JULY NEWS FROM THINGS CELTIC - July 1, 2010
On July 4th each year, we celebrate our country's independence. Many of the "founding fathers" of this great nation were of Irish and Scottish descent. In fact, our own Declaration of Independence may have been partially inspired by the Scottish Declaration of Arbroath
Over 35 million people in the United States have Irish ancestry, and over 25 million people have Scottish ancestry. Our immigrant ancestors helped shape the U.S.A. into this great nation we live in today.
Celebrate your Celtic heritage with an Irish-American or Scottish-American throw or tote bag from our "Heritage Goods" collection.
These high quality, 100% cotton throws combine the symbols of the U.S.A. (stars and Lady Liberty), with traditional Irish and Scottish symbols (shamrocks, harps, thistles, Rampant Lion). See the "Heritage Goods" section of our website to view these items, as well as the "Irish-Texas" and "Scottish-Texas" designs. During the month of July, all "Heritage Goods" throws and tote-bags are 50% off the regular price!
Utilikilt Farewell
Three years ago Things Celtic was the first Celtic store in the nation to sign on as a Utilikilt retailer. It was exciting to be selling the most popular new kilt product available. The comfortable and practical cotton kilts were a perfect match here in Austin. In those three years we sold over 875 Utilikilts! We have kilted hundreds of men here in Texas and shipped kilts from Alabama to Alaska.
Utilikilts have become so popular, that the makers in Seattle are having problems keeping up with the demand. Over the past year they have chosen to focus on their web site and their festival sales and have cut back on the retailer program. Unfortunately Things Celtic will no longer be able to stock Utilikilts at our store.
At this time we do still have over 100 Utilikilts in stock and we will be continuing to sell them until our stock is depleted. Please come by to try on a kilt, or call if there is a size and style you're interested in.
Of course we won't leave you unkilted, and Things Celtic is now the first retailer outside of Virginia to carry the new NationKilts, from The Kilted Nation.! The NationKilts also feature a cotton blend fabric, pockets and an adjustable waist snap closure. We are stocking NationKilts in sizes 30" to 52" and prices start at $160. NationKilts should fill gap left by the departure of Utilikilts, come on by and try one on.
Irish-American Bracelet Bead
In keeping with the theme of celebrating our heritage this month, we have a new bead to add to your beaded bracelet! The "Irish-American Bead" features an American Flag and the words "Born U.S.", as well as an Irish Flag and the words "100% Irish".
More beads can be found in the "Beads, Charms and Bracelets" section of our online store.
Things Celtic will be closed on Sunday, July 4, 2010, for the Independence Day Holiday. We hope you have a safe & happy holiday!
JUNE NEWS FROM THINGS CELTIC - May 28, 2010
Can you believe June is here already? This is a very popular month for weddings, and Things Celtic has a variety of wedding accessories and gift ideas for a Celtic wedding celebration. When customers ask us for a unique wedding or even housewarming gift, one of our most popular items is a Scottish Quaich. The quaich is a shallow drinking vessel with two handles, known as "lugs". Also referred to as a "Cup of Hospitality", the quaich is used to offer a guest a cup of welcome upon entering a home, and also as a farewell drink, usually a dram of whisky.
In 1589 King James VI of Scotland gave Anne of Norway a Quaich or "Loving Cup" as a wedding gift. Originally carved from wood, modern quaiches can also be found made of pewter and ceramic.
In more recent times, the quaich has been used as a favour at many Scottish weddings. It has become a symbol of the shared love and partnership between the Bride and Groom. The quaich is also found at christenings. In Kilmuir in Scotland, there is a wooden quaich which was formerly used as a baptismal font. Thus the quaich has become a traditional baptismal gift, to drink to the health of a baby and to share the love and celebration of that new life. Things Celtic has a variety of authentic Scottish quaiches in stock.
Featured Items for June
Kilts, kilts, and more kilts! We have just received new shipments of Utilikilts and Nationkilts! We have Utilikilts in the Original, Workman's and Survival models, in a variety of sizes and colors.
Nationkilts are the very newest design in modern kilts, combining the look and feel from the best of traditional kilts and modern kilt technologies. These kilts were featured on the runway at the 2010 Dressed To Kilt Fashion Show. Nationkilts have tight pleats, in one direction across the back, reversing on the right hip so the front (with multiple layers of aproning) still looks symmetric. The connectors emulate the leather straps from traditional kilts, but use a series of snaps to connect (allowing some for adjusting in waist size). Some styles of Nationkilts have removeable cargo pockets.
Father's Day
Father's Day is Sunday, June 20, 2010. Wouldn't your Dad look great in a kilt? Of course he would; all men look great in kilts!
Other gift ideas for Father's Day include belts and buckles, sporrans, pewter quaiches and tankards, silver and pewter cufflinks, t-shirts, and the popular "Patrick" cologne from Ireland. Upcoming Events!
The 24th annual TEXAS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES June 4-5-6, 2010.
5:00 p.m. to midnight on Friday , 9:00 a.m. to midnight on Saturday, 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday The Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games will be held at Maverick Stadium on the UTA Campus, Arlington Texas. See www.texasscottishfestival.com for more details. Things Celtic will be vending at this festival; please stop by our booth and say hello!
Ky Hote, at Things Celtic
Join us here at Things Celtic on Sunday, June 20, 2010, 2:00 to 4:00 PM, to celebrate Father's Day and the Summer Solstice with the music of Ky Hote ! Ky will be sharing his amazing guitar skills and singing songs from his newly released CD. "Ky Hote has been called "the most dangerous guitar player on the Renaissance Faire circuit". His distinctive and dynamic approach to the acoustic guitar thrills and amazes his listeners young and old. He has appeared regularly at Ren Faires in Florida, Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and of course his home state, Texas. He is featured in the Irish band Crannog, and the hammer dulcimer band Featherstone. He also performs as half the duo, Gypsy Rox, with fiddler Lauren Mahlerox."
As always, this is a free show, and all ages are welcome!
Diane Linn, aka: "The Bard O'Neill", at Things Celtic
"More songs to sing, more tales to avow, more blarney than the law doth allow!"
Join us on Saturday, June 26, 2010, 3:00PM to 5:00PM, for an afternoon of Celtic songs, ballads, and blarney from "The Bard O'Neill" ! Diane Linn is a popular performer that many of you have seen at renaissance faires all over the country, including Sherwood Forest Faire, Scarborough Faire and Texas Renaissance Festival.
As always, this is a free show and all ages are welcome.
Things Celtic will be closed on Monday, May 31, 2010 for the Memorial Day Holiday. We wish all of you a safe & happy holiday weekend.
May News From Things Celtic - May 7, 2010
Lanora is back from her travels!
A little over a week ago, Lanora attended "The Ireland Show" trade event in Secaucas, NJ. Unfortunately, the volcanic ash that interrupted air travel all over Europe prohibited some of the vendors from attending the event. Lanora did place some orders, though, so new merchandise will be arriving in the store over the coming weeks! There may be a slight delivery delay in orders coming directly from Europe, as flights are slowly getting back on schedule.
Earlier in April, Lanora attended the "Dressed To Kilt" fashion event in New York City. Here is her review:
"On April 5th I flew to New York City to attend the Dressed to Kilt fashion show as a guest of Brad Hutchins, designer of the new NationKilt. Sponsored by Glenfiddich and various Scottish organizations, Dressed to Kilt is hosted by Honorary Chairmen Sir Sean & Lady Connery. The event features the best new designs in kilts and the latest fabrics from Scotland, while benefiting the Wounded Warrior project."
"It was an exciting evening with dozens of celebrities including Mike Myers, Sam Waterston and Joan Jett modeling cutting edge kilts. The NationKilts were modeled by the Hip Hop Dancers who demonstrated just how easy it is to have a full range of motion in these new kilts. Things Celtic has a few of the NationKilts in the store, and we'll be receiving a large shipment in time for the Texas Scottish Festival in June."
