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.
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.
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 1-3/4″ 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 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)
Irish American Mom
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.
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