family heirlooms that will encourage your heart for years to come.

Product review by Dawn Huffmaster, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, December 2009

Another review:

In a world that demands high tech, high speed, and high definition, there remains a wonderful richness in a simple beauty that utters truth. This is exactly what can be found in the artwork of Alice Craig. Alice has a large array of graphite pencil drawings that transmit her passion for life and God’s hold on it.

Having personally viewed three of her pieces, consistent beauty and the ability to truly reach out and create an emotional response from the bottom of your heart are definitely present. A Cup of Cold Water is a beautiful portrait of a young boy drinking from a cup held by an outstretched hand. The child’s bangs are hanging loosely across his forehead, and his chubby little fingers are wrapped right around the cup. In the background is the shadow of a cross, while in the foreground are printed these words: “Even to the least of these … you’ve done it unto Me.” (Matthew 25:40) No less significant is the image of unconditional love in Mother and Baby. Dressed in a simple nightgown and her hair pulled loosely back, the young mother in this portrait pulls her newborn close for a kiss. This work of art immediately drew back a flood of memories of doing just what this young mother is doing with each of our children. You can almost smell that newborn baby smell.

Just as poignant and powerful but of a much different message is Mrs. Craig’s work, In His Grip. The main image shared is that of Christ’s arms reaching down from Heaven and rescuing those who may be drowning in a sea of hopelessness and despair. Completely encompassing this portrayal are Scripture verses testifying to God’s faithfulness, love, and steadfastness. It was such a strong image that I could not help but share it with my Creative Ministries class at our local homeschool group. The middle school students were floored by the strength of the message in combining Scripture with art. It really spoke to them about using their own gifts for God’s service.

These pencil drawings, as well as others by Alice Craig, are available in 8.5 x 11 and 11 x 14 dimensions. When ordering, you can request that your prints either be matted or not. Some personalization of certain products is available, as well as a line of notecards with some of these same pencil drawings on them. Mrs. Craig’s work is very reasonably priced. Some of the drawings also have a message from the artist contained in the plastic cover. This message is a testimony to God’s character and the significance of the Scripture in each drawing. These drawings make wonderful baby shower gifts, housewarming presents, or artwork for your own home. For a look at the work of Mrs. Craig visit her website at www.aliceart.net.

Product review by Dawn Oaks, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, April 2010