"The theme this year was "Mad for Scotland" and I was happy to wear my antique top hat decked out with a tartan sash and Rampant Lion clan badge. I wore jewelry from my favorite Scottish jeweler, Sheila Fleet, as well as a tartan corset and the new Tartan Tights from Edinburgh. My escort, Brad Hutchins, was looking very good in his black NationKilt. "
For more information on Dressed to Kilt, please check out the web site www.dressedtokilt.com. More photos from the event can also be found at http://guestofaguest.com.
FEATURED ITEM FOR MAY
A brand new cologne from Fragrances of Ireland: Caru
"Caru fragrance has been inspired by autumnal days when the air is filled with the rich aromas of the harvest. This earthy, comforting fragrance takes its name from the old Irish verb, caru--which means to love." Our shipment of Caru cologne will be arriving in just a few days. A 50 ml bottle is only $35 !
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 9, 2010.
Surprise Mom with a gold Love Knot pendant, or show her she holds the key to your heart with a sterling silver Key Pendant!
Another excellent gift idea for Mother's Day is a special bead for Mom's beaded charm bracelet! We carry an extensive collection of Celtic beads from Tara's Diary, Silverado, and Kit Heath Jewelers. Most of these will fit on Pandora and Chaimilia bracelets. See our "Beads, Charms, and Bracelets" section of the online store for a selection of what we have to offer. There is much more in the store, so stop by & see if we have the perfect charm for you!
UPCOMING EVENTS
Austin Celtic Association May Day Fest
Come hang out at Central Market on Saturday, May 8, 2010, 4001 N. Lamar, Austin, TX and enjoy an afternoon of Celtic music. This benefit for the Austin Celtic Association features Ed Miller, The Tea Merchants, Sarah Dinan, and The Lost and Nameless Orchestra. The music begins at 3pm. There is no cover charge for this event. Also, for those who have not been to the North Central Market location, if the weather is nice, the music will be outdoors on the large patio (if the weather is not-so-nice, we'll be in the enclosed section of the patio). There is a lovely playscape for the little ones nearby under the shade of several large oak trees.
The 24th annual TEXAS SCOTTISH FESTIVAL & HIGHLAND GAMES
June 4-5-6, 2010.
5:00 p.m. to midnight on Friday, 9:00 a.m. to midnight on Saturday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday
The Texas Scottish Festival and Highland Games will be held at Maverick Stadium on the UTA Campus, Arlington Texas. Parking is available on site, for a nominal charge, and is over-seen by the University. This parking fee is NOT included in the price of admission. See www.texasscottishfestival.com for more details. Things Celtic will be vending at this festival; please stop by our booth and say hello!
Ky Hote, at Things Celtic
Join us here at Things Celtic on Sunday, June 20, 2010, 2:00 to 4:00 PM, for an afternoon of music with Ky Hote ! Ky will be sharing his amazing guitar skills and singing songs from his newly released CD.
"Ky Hote has been called "the most dangerous guitar player on the Renaissance Faire circuit". His distinctive and dynamic approach to the acoustic guitar thrills and amazes his listeners young and old. He has appeared regularly at Ren Faires in Florida, Colorado, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Tennessee and of course his home state, Texas. He is featured in the Irish band Crannog, and the hammer dulcimer band Featherstone. He also performs as half the duo, Gypsy Rox, with fiddler Lauren Mahlerox."
As always, this is a free show, and all ages are welcome!
Things Celtic will be closed on Monday, May 31, 2010 for the Memorial Day Holiday. We wish all of you a safe & happy holiday weekend.
April News From Things Celtic - April 1, 2010
WHAT'S HAPPENING AT THE STORE?
Lanora will be doing some travelling this month!
First, she's off to attend the "Dressed To Kilt" fashion event in New York City. This is a celebrity filled event, hosted by Sir Sean and Lady Connery. We're looking forward to hearing about all the latest kilt fashion trends.
Later in April, Lanora will be off to "The Ireland Show" trade event in Secaucas, NJ. She'll be meeting with some of our favorite Irish vendors, as well as looking for exciting new merchandise for the store.
FEATURED THIS MONTH
You can add some Celtic style to your outdoor space with one of the "Greenmen" or "Nature Spirits". Stop in the store to see these, and more, displayed on our garden fence.
These loveable faces will watch over your garden or patio, and are sure to make you smile every time you see them!
Easter Candy!
Easter Sunday is April 4, 2010. Fill your Easter baskets with something more than the usual milk chocolate rabbits, marshmallow chicks, and jelly beans: we have a good selection of tasty candy imported from Ireland and the U.K.
Nestle large filled Easter Eggs, Aero bars, Malteasers, Cadbury Flake, Smarties, Jelly Babies and much more are available at Things Celtic!
AN AFTERNOON WITH MARC GUNN
On Friday, April 2, 2010, 4:00PM, Marc Gunn will be here to entertain us with his music. Marc is a Celtic American Musician and Podcaster. He plays traditional tunes, pub songs, and some of his own compositions. Good food, good drink and good company is his motto!
This is a FREE show, and all ages are welcome!
ON SALE IN APRIL
10% off all Celtic Crosses! Wall crosses, jewelry, and more! In stock items only, valid April 1, 2010 through April 30, 2010.
Things Celtic will be closed on Sunday, April 4, 2010, for the Easter Holiday.
March News From Things Celtic - March 1, 2010
North Texas Irish Festival
The North Texas Irish Festival takes place March 5-7, 2010, at Fair Park, Dallas, Texas.
This is one of the largest Irish festivals in the country, bringing in world class entertainers to perform on the nine stages throughout the weekend. This is the 28th continuous year of the festival, and will feature the exciting Celtic music of the eastern coast of Canada; the Maritime Provinces of Nova Scotia, Newfoundland, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island.
A schedule of the entertainment, map, and more details can be found at the North Texas Irish Festival website.
Things Celtic will again be vending at the festival. We will be in The Centennial Building, spaces 30 and 31. Please stop by our booth and say hello!
New Item at Things Celtic - Nations Kilt !
These high quality garments incorporate traditional pleated kilt styling, with modern features such as pockets, adjustable waist fasteners, and machine washable fabric.
Stop by Things Celtic to try on a Nations Kilt!
Easter Candy!
Easter Sunday is April 4, 2010. Fill your Easter baskets with something more than the usual milk chocolate rabbits, marshmallow chicks, and jelly beans: we have a good selection of tasty candy imported from Ireland and the U.K.
Nestle large filled Easter Eggs, Aero bars, Malteasers, Cadbury Flake, Smarties, Jelly Babies and much more are available at Things Celtic!
Upcoming Events! Open Ears Concert with John Spillane
The Open Ears Concert Series presents Cork county native singer/songwriter John Spillane With Katie Gosnell Sunday March 7 @ 1:30 PM, at Saint Andrew's Presbyterian Church, 14311 Wells Port Drive Austin, 78728. Tickets are $10, sold in advance at Things Celtic and St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church. For more info go to www.openearsconcerts.com
Things Celtic St. Patrick's Day Family Celebration!
Join us here at Things Celtic on Saturday, March 13, 2010, for our annual St. Patrick's Day Family Celebration! We'll have live music all day long, as well as crafts and games for children.
The entertainment schedule for the day is as follows:
All of these talented musicians are from the Austin area. We are fortunate to have so much local talent.
The children's activities will be in a "roped off" area in our front parking area. Please do not park in the spaces in front of our neighbor, Med-Savers Pharmacy. There is plenty of free parking along the side street beside Things Celtic, and in the parking garage next door. As always, this is a FREE event!
