Today I am delighted to introduce you to an amazing Irish American silversmith and jewelry maker from Texas, Eileen Ryan-Rojas.
She has created a beautiful pendant, combining a mystical Labradorite stone with a powerful Celtic Triskelion symbol for one lucky reader to win. Magnificent on both the front AND the back, this blue and gold pendant shimmers in both the sunlight and in the dark.
Eileen has graciously crafted this spectacular piece for our little giveaway here on Irish American Mom. But before I share the details on how to enter, first let me tell you a little bit about Eileen and her deep rooted, spiritual connection to Ireland.
Table of Contents
Introducing Eileen Ryan-Rojas
In 1985, when Eileen Ryan-Rojas of Be A MaGiK LaMP Jewelry visited her great grandfather's run down blacksmith forge in tiny Bodyke, Co. Clare, she knew some day she'd allow herself the indulgence of melting and creating with metal.
The granddaughter of Irish immigrants, Eileen was born to a large Irish Catholic family and raised in the hamlet of Hohokus, NJ.
Of her upbringing, she says she never knew how incredibly "Irish" her life was until she married a Costa Rican, the contrast in cultures being so vast, yet "wildly entertaining," she admits with a wry smile.
She considers her biggest accomplishments being married for thirty-one years and raising two children who have become the people she most admires in this world.
"The Irish culture runs through my veins.
We named our first child Erin for a reason," she says.
When Riverdance was all the rage in the 1990's, the two began Irish dance lessons together while living in Seattle. Erin succeeded in dance competitions - or feis - and Eileen ended up teaching the adult class for her too-busy teacher.
"I only wanted the immersion in my cultural roots and some exercise. I never expected to be good at it!"
Fast forward thirty years and after a battle with breast cancer, Ryan-Rojas decided she could no longer put it off. In early 2015 she launched Be A MaGiK LaMP from her new home outside of Austin, Texas.
Creating Irish Inspired Jewelry
Her first successful designs were inspired by the Prayer of St. Francis in honor of her father, who is suffering from Alzheimer's. She sings this song to him on her weekly visits and while he may not be able to communicate with words, his facial expressions soften.
When making one item in particular - a bracelet for those facing breast cancer - Eileen finds herself praying for the recipient.
"I know the terror of being diagnosed, and I know the comfort of prayer," she says.
Dealing with the stress of elderly parents and having a son who is a U.S. Marine, Eileen relishes the escape her creative time affords.
"I lose myself at my workbench," and that is exactly what she loves most about being a jewelry artisan. If she is making a custom order at her bench, she gets her inspiration from what she knows about the intended wearer.
"I learn so much about the person buying a piece. While jewelry is supposed to be pretty, there needs to be more to it. I am so honored to play a small part in someone else's world - whether it is through a quote from Star War's Yoda inside a popular ring, use of a stone with healing properties, a set of custom wedding rings, or a bracelet with an inscription honoring a grandfather, I am thrilled to know that what I am making will have meaning for someone else. I don't think an artist could ask for more."
Eileen believes her jewelry is most beautiful when worn, complimenting and reflecting the inner light of the wearer.
"We Irish are uniquely spiritual people, being descended from the Celts. This flows through everything I create. I don't know how to make something without involving my spirit."
She hopes that comes through when her jewelry is put on for the first time, and every time after that.
The name Be A MaGiK LaMP is a tribute to the beloved pets she has shared her life with, each capital letter being the first initial for a pet's name. Every pet has been a rescue and Eileen is also passionate about animal welfare.
But there's more: the name Be A MaGiK LaMP is also a call to action, "encouraging each of us to shine our God-given inner light". Whether helping other humans or animals,
"I believe that's why God put us here - to shine like magic genie lamps, and to love, helping where we can."
"It may have taken 52 years, but my life is becoming more integrated. With Be A MaGiK LaMP it feels like my art, my Irish roots, and my spirit are whole."
This sturdy, beautiful confidence and completeness are what she hopes to pass on with each piece of jewelry that leaves her workshop.
If you like Eileen's work why not follow her on social media where she shares her beautiful work.
Here are all the links you need.
The Prize
Powerful beauty on both sides! Make a statement in this stunning flashy blue Labradorite and Triskelion Pendant Necklace (value $160.00), artisan crafted by Eileen Ryan-Rojas of Be A MaGiK LaMP Jewelry.
An all-handmade bezel setting features a triskelion on the back, maximizing the shimmer of the Labradorite's gold and blue hues. The 1-¾" long pendant hangs on a 20" sterling silver chain.
