Today, I'm thrilled to announce Irish American Mom's Online Giftshop is officially open for business. (This giftshop has closed its virtual doors.)
Here, you'll find handpicked and curated Irish and American gifts, perfect for showing appreciation to family and loved ones who may be Irish or Irish at heart.
To celebrate our grand opening I thought I might host a little giveaway for a beautiful Celtic House Blessing by Kevin Dyer.
But before I share the details of how to enter our giveaway, first let me introduce Kevin's magnificent artwork. His Celtic prints and tapestries are available for sale in my giftshop.
Table of Contents
Fantasy Art by Kevin Dyer
Kevin is a self-taught artist who first started painting in the 1970's. He took up printmaking, recognizing the need to create multiples of affordable original artwork in order to make a living.
Honing his skills as a printmaker he created new artwork using relief printing with embossing. Over many years of trials and errors, he developed techniques for creating molds for unique paper cast works of art.
Paper casting is a complicated process. It involves creating a drawing and then sculpting it in wax. A rubber mold is created off the surface of the wax. Finally a paper cast is made in the rubber mold using wet cotton pulp.
Each paper mold or cast is painted by hand, with Kevin creating a wide variety of finishes by mixing colors, washes or pigments.
Kevin recently expanded his designs to offer digital prints of his beautiful images. He also creates woven tapestries based upon his original designs.
I am thrilled to be able to stock these digital prints and tapestries in my giftshop.
Celtic Art
Kevin is a student of ancient art and is particularly interested in Celtic history. Here's how he describes his artistic inspiration:
"There was an original impulse for man to do art in the first place. Images and objects that take us out of our day to day consciousness. A magic icon or at least a feeling that allowed the viewer to step out of the ordinary world of words and survival, and allow a more ancient wisdom to arise. I am looking for that magic."
Kevin's artwork is evidence he has found magic and ancient wisdom. Here's how he describes his feelings of connection with the past.
"When I am working, it never really seems like I am alone. It’s a strange feeling like channeling a human need to create. Voices of the past seem to want to pass along a vision or standard."
His wish is that his images might speak to you to that you can find your own magic. And let me confess, when I first saw Kevin's work displayed at the Dublin, Ohio Irish Festival this summer, I fell in love with his artistry. As I studied the interwoven loops and Celtic patterns and spirals of his designs, I felt a mystical connection to the past.
Thank you, Kevin, for sharing your incredible talent with the world.
The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a framed copy of Kevin Dyer's Celtic House Blessing Digital Art Print.
The winner may choose the background color they like best.
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Sunday September 11th, 2016.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration for your entry why not tell us which of Kevin's pieces, displayed in this post, is your favorite.
One winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced on Sunday September 11th, 2016, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.
Thanks to everyone who supports this little giveaway by leaving a comment, and a big, big thank you to all who share the news of my giftshop opening with family and friends.
Update – Winner Chosen
Good news. Our winner has been chosen using the randomized “Pick Giveaway Winner” WordPress plug-in.
Congratulations to …..
Chuck
I’ll send Chuck a quick e-mail to let him know he is our prize winner.
Thanks to everyone who joined in and entered this little giveaway. I truly appreciate your kind words of encouragement and appreciation for Kevin Dyer's beautiful artwork.
Irish Inspired Gifts
If you like to give and receive Irish gifts here are some other ramblings you might be interested in exploring...
Thanks for following my recipes and ramblings.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
If you enjoyed this collection of blessings and sayings from Ireland, here are some more you may enjoy....
Irish Wisdom and Sayings About Horses
John McKenney
I love Celtic Artwork. Very nice pieces you showed us. The Celtic Tree of Life is a favorite!
Irish American Mom
I love the Celtic Tree of Life too There's such detail in every aspect of the design.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
MArsha Kelly
Inspirational and beautiful house blessings art print.