Austin St. Patrick's Day Festival
Presented by The Celtic Cultural Center of Texas. March 17, 2010, at Cover 3, 2700 W. Anderson Lane. (across from Northcross Mall, in the same plaza as the Alamo Draft House Village)
A CELEBRATION OF AUTHENTIC IRISH AND FOLK CULTURE, INCLUDING CELTIC MUSIC STARS FROM IRELAND: MATT CRANITCH AND TOMMY O'SULLIVAN
AND LOCAL CELTIC STARS:
THE SILVER THISTLE PIPES AND DRUMS, THE IRISH DANCE CENTER, THE CLICKETY CLOGGERS, AND MORE!
Cover 3 has plenty of seating downstairs, on the patio and another lovely second floor lounge area. Plus, a small banquet area. Lots of room and even more important LOTS OF PARKING in the area!
Tickets are $8.00 online, $10.00 at the door.
Children under 12 are free. You can buy online tickets at The Celtic Cultural Center website.
San Antonio Highland Games
San Antonio Highland Games will be held rain or shine on March 27-28, 2010 at the Helotes Fairgrounds, 12210 Leslie Road, Helotes, TX 78023!! Ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for Seniors, Military, and children under 12 years of age.
This 11th annual festival will be the host to a myriad of activities including traditional Scottish heavy athletics, Celtic dance and music performances, a solo bagpiping competition, geneology information in the Clan Village,children's activities in the Kid's Glen,Living History activities and seminars, parade of Scottish dogs, and sheep herding trials.
Things Celtic will be vending at the San Antonio Highland Games. Please find our booth and say hello!
Sherwood Forest Faire
Sherwood Forest Faire, the enchanted forest of merriment, magic, and medieval magnificence announced its inaugural 2010 season every weekend from Feb. 27 through April 4, 2010.
The Faire is situated on 106-forested acres in Central Texas. Located 35 miles east of Austin, Texas on U.S. 290, The Sherwood Forest Faire is between the towns of McDade and Paige, near the junction of U.S. 290 and Texas State Highway 21, within easy striking distance of Austin, San Antonio, and Houston.
Things Celtic will be closed on Sunday April 4, 2010, for the Easter Holiday.
February News From Things Celtic - February 1, 2010
Congratulations to Lanora Davidson, the owner of Things Celtic! She was awarded the "Celtic Warrior Award" by the North American Celtic Trade Association.
This award is given to "An outstanding merchant and member of the North American Celtic Trade Association, in recognition of active participation in the Celtic market, thereby promoting and supporting Celtic heritage in the community, in North America, and in the Celtic Nations."
Lanora has just returned from her buying trips to Ireland and Scotland. Look for exciting new merchandise to arrive in the coming weeks.
New At The Store
We at 'Things Celtic' are delighted to announce the arrival of Ireland's hottest Jewelry Collection - "Tara's Diary".Â
Tara's Diary is Ireland's answer to the Pandora Charm Bracelet - the Tara's Diary Charms all consist of Celtic & Claddagh Designs, as well as Murano Glass colored Charms.
Why not celebrate your Irish & Celtic Heritage by starting your very own Tara's Diary bracelet or by adding these very unique charms to your already established Pandora, Chaimilia or Troll Bead Bracelets?
Valentine's Day
Valentine's Day is Sunday, February 14, 2010. Featured this month are the new Celtic Keys To The Heart pendants from Solvar Jewelry of Dublin. These are sterling silver, on 18 inch silver chains, and are very reasonably priced at $44.37 to $60.00.Â
Why settle for the same heart-shaped box of chocolates that everyone else is buying? Get your Celtic sweetheart something they won't find anywhere else! We have Glengoyne Whisky Fudge, in a nice collector's tin, and the popular "Cadbury Roses" chocolate assortment
Mark Your Calendars!
Things Celtic's St. Patrick's Day Family Celebration will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2010. Details are still being finalized, so watch our website and the upcoming March newsletter for more information. This is always a FREE event, with live entertainment and children's activities happening throughout the day.
December News From Things Celtic - Dec. 4, 2009
A VISIT FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS
Join us on Sunday, December 13, 2009 as Father Christmas pays a visit to Things Celtic! He'll be here from 3PM to 5PM, ready to hear from good boys and girls (of all ages). Bring your camera if you'd like a photo with Father Christmas.
WEEKLY HOLIDAY SPECIALS
During the month of December, we'll be featuring a different special sale each week. To start this off, from Dec. 1 through Dec. 7th, all scarves made by Brannigan Weavers of Ireland, and Calzeat of Scotland, will be 20% off the regular price. A pretty scarf is a great way to keep warm while looking stylish. Check the front page of our website each week to find out what the next weekly holiday special will be!
Things Celtic is fully stocked with new gifts and holiday items! Let us help you find something unique for that hard-to-buy-for person on your gift list. We carry jewelry, gifts, clothing, and art that can't be found anywhere else in Texas. If you can't make up your mind on what to buy, there's always the option of a gift certificate.
Don't forget stocking stuffers! We've got good luck tokens, hair clips, keychains, bookmarks, stickers, candy & cookies from Ireland and Scotland, and much more that will add a nice "Celtic touch" on Christmas morning.
EXTENDED HOLIDAY SHOPPING HOURS
Things Celtic will have extended shopping hours on the following dates:
Things Celtic will be closed on December 25th, December 26th, and January 1, 2010.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
THINGS CELTIC IS PROUD TO SPONSOR WASSAIL!
Join us on Sunday, Dec. 20th 2009, at 5:30 PM for the annual Wassail Event, A Solstice Christmas Family Celebration, presented by Mundi Arts. Enjoy a magic evening of stories, carols, magic, mummers and morris dancing. Located at Sri Atmananda Memorial School, 4100 Red River, Austin, 78751. Ticket donations are $10 at the door; children under 12 are free. All proceeds from this event go to Kids for Kids, a charity for children in need in the Darfur region of Sudan.
Celtic Christmas At The Cathedral
December 18th & 19th, at Saint Marys Cathedral, 203 E. 10th St. in Downtown Austin. Featuring the Schola Cantorum of St. Marys, under the direction of Jeffrey Jones Ragona, with international and local Celtic artists including The Tea Merchants, The Silver Thistle Pipes & Drums, Ed Miller, Gregory Grene of the Prodigals and All-Ireland Storytelling Champion Mairtin De Cogain. Details can be found at www.celticcenter.org/events. Shows start at 8:00pm, and lasts until 10:30pm, with a 20 minute intermission.
NOVEMBER NEWS FROM THINGS CELTIC - Nov. 5th, 2009
AUSTIN CELTIC FESTIVAL
The 13th Austin Celtic Festival will be held November 7th and 8th, 2009, 11AM to 8PM, at Fiesta Gardens (on the north shore of Ladybird Lake.) Advance tickets can be purchased online only, via the festival website, at the rate of $10.00 per day. If you buy your tickets at the gate (cash or check only), admission is $12.00 per day. All children under 12 years old are admitted free. Advance sale tickets are only available until November 5th.
Details on the music, workshops, and activities at The Austin Celtic Festival can be found at the festival website. For those of you who might be interested in the "Beginning Irish Whistle" workshop on Sunday at 3:15PM, note that Things Celtic does sell whistles here in the store. We'll also have some for sale at our booth at the festival. Please stop by our booth and say hello!
WHAT'S NEW AT THINGS CELTIC?
The 2010 Farmers' Almanac is predicting a "colder and wetter than normal" winter for most of the United States. Luckily, we've got a great selection of new wool scarves and wraps just arriving! We're also stocked up on the very popular Irish tweed caps, merino wool sweaters, and wool socks (dubbed "the most comfy socks in the world" by the Things Celtic staff!).
You can stay warm at home snuggled under a celtic throw. We've got several styles by Keltic Designs, and our own Heritage Goods collection. Stay cozy this winter, and be stylish, with something soft and warm from Things Celtic.
