More thank thirty years age, Precious Moments creator, Sam Butcher began drawing the endearing teardrop-eye children he called “Precious Moments” as gifts for his family and friends. Today, his Precious Moments artwork is among the most appreciated and recognized art everywhere, sharing messages of loving, caring, and sharing with collectors from around the world.

Sam, a man of deep personal faith and conviction, demonstrated artistic talent art at an early age and encouraged by his mother. He trailed formal art training following his high school graduation and hi dedication earned him a scholarship to the College of Arts and Crafts in Berkeley.

During the early 1970’s, Sam and his friend Bill Biel started a small company to produce his Precious Moments are on a line of cards and posters calling their company Jonathan and David. They then took their goods to the annual Christian Booksellers Association Convention in Anaheim and their mini booth was filled with enthusiastic retailers wanting to order the new line. The crowd became so large that neighboring vendors cam over to assist the two young men write orders.

Consequently, Sam was approached by Enesco Corporation to develop a three-dimensional figurine based on his artwork called “Love One Another”. Sam was overly overwhelmed when he saw the first porcelain sample that he fell to his knees and wept. It was the start of a phenomenon for both Sam and hi gift industry.

The first twenty-one original Precious Moments figurines were introduced to the market by the end of 1978 and the response to the collections was incredible. People began to write to Sam telling him about how the figurines have touched their lives in a moving and heartfelt way. Demand was overwhelming in less than a year after their introduction. The success of the precious moments figurines was amazing; yet, Sam never lost touch with his original purpose to create art which combined his heartfelt emotions and his abiding faith.

The collection is now well over 1,500 pieces with new introductions offered every year. Members of collectors’ club continue to be found throughout the globe. No other collection has touched as many hearts as precious moments figurines. Precious Moments, Inc. is committed than ever to expanding the success and vision of the precious moments legacy.