Irish American Mom
🙂 🙂 🙂
Sharon
Beautiful design. Would love to have it in my entry. Best of luck to everyone
Irish American Mom
Hi Sharon - This Celtic House Blessing is just perfect for an entry or hallway. I love it.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Patricia
Hooray! The gift shop is open! I can't wait to see what is "inside." If Kevin's work is indicative of the types of things you will be carrying, it will be a great success! Beautiful, Celtic and unique work, Kevin!
Irish American Mom
Thanks so much, Patricia. Kevin's work is spectacular and I feel honored to be able to stock it in my giftshop.
All the best,
Mairéad
Bill Jennings
Beautiful artwork. I was friends with a lady here in Florida who was a retired nun. Her great grandfather was whom Croke Park was named after. She had a similar one on her wall that I loved, you have probably seen it before, it is the one about making those who do not love you limp, so you can tell them apart from those that don't love you. She was great lady who overcame a youthful malady, when doctors told her she would be bed ridden her whole life. That was when we was about 20 something. She proved them wrong by walking, taking her vows as a nun, and doing Gods work for many years. I met her when I was teaching senior citizens computers. We became friends until she died in late 2013. She was revered by some Japanese students who told her of their knowledge of her brother who died on his was to bomb Osaka in WWII. They made a documentary about this plane getting shot down. They came to see her here in Florida and she asked me to please be there with her when they came. Obviously I was very honored to attend the meeting with her. If you are interested I can fill you in on this amazing tale. Bill Jennings
Irish American Mom
Hi Bill - Thank you for sharing this amazing story of your friend in Florida. I would love to learn more about her. If you ever wish to contact me just sen me an e-mail to mom@irishamericanmom.com
Best wishes, and thanks for sharing this story of courage, determination and friendship.
Mairéad
Jo
I'm excited you're opening a store!
...and these artworks are beauties. Best of luck to you!
Irish American Mom
Glad you like this artwork, Jo.
Take care,
Mairéad
☘☘☘
Veronica Vatter
Congratulations
Irish American Mom
Thanks so much,
Mairéad
☘☘☘
Amy Mitchell
I love the green matted house blessing!
Irish American Mom
Hi Amy - It amazes me how different the house blessings look depending on the color of the matt.
Thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad
☘☘☘
Kathleen Gildea
Beautiful! The Celtic House Blessing is my favorite. Much success with your Giftshop!
Irish American Mom
Thanks for your support Kathleen.
Mairéad
☘☘☘
Judi
Love the Wild Irish Rose!
Irish American Mom
Wonderful choice.
Mairéad
☘☘☘
Andrea Graves
They're all beautiful! But I especially love the house blessing. Congratulations on your opening! Would love to come shop!
Irish American Mom
Thanks so much, Andrea. I truly appreciate everyone's support.
Take care,
Mairéad
Barbara Quinlan
I love your blog. Shared this post on my FB page for others to hear of your new venture. Go n'éirí an t'adh leat. B
Irish American Mom
Go raibh míle maith agat.
Mairéad
☘☘☘
Mary Jane George
Best of luck with your new venture and thank you for a chance at the giveaway.
Sarah Wirth
I'm so excited for your store! I can feel my bank account draining already. 😉 Personally, the green background with the house blessing is just gorgeous, but all of the work is lovely.
Michele low
These prints are absolutely gorgeous!
Jen
Beautiful! Congrats on the new venture!
Jessica Proctor
Beautiful Celtic artwork!
Pat Fordyce
Congrats on your shop opening! The artwork is beautiful! I have a feeling I'll be a regular customer! 🍀
Pat Delaney
All the prints are beautiful. Items in your gift shop are very unique. I will check back.
Catherine Farrell
I'm always looking for unique Irish gifts. These are lovely! I especially love the Tree of Life. Best of luck with your shop!
Ema W
The tree of life is beautiful
Ann Docherty
Beautiful works of art! What a perfect housewarming gift this would be for my sister!
Deb Harris
This Celtic artwork is just gorgeous! I love the house blessing with green matting but the Wild Irish Rose is beautiful too. My mother was born in Ireland & came over to Boston with her sisters when she was about 19. I've always been interested in all things Irish & proud of being half Irish. Thank you for a great giveaway & looking forward to looking for gifts from your shop.