Celtic Christmas ornaments will be in the store early November! Doesn't your Christmas tree need a little bit of Celtic style? It's certainly not tooo early to start shopping for your holiday gifts.
DAY AFTER THANKSGIVING SALE Things Celtic will be closed on Thursday, November 26th for the Thanksgiving Day holiday. We'll be open bright & early on Friday, November 27th, though! Stop in for our annual Day After Thanksgiving Sale!
We'll have extended hours that day, we'll be open from 7AM to 7PM. Come in early for the best sale prices. From 7AM to 8AM, all in stock items will be 25% off the regular price. From 8AM to Noon, everything in stock will be 20% off. Then from Noon to 7pm, everything in the store will be 15 % off. For the rest of the weekend, all in stock items will be 10% off the regular price.
Oct. 1, 2009 - OCTOBER NEWS FROM THINGS CELTIC
WHAT'S NEW IN THE STORE?
2010 Calenders are here! We have Irish and Scottish landscape calenders, "Celtic Blessings", the popular "Celtic Mandala" calender by Keltic Designs, and more. The Irish Pub Calenders should be arriving soon!
More new items will be arriving in the coming weeks.
ON SPECIAL IN OCTOBER
All in stock neckties are 50% off the regular price! We've got a nice variety of tartan and Celtic design ties, perfect for adding some "Celtic flair" to your wardrobe.
Also during the month of October, all in stock Irish linen caps are 50% off the regular price! These are the same style as the popular tweed caps, but are made of a lightweight linen fabric. These are great for Texas weather, when its too warm to wear wool.
THINGS CELTIC FEATURED ON "WE ARE AUSTIN"
Tune in to KEYE-TV, channel 42, (our local CBS affiliate) on Sunday, Oct. 4th at 10:30am. The program "We Are Austin" is doing a feature on Austin's best kept shopping secrets! Tune in to check out not only the footage of Things Celtic, but also to learn about some of Austin's other wonderful independent shops.
RAFFLE
This month, we're raffling off the last few pieces we have of Heritage Irish Crystal. Raffle tickets are only $1 a ticket. We have four separate raffles: a set of martini glasses, a decanter, a beer stein, and an ashtray (perfect for cigars!) These high quality, luxury pieces are made in Ireland, and we will not be getting them back in stock. Stop in the store to get your raffle ticket!
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE STORE DURING OCTOBER?
Join us on Monday, Oct. 26th, for a "happy hour" concert! Abby Green and Michelle Levy, performing as Taberna, will be here to entertain from 4PM until we close at 6PM. This is a FREE show, and all ages are welcome.
"Backed by the energetic rhythms and soulful chords played on octave mandolin, Abby Green's rich soaring vocals in English and Irish Gaelic will get your toes tapping and your body swaying. Michelle Levy's enchanting fiddle will transport you to the Emerald Isle, where they keep the lucky charms."
PLANNING AHEAD
The Austin Celtic Festival will be held November 7th and 8th, 2009, at Fiesta Gardens, on the shores of Ladybird Lake. Tickets are $12.00 per day at the gate (cash or check only), or you can buy advance tickets online at the reduced price of $10 per day. Advance sale tickets are available at www.austincelts.org/festival. Please note that Things Celtic will not be selling advance tickets this year; advance tickets are only available online.
August 1, 2009 - AUGUST NEWS FROM THINGS CELTIC
WHAT'S NEW IN THE STORE?
Things Celtic is now carrying "Black Sheep Kitchen Collection" and "Wacky Woolies" products, from Ireland! We have mugs, salt & pepper shakers, potholders, and kitchen towels featuring whimsical sheep characters.
Linen Irish Caps, in plain and patchwork fabrics, 20% off the regular price. These are made like the traditional wool tweed caps, but are much lighter and more comfortable for the warm Summer weather.
Kimberly will be attending The ASD Gift Trade Show this month, so there will possibly be more new products heading our way in the coming weeks!
SALES TAX HOLIDAY
Texas shoppers get a break from state and local sales taxes on August 21, 22 and 23 - the state's annual tax holiday. Items from Things Celtic that will be tax-free that weekend include: tshirts, kilt shirts, dresses, hats & caps, wraps, baby clothes, socks (including kilt hose), scarves, leather belts with attached buckles, and ties.
During the Sales Tax Holiday Weekend, all of our instock "Budget Kilts" (poly-acrylic blend fabric) will be marked down to $99.95, and they do qualify for the sales tax exemption!
FEATURED THIS MONTH: THINGS WELSH !
During the month of August, all of our Welsh products will be 10% off the regular price. This includes jewelry by Rhiannon and Black Dragon Crafts, hand carved love-spoons by Crefftau Ken, t-shirts, jewelry, and cotton throws by Jen Delyth (Keltic Designs), Welsh flags, books about Wales and Welsh folklore.
BRITISH COMEDIES ON AUSTIN PBS
Many of you are already fans of the British Comedies on Austin's PBS channel, KLRU. Did you know that many of your favorite programs are now available on weekday mornings and afternoons? You don't have to wait for Saturday night, go to the KLRU.ORG website and check the scheduling for KLRU-Q.
July 1, 2009 - JULY NEWS FROM THINGS CELTIC
WHAT'S NEW IN THE STORE?
We've been doing some remodeling here at Things Celtic.! In addition to getting a new roof put on the building, we've also updated some of our display fixtures in the store. The result is that we can display even more merchandise, while taking up less floor space. Stop by soon to see our new look.
Also new: Celtic snacks! In addition to the Irish teas that we've carried for years, we are now stocked with Irn-Bru (Scotland's favorite soft drink), Odlum's brand scone and brown bread mixes, Tayto brand crisps in four flavors (cheese & onion, "wuster sauce", smokey bacon, and prawn cocktail), McVitie's Hobnobs and Ginger-Nut biscuits, and Nestles Smarties. In the Fall, we may start carrying more of the Irish & Scottish chocolates, as some of our customers have requested.
WEAR A KILT TO THE BEACH?!
Well, maybe not. But you can show your Scottish pride at the beach or pool with an Instakilt! It's the fun beach towel that looks like a kilt. Don't let the blazing Summer keep you from showing some Celtic style!
UPCOMING EVENTS
GILMER & MOORE AT GENUINE JOE'S COFFEEHOUSE
Gilmer and Moore will be performing at Genuine Joe's Coffeehouse, 2001 W. Anderson Ln., Austin, TX, on Monday, July 13 at 8PM. Heather Gilmer and Jeff Moore are a traditional Irish music duet, specializing in a variety of tunes and songs that extend beyond the average dose of jigs and reels commonly found within the genre. Particularly interested in dance music from the Sliabh Luachra region of Ireland, they include in their repertoire a generous helping of slides, polkas, hornpipes and slip jigs.
"FOODIE DAY" AT THINGS CELTIC
Are you interested in trying some of the new snack items now available at Things Celtic? Come in on Sunday, July 19th when we're having "Celtic Foodie Day"! We'll be sharing small samples of cold Irn-Bru, Barry's Irish tea, brown bread, scones, Nestles Smarties, and Tayto crisps. If you're not familiar with Irn-Bru, it has a mildly citrus/sweet flavor; best served very cold. Tayto brand crisps (potato chips) are what you'll find being sold in nearly every Irish pub; the flavors are intense and unique.
In addition to the sampling, we'll also have some recipes to share, and all in-stock cookbooks that day will be 10% off the regular price.
There will also be entertainment on the 19th! Doc Grauzer will be here playing Irish Harp from noon until 1:30, and then from 2Pm to 4PM, Season's Melody will be here to share her songs with us. We hope you can join us!
Things Celtic will be closed on Saturday, July 4th 2009 for the Independence Day holiday. We'd like to wish all of our customers a safe and happy Independence Day!
