GraceLaced is a company dedicated to providing inspiration through beautiful artwork. Ruth Chou Simons is the artist behind these creations. Ruth is a mother, a speaker, and the owner of GraceLaced. Her mission is, to quote: “share her journey and how God’s grace intersects daily life, here at GraceLaced.” Her online art shop includes full color prints in a variety of sizes, as well as fine art giclees. GraceLaced also offers journals, note card sets, calendars decorated in Ruth’s artwork, in addition to personalized options. A majority of her work pairs vivid watercolors with hand-painted calligraphy. The lettering depicts Bible verses and inspirational sayings. Her artistic style is both detailed and whimsical, pairing beauty with meaning.

I was given the opportunity to review three different paintings from GraceLaced. Two of them were prints, sized eight inches by ten inches. The third was a fine art giclee, sized eleven inches by fourteen inches. Each picture came well packaged and protected from damage during transport. Included in the packaging is the print or giclee, along with a cardboard or foamboard backing. All of them come with a personal note from Ruth Chou Simons, a business card from GraceLaced, and a certificate of authenticity for the giclee.

Herein follows the summary and description of the artwork I received:

(1) Print: “Room at the Table” – A Bible verse from Revelation 3:20 stating “There is always room at the table for you.” The verse was written in hand-lettered calligraphy on the background of a sky-blue door, surrounded by a frame of red flowers and green stems. I plan to use it on our dining room table as a gesture of welcome and hospitality.

(2) Print: “Trust the Creator” - A quote from Ralph Waldo Emerson, encouraging the viewer to trust the Creator for what is seen and not seen. This lettering is written on the backdrop of a watercolor mountain range, overlooking a serene lake bordered by trees. I framed this print and hung it on our living room wall.

(3) Giclee: “Dogwoods {Remembering the Cross} Fine Art Giclee Print – This particular giclee held special significance to the artist, for the following reason, quote:

“Dogwoods are a part of the GraceLaced logo because of their beauty and the significance they represent in floral meanings. They are known to represent the crucifixion of Christ, and thus, the bounty of Grace purchased for us through his blood.”

The giclee I received depicted two snow white dogwood blossoms on a dark wood colored background, serving as a beautiful floral display as well as a subtle reminder. This painting could be framed and hung as stand-alone décor. A giclee (pronounced “Zhe-clay”) is the next best thing to an original canvas. The difference between a giclee and a normal print is found in the use of pigments instead of inks, as well as the quality of the substrate on which the art is reproduced. This process ensures much greater longevity in the reproduction, which explains the higher cost for a fine art giclee versus a normal print.

Regarding the cost and extra items needed for setup: If you wish to hang the artwork, you must purchase the frame, backing, and hanging materials separately. The 8x10 prints start at $16.00 – the price is raised based on the increase of size ordered. Fine art giclees begin at $40.00 – again based on size ordered.

This product would be best intended for Christian households seeking beautifully decorated artwork with a valuable message. The art can serve as a discussion piece, a tool for memorizing Scripture, or simply as refreshingly wholesome and cheerful décor for the home. GraceLaced does have a well-rounded selection of products and options for different artistic tastes.

I would recommend this product as well-crafted and aesthetically appealing to the viewer. I would not hesitate to return to GraceLaced for additional décor, and I would be greatly satisfied in providing business to a worthy enterprise. Ruth Chou Simons and her assistants have built a solid business with an original and high quality product. Coupled with the ease of using their lovely website and ordering online with email support, it is evident that their business model reflects their artwork: meticulous detail matched with charming beauty.

-Product review by Hannah Schnetz, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, March, 2017