Dave Carlson
Congratulations on your online store!!!
Kevin's Celtic Artwork is absolutely stunning! Will you be selling this in your store?
Irish American Mom
Yes, Kevin. All of the art pieces I featured in this blog post are available in my store. There's a link below each image to take you to the store.
Thanks so much for stopping by.
Mairéad
Eileen Buzzell
What truly beautiful artwork he has created! My favorite is the Celtic Tree of Life! Can't wait to take a look at your gift shop for the holidays!
Colleen Farrell Vines
The Celtic Tree of Life is just beautiful.. *sigh* Looking forward to seeing all you offer in your new store! Best of luck & blessings to you!
Carol Brady
Love the House Blessing . . . and the Wild Irish Rose! I am loving your shop! Best wishes for much success.
Barbara Alldis
Another giveaway. You must take the prize for the most giveaways on a blog. Thanks again. Can't wait to check out your shop. Thanks Mairead.
Diana verbeck
Stunning!
Deborah
So excited about your gift shop! I wish you every success!
Mr. Dyer's work is beautiful and I can't wait to peruse all the other treasures you have in your shop.
Sue R
Beautiful pieces! Good luck with your shop!
Loretta Speedling
Ireland is calling my name!
Barb
I honestly like all the prints, but the giveaway print is my favorite! So excited to shop your new store!
Mary Anne Weninger
All of Kevin's artwork is beautiful. The one that touched me though is Wild Irish Rose. When I was a child my Irish-American family would have sing-a-longs and one of my favorite was My Wild Irish Rose.
"My wild Irish Rose, the sweetest flower that grows.
You may search everywhere, but none can compare with my wild Irish Rose.
My wild Irish Rose, the dearest flower that grows,
And some day for my sake, she may let me take the bloom from my wild Irish Rose."
Looking forward to seeing aslk the wonderful items in your shop.
Mary Sullivan
Best of luck with your new shop, Mairead. After looking at all that you have in there I know you will be very successful. The products are beautiful. The artwork is outstanding. ANy one of them could grace my wall. I couldn't stop looking at them and tracing the lines. They are gorgeous. You picked a wonderful artist to show case.
Chuck
Congratulations on the opening of your gift shop! The art work is beautiful. I really like the Wild Irish Rose....beautiful and colorful, but I find the Irish Tree of Life quite intriguing. Best wishes for your success.
Sheila mcteague
Beautiful artwork. I love the tree of life and the dragon for sure. All tell the stories I tell of that dragon the protector.
Good luck with your store. I believe it will be a success.
Martha
I especially like the Chess set. Best wishes with your online store. It is well set out and
should do very well - congratulations.
Martha.
Clodagh O'Rourke-Dunn
Kevin's work is stunning! I particularly like the Wild Irish Rose, and the Celtic Tree of Life. Good Luck with your new store!
Best Wishes, Clodagh
Pat Varey
A thousand best wishes for your online store. My favourite is the Wild Irish Rose, recollecting the Rose of Tralee festival near my anxestral homelands
Sharry McCann
I'm a big fan of your site and your recipes and looking forward to seeing everything in your store. Love the artwork, especially the Wild Irish Rose.
Terry Duggan-jahns
Beautiful! Best of luck on your new Irish Adventure!
Mary Frances
I really love the House Blessing. and the Tree of Life is so beautiful.
Good luck with your store.
Therese Ladell
What beautiful work! I will have to check out your shop!
Sally Coyne Pap
Beautiful and unique Celtic Artwork ! I especially love the house blessing. Wishing you all the best with your new venture!
Janine Corbets
Kevin Dyer's artwork is spectacular! I love the blessing and the Wild Irish Rose, but the others are just as nice! Congratulations on the opening of your store!
Janine
Deborah Dannahe
I love the House Blessing and the Tree of Life!
Kimberly S
Beautiful!! I would love to win this!!
Susan Nason
What beautiful work!! The craftsmanship and the colors are beguiling.
Amanda lyons
Best wishes with your new business . I love Kevin's tree of life print.