MAY 8, 2009 - MAY NEWS FROM THINGS CELTIC
WHAT'S NEW IN THE STORE?
Lanora & Melisa have just returned from a trade show in Secaucas, New Jersey. Watch for new merchandise to begin arriving in the coming weeks.
MOTHER'S DAY
Mother's Day is Sunday, May 10, 2009. Our featured item for Mother's Day is the very popular "Silver Heart Pendant"This sterling silver pendant, made by Solvar of Dublin, comes on an 18 inch chain, and is accented with a tiny diamond chip. Very reasonably priced at only $64!
A nice gift for the Mom-to-Be is the silver "Expectations" pendant., featuring an elegantly stylized expectant mother in sterling silver.
Also arrived just in time for Mother's Day....we are fully stocked with all "Inis - Energy of The Sea" products, as well as the very popular Heather & Moss and Lavender Irish soaps. All these luxurious bath products - and more - can be found on the "Bath & Beauty" section of our online store.
SALE
During the entire month of May, the "Celtic Tribal" collection of jewelry, made by Solvar of Dublin, Ireland, is 25% off the regular price. These are big, bold pieces that look great with both casual and dressier fashions.
HOUSTON HIGHLAND GAMES
The Houston Highland Games and Celtic Festival will be held May 16-17, 2009. In addition to the competitions, there will be musical entertainment by Jiggnernaut, Clandestine, Teribus, Ed Miller & Friends! Houston Highland Games are located at the Houston Farm & Ranch Club, 1 Abercrombie Dr., Houston, TX 77084. More info can be found at www.houstonhighlandgames.com. Things Celtic will be vending, please stop by our booth and say hello.
PHOTO CONTEST
Do you have a Things Celtic shopping bag? These bags, made of 100% recycled materials, are available FREE with any purchase totaling $50 or more, or you can buy one for only $2.00. They're great for carrying groceries, toting stuff to the beach, etc.
So......what are carrying in your Things Celtic bag, and where are you carrying it?
Send us a photo of yourself with your Things Celtic shopping bag, and you could win a $50 Things Celtic gift certificate! Be creative! We want to see our wonderful customers carrying their Things Celtic bags on vacations, in your favorites stores, filled with interesting items.....use your imagination! Email your contest entries to kimberly@thingsceltic.com with "shopping bag photo" in the subject line. Please include your full name, a phone number, a description of the photo (example: "this is me at the Great Wall of China with my Things Celtic bag") and email address. All entries will be displayed on a special page on our website. The contest ends Sept. 30, 2009, and the winner will be selected by the Things Celtic Staff. Good Luck!
Things Celtic will be closed on Monday, May 25th for the Memorial Day Holiday.
APRIL 6, 2009 - APRIL NEWS FROM THINGS CELTIC
First, we'd like to thank everyone who made our annual "St. Patrick's Day Family Celebration" a success! In spite of the cool, damp weather, we had a lot of fun.
HERITAGE GOODS
The new line of products from Heritage Goods is in stock! These 100% cotton tapestry throws and tote bags celebrate the Celtic heritage that has helped shaped the United States. These product designs are based on an idea from Things Celtic's owner, Lanora Davidson. You can take a look and order a Heritage Goods throw or tote bag from our online store.
PHOTO CONTEST
Do you have a Things Celtic shopping bag? These bags, made of 100% recycled materials, are available FREE with any purchase totaling $50 or more, or you can buy one for only $2.00. They're great for carrying groceries, toting stuff to the beach, etc. So......what are carrying in your Things Celtic bag, and where are you carrying it?
Send us a photo of yourself with your Things Celtic shopping bag, and you could win a $50 Things Celtic gift certificate! Be creative! We want to see our wonderful customers carrying their Things Celtic bags on vacations, in your favorites stores, filled with interesting items.....use your imagination! Email your contest entries to kimberly@thingsceltic.com with "shopping bag photo" in the subject line. Please include your full name, a phone number, and email address. All entries will be displayed on a special page on our website. The contest ends Sept. 30, 2009, and the winner will be selected by the Things Celtic Staff. Good Luck!
MARCH 2, 2009 - MARCH NEWS FROM THINGS CELTIC
Can you believe March is here already? This is a good month to celebrate Celtic heritage. In addition to St. Patrick's Day (patron saint of Ireland) on March 17th, St. David's Day (patron saint of Wales) is March 1st, and Saint Piran's Day (patron saint of Cornwall) is March 5th.
NORTH TEXAS IRISH FESTIVAL
It's only a week away - The North Texas Irish Festival will be held March 6th through 8th, 2009, at Fair Park, in Dallas. The theme for the 2009 festival is "Building For A Better Future", honoring the Irish immigrants who undertook some of the most arduous projects such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the first Transcontinental Railway and the New Orleans New Basin Canal. More information can be found at www.ntif.org.
The North Texas Irish Festival has a different physical layout this year, due to some construction happening at Fair Park. See www.ntif.org/sitemap for details. Things Celtic will be in the Centenniel Building this year, booth spaces C26 & C27; please stop by our booth and say hello!
BATTLEFIELD BAND, AT THE CACTUS CAFE
The legendary Battlefield Band, from Scotland, will be performing on Wed. March 4, 2009 at the Cactus Cafe. The show starts at 8:30PM, tickets are $20 at the door. The Cactus Cafe is located in The Texas Union building, at the corner of 24th and Guadalupe, on the University of Texas campus.
SAINT PATRICK'S DAY CELEBRATIONS
March 14th
On Saturday, March 14th, Things Celtic will have our annual "St. Patrick's Day Family Celebration". We'll have live entertainment all day long, with a children's activity area with crafts and games out in the front parking area. The entertainment schedule for the day will be as follows:
Our front parking lot will be closed off, but there is plenty of free parking along the side streets, and in the parking garage next door at the 35th At Jefferson Building. This is a FREE event!
March 15th
On Sunday, March 15th, 3:30 PM here at Things Celtic, Strayaway will be back to entertain us! Join us for an afternoon of their toe-tapping Celtic music. Again, this will be a FREE event, and all ages are welcome.
March 17th
On Tuesday, March 17th (St. Patrick's Day proper), the Celtic Cultural Center of Texas presents the Austin St. Patrick's Day Festival. The event will be held at Fiddler's Hearth, 103 Barton Springs Rd., Austin, TX, from 11AM to 10PM. See www.stpatricksdaysaustin.com for details. Advance sale tickets for this event are $7.75, and can be purchased online, at the Celtic Cultural Center website. Tickets at the door will be $10 each; children under age 12 are free.
NEW PRODUCTS AT THINGS CELTIC - HERITAGE GOODS
Things Celtic is proud to announce the launch of a new line of products, from Heritage Goods: cotton throws and tote bags that celebrate the unique immigrant heritage of modern America. Over 25 million Americans have Scottish ancestry, and over 35 million have Irish ancestry. The Heritage Goods designs combine the symbols of Ireland or Scotland, with the symbols of Texas or the United States, honoring the Celtic immigrants who helped shape the United States of America into what it is today.. You can view and order these items from our online store.
CELTIC MUSIC ON KUT 90.5 FM
KUT 90.5 FM, Austin's public radio station, has announced a new show featuring Celtic music! Ed Miller, who has been one of the radio hosts of KUT's "Folkways" program, will now have his own program on Sunday evenings at 7PM: Across the Water with Ed Miller. This program will focus on the music of England, Ireland and Scotland, as well as Celtic Music in North America. As Ed is a long-time performer himself, he knows many of the artists whose music he'll be playing personally. He also has an academic background as a folklorist, so listeners can count on a personal, entertaining and knowledgeable commentary. "Across The Water" will begin on March 1st, 2009. Even if you're not in the Austin area, you can listen to KUT on the web; the website is http://kut.org/togo/listen.
January 29, 2009
This weekend.....