Triskelion: The ancient Celtic triskele has many complex meanings, with some representations including life-death-rebirth, spirit-mind-body, mother-father-child, past-present-future. It is also thought to represent the three Celtic worlds: the spiritual, the present physical, and the celestial worlds.
Labradorite: also known as Spectrolite, evokes the Aurora Borealis and is considered by mystics to be a stone of transformation, balance, and general protection. It is said to bring out the best of the person wearing it.
The Giveaway
One lucky winner will win this stunning pendant.
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Wednesday, October 11th, 2017.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if you like Celtic style jewelery.
A 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 Wednesday, October 11th 2017, 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.
A big thank you to Eileen for crafting this lovely piece of jewelry especially for one of you to win. It's lovely to know Eileen continues her grandfather's metal working legacy. Her craft is truly in her blood.
And thanks to all who join in the fun and support this Irish American Mom giveaway. Please feel free to share this post and let friends and family know they could be in with a chance to win this lovely prize.
Winner Chosen
A winner has been randomly chosen using the Pick Giveaway Winner Plugin for WordPress. The proud new owner of this beautiful Celtic pendant will be …..
Cheryl Barker
I'll send Cheryl an email to let her know the good news. Many thanks to all who entered this giveaway and checked out Eileen's beautiful work on her website. I really enjoyed reading everyone's comments. Thank you for your support and kind words. And many thanks to Eileen for sharing her gifts with us here. Wishing her many years of happiness as she creates beautiful pieces for others to cherish.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
P.S. I do not have a business relationship with Be A MaGiK Lamp. I love to publish posts to promote Irish and Irish American businesses. Many thanks to Eileen for her generosity in sponsoring this prize, and for giving me permission to publish her lovely photographs.
If you enjoyed this post here are some other stories and tributes you might enjoy.
Eulogy For An Irish American Mother
Between The Jigs And The Reels
Monica
So beautiful. Looks like a piece I have always wanted.
Janet Oliver
This is beautiful work from Eileen. I was fortunate to visit Ireland a few years ago and loved the country. My best wishes to the lucky winner. This looks like a beautiful piece of jewelry made by a special person. You are so fortunate to have your parents no matter the medical problems. And I loved the story of your adopted pets. We have always adopted our dogs; currently we have two. And they are our life and bring so much joy to our lives. Thank you for sharing your story. Blessings.
Lisa Anne
So beautiful! 💙
Carla Moser
Beautiful work by Eileen!
Anna Maria O' Connor
Eileen has captured the true essence of Celtic art. From knots to swirls all tell a story of Family, Love, Loyalty and Friendship. Eileen is keeping this art alive for out children and grandchildren. Keeping History alive from 2000BC with her beautiful jewelry. Wishing Eileen continued health to continue making her wonderful creations. From a fellow survivor.
ANITA Gambrell
Celtic jewelry is most intriguing. I love the designs and meaning.
Melanie Miller
Gorgeous! The blues of the sea and sky. The green, brown, and yellows of the land. This pendant is Ireland.
Maury
What an honor it would be to have something made by Eileen!
Donna
A truly lovely work of art. I lost my Mom to alzheimer's a year ago Oct. 3. Such a long sad goodbye. My heart goes out to and my prayers are with you Eileen.
Linda
This is beautiful!! Love your talent.
Catherine Lyons
An inspiring story and what lovely jewelry.
Elizabeth Wood
Eileen channels incredible magic with her work and with her life. How truly special. She is tuned to creativity as the divine manifesting through us, and very in tune with her Celtic roots. Thank you for introducing her to us via your blog.
Sharon Clark
The pieces are breathtaking, it would truly be an honor to have one of her creations
Lois casto
Beautiful piece of Irish! Would be honored to wear this ,God Bless
Amy Mitchell
What a lovely pendant.
Christi Caughey
She is a person is not only an artist, but one who is so caring! I would love to win her artistry piece!
Suzanne
I loved reading Eileen's story and would be honored to win the beautiful pendant! Thanks, Suzanne
barbara j
that is so beautiful , you have a gift thank you barbara
Mary Ann
Oh my so very beautiful! The thought behind this beautiful jewelry brings back memories of my visit to Co Cork in 2013. We found both paternal and maternal homes and had the pleasure of meeting my second cousin.
Thank you for this amazing giveaway. When you are in my inbox, I feel like it is a letter from home.
Jeanne Jonard
Gorgeous pendant!
Deborah Egizii
Lovely- and I love labradorite!
