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
Penny Wolf
This beautiful piece will choose it's person.
Eileen Ryan-Rojas
Oh my goodness. I hesitate to post here since I don’t want to be entered in the giveaway for obvious reasons, but I needed to acknowledge the lovely and thoughtful comments. Thank you, readers, for your support and votes of confidence. I am so blessed and grateful for our being connected through Mairead’s special blog. Yes, I think we’d be fast friends (as I am with a few of you already) and this blog truly does feel like a letter from home!
You’re right, the necklace will choose its new home and I cannot wait to ship it!
Each of you has touched my heart. Thank you!
Irish American Mom
Thank you so much Eileen for making this special piece of jewelry for a reader to win. It is truly magnificent. Wishing you every success with your business and may your craft bring you happiness always and you create beautiful pieces to share with others. I love how you feel you share a little piece of you in each of you masterpieces.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Karen Trost
What a wonderful tribute to a lovely artist and friend! I own two of Eileen's pieces and wear them proudly!
Karen D
This would be a beautiful gift for my daughter who is very proud of her Irish heritage.
Karen D
This would be a beautiful gift for my daughter who is very proud of her Irish heritage.
I'd love to give it to her for Christmas
Sandy Edwards
Beautiful
Kimberly
Thank you for sharing Eileen's story and for introducing us to another talented artist.
Darla
I love connecting to my Irish heritage. Until I can get there, this will be a cherished connection. Thanks!
Cindy Thomson
Beautiful jewelry and I love her heart.
Rhonda
This is gorgeous. Would love to win
Sharon Youngblood
Eileen your work is beautiful!!!
I visited Ireland last year and felt ...well it is hard to describe but this feeling has been with me ever since and I know it will always be, like Ireland is a part of me.
When I read you describe how your spirit is in your Jewelry, It really conjured that feeling of Ireland in me, more than just a place but of a people, a culture and a Faith in something beyond this world. Hope you continue to share your spirit through your jewelry, it is what makes it so much more than something beautiful to wear.
Mona Fitzgerald
This is a Beautiful Piece that I will enjoy wearing. I am not sure if I have any "Irish" in my roots but will look into it.
Tom Corcoran
Wow, what a beautiful piece! Stunning. IRISH PRIDE:)
Debbie Chartoff
Eileen's story is heartwarming and you've done a beautiful job in capturing it. Her jewelry is stunning.
Maureen N
Stunning!!
Esther S
Thank you for introducing me to an amazing artist! I would love to win but even if I don’t, I will have one of these beautiful pieces someday. I also love the inspiration behind it and that I’d be able to support a local Texas artist.
shannon fowler
This is gorgeous! I would love to give something like this to my mom for her birthday this fall.
Linda Kish
This is a beautiful piece. I would love a chance to wear it.
Sonja
This is stunning. I would love to wear it. Thank you so much for the chance! <3
Jeanne Coulombe
Wow this is a beautiful piece for sure I would love to wear this . What an amazing artist for sure she does beautiful work.
monique s
I love celtic jewelry and the pieces shown here are beautiful.
Lisa Brown
The stone gives strength and perseverance; so beautiful; Thanks for the chance 🙂
jslbrown2009 at aol dot com
Mike Ghattas
My girlfriend would love this pendant.
Mike Ghattas
This is a beautiful pendant.
michelle k
This necklace is really pretty, i'm not Irish but my daughter is and it would look beautiful on her
Brenda K Boone
my granddaughter would adore this
angela eagle
having an Irish, English, Scottish background I've always had an interest in Celtic life. I live in Canada but I've been working on my genealogy and to be more true to my roots
Sheri Macy
Beautiful and original jewelry .
Janet OBrien
Such an amazing piece of jewelry. Thanks for the opportunity to win.
Onyinye Elochukwu
Thank you so much. This is gorgeous and I love it.
Lynnz
These words come from the heart
when you are faced with that battle and are able to not only put up a heck of fight but come out after all is said and done and be a survivor that is truly a beautiful and inspiring story. When you do all I have just mentioned and then make it your life's purpose to uplift and bring light into people's everyday life then you are honestly a hero. You become that person's hero and my admiration for you runs very deep, that's not an easy task at hand. But you have choose to listen to your heart and find your passion deep in your roots and through those roots you find comfort, as do I. It becomes your meditation almost where all things fall to a silent stand still and any worries or anxiety falls to the way side. And finally we are at peace and at one with our soul. My grandmother was diagnosed with cancer, as so was my mother both very beautiful strong women inside and out, always looking to help another person no mater what was going on with them at the time. The would eagerly drop everything to help some one in need and did so unconditionally. Both put up a very long and tough fight and for ever and always be my heros. The disease took them both far to young and miss each dearly especially my mother. You remind me of her and her caring and loving soul. You are a exceptional woman and your art comes straight from the heart. It is breath taking in its beauty, I am very happy to learn about you and your story. As it has made me think of my own memories. Never stop fighting never give in.
This is very personal and I normal and have never posted something like this publicly but for some reason I felt called upon to do so, may you find wisdom and help in these words.
Much love.
Z
Irish American Mom
Dear Z - I am so sorry to learn you lost your mother and grandmother to cancer. Thank you for sharing your story with us here. It is always difficult to write about such great loss, but Eileen's story is truly inspirational. I believe that others will find hope and wisdom through your beautiful words. It's amazing how we can connect with one another through a blog. I find encouragement to keep on blogging when I read comments like yours.
Best wishes,
Mairéad
Sandy Klocinski
Awesome piece! I would wear it proudly. Thanks for the opportunity to win
Bev Edge
This piece is so beautiful. Labradorite is one of my favorite stones, it always reminds me of dragonfly wings. Thank you so much for the chance to win, and for telling us about this amazing artist!
LIza Vladyka
i am not irish but that is so pretty
Gareth McArdle
This triskele symbol is also used here in Ireland to signify death of an unborn child. My wife lost a baby last year and the midwives placed this symbol on the door of the ward and on medical notes so that others know what had happened and to be sensitive.
This is a beautiful piece of jewellery and if I won it would be a gift for my wife to remember our daughter Naoise.
Irish American Mom
Dear Gareth - I am so sorry to hear of your great loss. I understand your heartache. I did not know the triskele symbol is used to signify the death of an unborn child in Irish hospitals. What a beautiful way for midwives to communicate about a patient's loss. Thank you so much for sharing this here with us.
I'll say a little prayer to Naoise tonight - she will always be with you in spirit.
Take care,
Mairéad
Gina R
This is so beautiful! Thanks for the giveaway!
Deirdre Mc Intyre
I have an Irish Labradorite piece and it is one of my favorite pieces of jewellery.
As a dubliner I am very proud of our Irish jewellery, It is stunning with so many good artists.and makes a great gift for tourists to give to their family members.
Kris B
Such a beautiful pendant! Thanks for the chance!
Patti Lambert
This is beautiful. It looks alive
Karen Dittrich
Beautiful pendant.
Bilqees Bano
its sooo awesome .. really love it 🙂
Shaila Blackerby
Really beautiful.
Angela
So beautiful. Handcrafted jewelry is special.
Deirdre O'Brien
Beautiful! Love this site.
Deirdre O'Brien
Thank you for sharing! Beautiful!
Lisa Williams
I absolutely love this piece,so pretty! I love the celtic style This would be a Christmas gift to me.
Tracie Wilson
I am more than happy to follow Eileen. Her work is beautiful!
Caroline Toye
Absolutely beautiful and I love celtic jewellery because of the spirituality it evokes.
MaryAnn
I am entering this for my mom. She loves this style of jewelry.
bn100
looks nice