Celtic Spirit Worldwide,
at The Walkers' Gallery in San Marcos
January 16, 2009 - February 27, 2009
Celtic Spirit Worldwide. This exhibit celebrates the timeless and ever-evolving forms of Celtic art which have woven their multiple strands through many centuries -- reflecting, absorbing, influencing, inspiring, recording and illuminating the interplay of the everyday and the spiritual.
An artists' reception and St. Bridget's Festival will be held on Saturday, January 31st, 11:00-5:00 p.m, at the Walker Gallery in San Marcos. Come and enjoy an afternoon filled with live entertainment and beautiful Celtic art!
Entertainment for the day will be:
More info can be found here. This is a free event. Sponsored by the San Marcos Area Arts Council, Things Celtic, and the City of San Marcos with support from the San Marcos Arts Commission.
The Walkers' Gallery is located in the San Marcos Activity Center, 501 E. Hopkins Street, San Marcos, TX 78666. Their website is at: http://www.sanmarcosarts.com/vwalgal.html.
FEATURED THIS MONTH
All in stock sweaters at Things Celtic are now 50% off the regular price! All remaining capes, wraps, and ruanas are 25% off the regular price! The nights have been chilly; wrap up in a cozy sweater or cape to stay warm.
St. Brigid's Day/Imbolc is February 1st. St. Brigid is considered, along with St. Patrick, as a patron saint of Ireland. On her day, "Brigid's Crosses" are woven out of river rushes and hung above doorways to protect the home. Things Celtic has traditional St. Brigid's crosses, as well as St. Brigid's Cross jewelry and art.
If you'd like to try your hand a weaving a St. Brigid cross yourself, instructions can be found at this site: www.irishcultureandcustoms.com. If you don't have rushes available where you live, you can use dried wheat stalks available from craft stores. Just soak the wheat in water for about 30 minutes to soften them enough to bend.
VALENTINE'S DAY
Valentine's Day is Saturday, February 14th. Our featured product for Valentine's Day is the "Silver Heart Pendant", made by Solvar of Dublin. This very pretty pendant is made of sterling silver, with a tiny diamond chip accent. Very reasonably priced at $64.00. You can see a photo of this piece on our website. We also have some lovely pendant and earring sets that would make great Valentine's Day gifts.
For the gentlemen, we have and assortment of flasks, and a very nice Whiskey Flask Set, made by Mullingar Pewter. Also, we have the very popular Patrick cologne from Ireland.
FEBRUARY EVENTS AT THINGS CELTIC
On Sunday, February 8th, at 3:30 PM, Marc Gunn will be here to entertain us! Marc Gunn is Celtic American Musician and Podcaster. "Good food, good drink and good company" is his motto...come share a fun-filled afternoon with Marc at Things Celtic!
PLANNING AHEAD
The North Texas Irish Festival will be held March 6th through 8th, 2009, at Fair Park, in Dallas. The theme for the 2009 festival is "Building for a better future", honoring the Irish immigrants who undertook some of the most arduous projects such as the Brooklyn Bridge, the first Transcontinental Railway and the New Orleans New Basin Canal. More information can be found at www.ntif.org. Things Celtic will be vending at the festival, please stop by our booth and say hello!
Dancing At Lughnasa, a play by Brian Friel, directed by Don Toner. January 23 through March 1, 2009 at the Austin Playhouse, Penn Field, 2601 S. Congress Ave, Bld. C, Austin, TX. Thursday - Saturday at 8PM, Sunday at 5PM. Tickets are $26 Thursday and Friday, $28 Saturday and Sunday. All student tickets are half price! You can buy tickets at www.austinplayhouse.com, or by calling 476-0084.
ST. PATRICK'S DAY FAMILY CELEBRATION !
Mark your calenders....Things Celtic's annual St. Patrick's Day Family Celebration will be held here on Saturday, March 14, 2009. Once again, we'll have live entertainment going all day long, with a children's activity area out in front of the shop. Our front parking lot will be closed off on this day, but there is plenty of free parking on the side streets, and in the parking garage next door at The Jefferson Building. More details will follow in the March newsletter.
JANUARY 9, 2009
Did The Irish Really Save Civilization?
If the Irish really did save Western Civilization, ever wonder how? How did Christianity come to the United Kingdom? Find out the answer to these questions and more as Bishop Andrew Dennis opens the door into the first Christian church in the British Isles.
Find out about some of the great saints of the Holy Isles like St. Patrick, St. Brigit, St. Columba, and others. Discover what happened to this once great church that extended from Ireland all the way across northern Europe and into Russia. Find out how the Celtic Church became the excuse for the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland.
Where: Things Celtic, 1806 W. 35th Street, Austin, TX 78703
When: January 17, 2009 at 2:00 PM
FREE event, all materials will be furnished.
For further information, or to sign up, contact Bishop Andrew at frscott@scotswolf.com.
JANUARY 1, 2009
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Things Celtic would like to thank all of our customers for their continued support. 2008 was one of our best years since Things Celtic has been in business. Here's hoping that 2009 will be a happy and prosperous year for all of us.
SALE!
Only a week left on our post holiday sale! From now through January 7th, all in stock items are 20% off the regular price. All Christmas cards, ornaments, and CDs are 50% off the regular price.
FEATURED THIS MONTH - CELEBRATING ROBERT BURNS
In January, we celebrate the anniversary of the birth of Scotland's national poet, Robert Burns. Robert Burns wrote such timeless poems as "A Red, Red Rose", "Address To A Haggis", and of course, "Auld Lang Syne". Traditionally, Burns' birthday is celebrated by a "Burns Supper". The Scottish Country Dance Alliance of Austin is presenting a traditional Burns Supper on Saturday, January 17, 2009, at the Clarion Inn and Suites Ballroom, NW quadrant of I-35 and Oltorf, Austin. Tickets are $35 per person, and can be purchased at Things Celtic. Your ticket includes supper, entertainment, two complimentary toasts (choice of scotch, red wine, white wine, or soda), and ceilidh dancing! More details can be found at www.thingsceltic.com/burnsnight.
It is customary for gentlemen to wear formal highland wear to a Burns Supper. Things Celtic rents formal kilt attire, in the Scottish National tartan, for $150 (for the weekend). This rental package includes the kilt, Prince Charlie jacket & vest, black bow tie, belt & buckle, sporran, kilt pin, flash, and sgian dubh. Please note that we do not rent the shirt, shoes, or kilt hose. Please give us a call if you're attending the Burns Supper and would like to rent a kilt. Our knowledgeable staff will be happy to get you outfitted like a proper Scotsman!
Ladies usually wear a pretty dress or kilted skirt to Burns Supper events, but don't forget to accent your outfit with a tartan sash or some Scottish jewelry. Things Celtic is expecting a shipment of sashes in the coming week or so, and we have and assortment of Scottish pendants, earrings, and brooches to complete your outfit.
If you prefer to celebrate Burns Night in your own home, Things Celtic has a wonderful new book: Burns Supper Companion by Nancy Marshall. This book has all the ritual, folklore, recipes, and history of this fun Scottish tradition. If you need music for your Burns Night celebration, Ed Miller's newest CD is "Lyrics of Gold - songs written and collected by Robert Burns". Also...newly arrived just this week....Things Celtic now sells canned Haggis, from Caledonian Kitchens! Made with highland beef, and inspected & passed by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture.
DEC. 15, 2008 - HOLIDAY EVENTS
WASSAIL! Join us for the Annual Wassail Event!
Enjoy a magic evening of stories, carols, magic, mummers and morris dancing. December 14, 6pm, at Sri Atmananda Memorial School, 4100 Red River, Austin, 78751. Donation: $10 at the door, or you can purchase them at Things Celtic. . Children 12 and under, free. Performers include: Pratts Bottom Mummers, Thom the World Poet, magician John Maverick, Chuck Freeman, Rita Ricardo, Jenifer Thyssen, Jim Carpetas, Occasional Terpsichore Morris Dancers, Bucolics Anonymous Christmastyme Band, Jacobs IV and Aimee Zivin.