Sinita Wilson
Hello!
What a inspired giveaway!
Thanks for sharing Eileen's story, business, and gift! Her life reflects many things of my life- I feel like we would be fast friends! I too, am a breast cancer survivor. My husband does lapidary and makes beautiful stone jewelry too. However, I do t have labradorite yet! And, I too have Irish family roots, so always feel a calling in my spirit to all things Irish!
It's a lovely piece of art, and I'd wear it with much gratefulness to own such a treasure!
Mary-Alice Wildasin
Lovely! I have quite a few Irish/celtic pieces of jewelry but not any with a Labordarite, which is a fav gem of mine.
Christina D Coffman
It is a beautiful pendant that I would be proud to wear. I have Irish ancestors and have been learning about part of my heritage
Lury Budde
So beautiful and a real work of art.
Geraldine McGovern
That is absolutely gorgeous!
Sheila Kearney
What a beautiful piece! This would be such a treasure to own!
Lauryn R
What a great story and meaning behind the name, thank you for sharing! I love Celtic jewelry and her work is absolutely beautiful!
Shelley Day
I love Celtic style jewelry because of the spiritual meaning behind it.
Barbara El Naby
Eileen makes beautiful and inspirational jewelry. She also has been very encouraging to me as I teach myself how to solder jewelry and post the results on my Instagram account.
I have many ancestors ( known and unknown throughout Ireland, Scotland, Norway , and England. My sister is a redhead. I love Celtic symbolism and I feel a strong spiritual connection with the land and culture.
Fran
Excellent workmanship. Beautiful and inspiring. Enjoyed the story about Eileen and glimpses of the pendant. I have recorded with accompaniment provided by a friend in Ireland who plays excellent keyboard and made a video with a melody written by him in which I included scenes from Derry City. I have loved Ireland since I first saw Irish Landscape in Ryan's Daughter in the 1960's. On the lighter side, "Leap Year" also gives glimpses of Irish scenery, with scenes set in Dingle. And finally, I have read many books set in Ireland written by Nora Roberts. Each of these makes me long for a country I admire but have never seen in person.
Evelyn Young
I have been to Ireland 4 times now, the 2nd being 6 weeks after the 1st because I feel in love with it. I'm sure I will go again. I have a few pieces of jewelry I bought in Ireland but this piece is particularly stunning!
Fran
Beautiful workmanship on this pendant. Inspires a love for Ireland and all things Irish. I have been interested in Ireland since elementary school in 1955, when I performed an Irish dance with a group of girls, way before River Dance became popular. One of my favorite movies has always been the 1960's movie of "Ryan's Daughter" set in Ireland in the 1920's. Another favorite is "Leap Year", a 2010 romantic comedy set in Dingle with many scenes in Ireland. I have recorded with an Irish friend and made a video for him with scenes from Derry City with an original melody he wrote. I enjoyed reading about Eileen. tje originator of the beautiful Irish pendant.
Geo
So happy to learn about Eileen and her jewelry. Beautiful pieces!
Wedy S
Beautiful pendant. Love the triskelion design.
Beth Riley
I love the Celtic way
Traci Rhodes
The pendant is lovely, as is the story about the woman who created it. Thanks for hosting her on here!
John McKenney
Beautiful Work and a beautiful story.
Dineen L Muniz
Just back from Ireland. I will most definitely be going back to Ireland very soon. My Grandparents came from Ireland and I felt like I was going home even though I was born in the states. It was everything I hoped it would be and more. Your work is so lovely. God bless you,
Dineen Muniz
Sourdoe
obair álainn
JJT
That is a beautiful pendant!
Don Trost
Just another shining (and shimmering) example of Eileen's beautiful work. My wife who is also a breast cancer survivor, proudly (and having grown up next to the artist, fondly) wears several of Eileen's pieces.
Corrine
I have known Eileen for a long time and love her work. I'd be honored to win this piece.
Cheryl Barker
What beautiful work Eileen does! Thanks for the chance to win!
Ellen Snowdon
Eileen's piece is beautiful and one I'd be proud to wear. I was touched by her comments about how her Irish heritage formed her work. I was even more connected to her learning that her Irish grandfather was a black smith, as was mine.
Dianna
A lovely piece that I would be proud to wear!
Therese Ladell
How beautiful! What a gift you share!
Heather Dunaway
So beautiful! I love Labradorite and everything Irish.
Pat Delaney
Absolutely gorgeous! Pat
Jen
Love it!! All the blues and greens make me want to go back to Ireland!