Wassail! is sponsored by: Things Celtic, Fiddlers Green Music Shop, and the Austin Friends of Traditional Music.
CELTIC CHRISTMAS AT THE CATHEDRAL: December 18 & 19, 2008
A night of Celtic Christmas Music presented by the Celtic Cultural Center of Texas and the Schola Cantorum of St. Mary's Cathedral.
Music by local and international Celtic Artists, and The Schola Cantorum of St. Mary's under the direction of Dr. Jeffrey Jones Ragona. Tickets are now $25.00 each, and are available online at www.celticcenter.org/events, or at the St. Mary's Office of Music. Purchase now to secure your seat. This event does sell out fast!
St. Mary's Cathedral is located at 10th and Brazos in Downtown Austin. Both shows start at 8pm. Not recommended for children under ten years of age and there is no children/senior discount ticket prices. Tickets are Non-Refundable. Please note that Things Celtic is NOT selling advance tickets to this event. The only place to buy advance tickets is online at http://www.celticcenter.org/events.php, or at the St. Mary's Cathedral Office of Music.
DECEMBER 5, 2008
HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS
We have many new items in the store right now; including a very popular new line of Celtic Tribal Design Jewelry from Solvar Jewelers (based in Dublin). Pendants, earrings, bracelets, rings, and brooches in a modern style, decorated with ancient designs. These new jewelry pieces are large, bold, unique, and very reasonably priced (under $50). They are available in gold and silver tones. Stop by to check them out before they're all gone!
Other gift ideas for women include Inis cologne and lotion, sterling silver pendant and earring sets, wool wraps and capes, Ri Na Mara bath products, Claddagh rings, merino wool sweaters, wool and silk scarves, and much more. For the Celtic gentlemen, we have our very popular "budget kilts". Priced at $150, these are a great deal for someone who wants a kilt, but doesn't want to invest in a custom made one right now. These high quality kilts are made of durable a poly-blend fabric, and are available in the Scottish Heritage, Black Watch, Irish Heritage, and Royal Stewart tartans.
We've also got a large selection of American made Utilikilts! We have the Original, Workmans, Survival, and Mocker styles available. Other ideas for the special guys on your Christmas list include: kilt hose, sporrans, belts, buckles, kilt pins, tshirts, Patrick cologne, pewter flasks, wool tweed caps, and more.
For the wee Celts, we've got books, coloring books, stickers, temporary tattoos, and the new "Solvar for Kids" line of sterling silver jewelry!
Don't forget about adding some "Celtic flair" to your Christmas tree. We have ornaments with Irish and Scottish Santa Claus, shamrocks, scottish terriers, bagpipes, Irish step dancers, fairies, and angels. Some of these ornaments, as well as some of the Celtic Christmas music CDs, can be found on the Celtic Christmas section of our website.
Why not throw a holiday tea party this season? We have tea sets, Irish tea & coffee, soda bread mix & scone mix, and a wonderful new book; Celtic Teas With Friends by Elizabeth Knight, that is filled with recipes, traditions, and folklore surrounding teatime. Take a peek at the Tea Time section on our website to see some of these items.
SALES & SPECIALS !
While our supplies last, Things Celtic is marking down the price of the Mocker style of Utilikilt. Normally priced at $190 to $230, they are now marked down to $150! Place any order via the Things Celtic online store, or over the phone, during the month of December, and we'll give you FREE shipping on orders over $60! That's USPS Priority Mail, which usually arrives at its destination in 3 business days. We'll "manually" deduct the price of the shipping when your order is processed, and you will receive an email from us confirming that the shipping charge was removed.
EXTENDED HOLIDAY SHOPPING HOURS
Things Celtic will be extending our hours on the following dates:
Things Celtic will be closed on December 25th and December 26th. We will also be closed on January 1, 2009.
OCTOBER 27, 2008
THIS WEEKEND - AUSTIN CELTIC FESTIVAL
The Austin Celtic Festival kick off party takes place on Friday October 31st - Halloween night! The Austin Celtic Festival Halloween Bash will be held at Austin's newest pub, Fiddler's Hearth Public House, 301 Barton Springs Road.
Buy your Halloween Bash ticket early (only 300 will be sold) and save. You can buy them online at: www.austincelts.org/festival/bash. *Print out your paypal reciept and bring to the door as your ticket*
Tickets are $7.00 online; $10 at the door. The entertainment lineup includes: The Prodigals, Andy M. Stewart, Gerry O'Beirne, plus two-time All-Ireland Storytelling Champion Mairtin De Cogain.
12th ANNUAL AUSTIN CELTIC FESTIVAL will be held NOVEMBER 1st and 2nd 2008, at FIESTA GARDENS, THE SHORES OF LADYBIRD LAKE, 11:00am to 7:30pm both Saturday and Sunday. For a full list of entertainers and other information, see the Austin Celtic Association website.
Tickets will are $12.00 at the gate per day; Children under 12 get in free. Buy your tickets online and save. Online tickets are only $10.00 a day or $18.00 for a online weekend pass. (There are no weekend passes available at the gate). Advance sale tickets can be purchased through October 31st via the Austin Celtic Association website here. Please note that Things Celtic is not selling advance tickets to the festival this year. The only place to buy advance tickets is through the Austin Celtic Association website.
As always, Things Celtic will be vending at the festival. Please stop by our booth and say hello!
WHAT'S NEW AT THINGS CELTIC?
New merchandise is arriving daily! We have beautiful new fused glass pieces hanging in our front windows; trinity knots in a variety of colors and sizes. Boxed Christmas cards and ornaments are here; you can see some of them already in the "Celtic Christmas" section of the Things Celtic website. We've also restocked our supply of wool blend socks from Ireland. These have been dubbed "the world's comfiest socks" by the Things Celtic staff!
SALES AND SPECIALS AT THINGS CELTIC
Place an order via the Things Celtic online store, or over the phone, during the months of November & December, and we'll give you FREE shipping on orders over $60! That's USPS Priority Mail, which usually arrives at its destination in 3 business days. We'll "manually" deduct the price of the shipping when your order is processed, and you will receive an email from us confirming that the shipping charge was removed.
We'll be closed on Thanksgiving Day, but on Friday November 28th, we'll be open from 7AM to 7PM. That's 12 hours of Celtic shopping fun! Come in early and enjoy a cup of tea with us. As we have done in the past, we'll also be having a sale that weekend.
On November 28th, from 7AM to 10AM, all in stock items will be 20% off the regular price.
From 10AM to 1PM, all in stock items will be 15% off the regular price,
and from 1PM on Friday through the rest of the weekend, all in stock items will be 10% off!
NOVEMBER EVENTS AT THINGS CELTIC
ABBY GREEN AND E.J.JONES
On Friday, November 21st, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, join us at Things Celtic for an afternoon of music by Abby Green, with special guest E.J. Jones! Both Abby and E.J. have performed at Things Celtic in the past, and we're very excited to have them back to entertain us again. Abby will be performing selections from her new CD, �in�n�, which will be available for sale. This is a FREE show, and all ages are welcome!
FATHER CHRISTMAS
On Saturday, November 29th, starting at 2PM Father Christmas will be visiting Things Celtic! He'll start the afternoon with some storytelling, and will be happy to hear what all the good boys & girls would like for Christmas. Bring your camera if you'd like to get photos with Father Christmas.
OCT. 3, 1008
WHAT'S NEW IN THE STORE?
It's October, and that means that cooler weather will soon be here. You can already feel Autumn in the early morning air. Per requests from our customers, Lanora has purchased a beautiful assortment of hooded wool blend capes, in assorted colors, some with plaid and velvety trim. Also just in, reversible wool blend wraps, with a stylish Celtic knotwork border. These wraps are perfect for cool evenings when you need something to ward the chill off, but don't want to wear a heavy coat.
These capes and wraps would make wonderful holiday gifts, but don't wait too long! Our stock is limited; we won't be getting another shipment of these before Christmas.
For those of you who are collectors, Things Celtic just received a new shipment of porcelain fairies; some of these are limited editions from The Florence Maranuk Collection. We've also got new fairy and dragon Christmas ornaments for your tree!
Many more holiday ornaments and cards will be coming soon. In fact, new items are still arriving almost daily! Watch the News/Events section of our website to find out when new merchandise arrives.
UPCOMING EVENTS
17th ANNUAL CELTIC HERITAGE FESTIVAL in 
Bedford, TX, October 11 & 12, 2008. For information about location, entertainment, etc, see the website at: www.celticheritagefestival.org. The Celtic Heritage Fesival presents the Heritage of the Seven Celtic Nations of: Ireland - Scotland - Wales - Cornwall - Isle of Man - Brittany - Galicia. The 2008 Festival will be honoring the Celtic Nation of Brittany. 


Saturday Oct 11: 11AM to 10PM

Sunday Oct. 12: 10AM to 6PM

Admisstions: Adults-$10, Seniors and Children 6 - 12 $5, Children under 5-Free. Things Celtic will be vending at this festival; be sure to stop by our booth and say hello.
AUSTIN CELTIC FESTIVAL
It's that time of year again - The Austin Celtic Festival is only about a month away!
The Austin Celtic Festival kicks off on Friday October 31st - Halloween night! The Austin Celtic Festival Halloween Bash will be held at Austin's newest pub, Fiddler's Hearth Public House, 301 Barton Springs Road.
Buy your Halloween Bash ticket early (only 300 will be sold) and
save. You can buy them online at:www.austincelts.org/festival/bash
*Print out your paypal reciept and bring to the door as your ticket*
Tickets are $7.00 online; $10 at the door.
The entertainment lineup includes:
The Prodigals, Andy M. Stewart, Gerry O'Beirne, plus
two-time All-Ireland Storytelling Champion Mairtin De Cogain.
12th ANNUAL AUSTIN CELTIC FESTIVAL will be held NOVEMBER 1st and 2nd 2008, at FIESTA GARDENS, THE SHORES OF LADYBIRD LAKE, 11:00am to 7:30pm both Saturday and Sunday. For a full list of entertainers and other information, see the Austin Celtic Association website
Tickets will are $12.00 at the gate per day; Children under 12 get in free. Buy your tickets online and save. Online tickets are only $10.00 a day or $18.00 for a online weekend pass. (There are no weekend passes available at the gate). Advance sale tickets can be purchased through October 31st via the Austin Celtic Association website here.
Please note that Things Celtic is not selling advance tickets to the festival this year. The only place to buy advance tickets is through the Celtic Association website.
As always, Things Celtic will be vending at the festival. Please stop by our booth and say hello!
AUSTIN CELTIC FESTIVAL IN NEED OF VOLUNTEERS
Volunteers are needed! You'll get free entry to the festival for both days, and one comp ticket for a friend for each day!
Volunteer shifts usually run 5 hours and there are many aspects of the festival in which you can be of assistance. The festival in 2008 will be open from 11am to 7:45pm and volunteer schedules can start two hours before the festival begins and two hours after the festival closes. Some opportunities include Friday for setup duties.
Austin Celtic Festival volunteers receive the follow perks:
Work 3 to 5 hour shift
* Free entry to the Festival on both days
* One comp ticket for a friend or relative for each day
Work 5 hours or more
* Free entry to the Festival on both days
* One comp ticket for a friend or relative for each day
* One meal ticket and two drink tickets (non-alcoholic)
* $5.00 Festival T-Shirts
You can find more details about what types of volunteer opportunities are available by checking the festival website, here. Please email the coordinator for the particular opportunity you are interested in and let them know if you can work Friday, Saturday or Sunday or both days. Some opportunities require certain skills but most do not. You must be 18 years or older to volunteer and you will be asked not to drink alcohol during the course of your shifts.
PLANNING AHEAD
On Friday, November 21st, from 4:30 to 6:00 PM, join us at Things Celtic for an afternoon of music by Abby Green, with special guest E.J. Jones! Both Abby and E.J. have performed at Things Celtic in the past, and we're very excited to have them back to entertain us again. Abby will be performing selections from her new CD, �in�n�, which will be available for sale. This is a FREE show, and all ages are welcome!
SEPT. 12, 2008
Hello Everyone!
HURRICANE IKE
First and foremost, all of us at Things Celtic are sending good thoughts towards our friends along the Texas coast this weekend. Please stay safe, everyone!
Things Celtic plans on being open from 10AM to 6PM on Saturday, Sept. 13th. However, due to anticipated storms from Hurricane Ike, we may have shortened hours. Please call us at 512-472-2358 to make sure we're open that day if you plan to stop by.
SIX MONTHS TO ST. PATRICK'S DAY !
Next Weekend, Saturday Sept. 20th, 2008, Things Celtic will be celebrating "Six Months To St. Patrick's Day!" We'll have live Celtic music all day long; the schedule is:
This is a free event, and all ages are welcome. Come listen to some of Central Texas' fine Celtic musicians.
We'll also be having our annual "sidewalk sale", with many items marked up to 50% off the regular price. It's not too early to start buying holiday gifts.
.....and speaking of holiday shopping, look for new items to start arriving in the store sometime in mid to late October.
SEPT. 5, 2008
The new 2009 calendars have begun to arrive! The first batch of calendars are here. There will be more to come in a few weeks.
SEPT. 1st, 2008
WHAT'S NEW IN THE STORE?
Those of you who own kilts probably know that getting them to stay on a hanger can be problematic. We have been searching for a good, sturdy kilt hanger for quite some time now, and the search has been successful. These 20 inch hangers are made of sturdy wood, and have four strong metal clips. These will hold the heaviest kilt, knit shawl, or wool cloak. You can purchase them by the pair here, or in our store.
Some of you have asked when the 2009 calendars would arrive. We expect new calendars to begin arriving in mid-September.
Lanora will be leaving in a couple of weeks to go on a short buying trip. That means that we can look forward to new merchandise to start arriving probably in October!
SIX MONTHS TO ST. PATRICK'S DAY!
Mark your calendars! We'll be having our annual "Six Months to St. Patrick's Day" event on Saturday, September 20, 2008. We'll have live music all day, from 11AM to 5PM. I will send a full schedule of the entertainment in a week or two. Also, there will be a "sidewalk sale" in the front of the store with many discontinued or overstocked items discounted by 50%! Get here early, as the sidewalk sale items tend to go fast! It's not too early to begin picking up some Christmas gifts. A portion of our proceeds from this day will be donated to Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums.
CONGRATULATIONS TO SILVER THISTLE PIPES AND DRUMS!
Austin's own Silver Thistle Pipes and Drums just completed a trip to Scotland, where they competed in the World Pipe Band Championships on Saturday, August 16, 2008.
From Silver Thistle's website:
"Silver Thistle finished 7th in the Grade 3B contest at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. Their smashing finish included a 5th (in the world!) from ensemble judge T. Dear! Also while in Scotland, Silver Thistle competed at the North Berwick and Perth Games, finishing 8th (Grade III) / 4th (Grade II) in North Berwick and 7th (Grade III) / 8th (Grade II) in Perth.
You can view full results at the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association website! http://www.rspba.org"
Silver Thistle will be performing at Things Celtic's "Six Months To St. Patrick's Day" event at 4PM, on Sat. Sept 20th. Please join us in congratulating them on their excellent finish in the competitions.