Thursday, December 22, 2011

The Rest of the Days of Christmas

Ok, ok, so I've been a little busy, working and preparing for my trip to Scotland, etc, etc. Still a lot of great presents for Christmas or you can treat yourself!

On the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Twelve Scottish Claymores
Eleven Scottish Sporrans
Ten Welsh Fleece Blankets
Nine UK Tote Bags
Eight Irish Lanyards
Seven English Patches
Six Wooden Swords
Five Fairy Rings
Four License Plates
Three British Scarves
Two Scottish flags
and Christmas Songs by Carl Peterson

Scottish Claymore16th Century Scottish Claymore replica. The total length is 54", the stainless steel, double-edged blade is 39" long. The black Leather Scabbard is included.

We also have basket hilt swords and celtic short shorts, as well as dirks and knives. All Swords are here!

Happy Holidays from darachweb!

Saturday, December 17, 2011

The Ninth Day of Christmas

On the ninth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Nine UK Tote Bags
Eight Irish Lanyards
Seven English Patches
Six Wooden Swords
Five Fairy Rings
Four License Plates
Three British Scarves
Two Scottish flags
and Christmas Songs by Carl Peterson

Union Jack Tote BagThese roomy Tote Bags are 15" by 15" by 3" canvas, with canvas handles. The design is on both sides. Also available in Scottish Lion Rampant, Scotland St Andrews, Ireland and Wales.

All Tote Bags are here!

The Eighth Day of Christmas

On the eighth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Eight Irish Lanyards
Seven English Patches
Six Wooden Swords
Five Fairy Rings
Four License Plates
Three British Scarves
Two Scottish flags
and Christmas Songs by Carl Peterson

Ireland LanyardLanyard is 30" long, the detachable strap is 5" long. There is a bolt snap to hold keys, and a detachable cell phone or badge connector. Also available in Scottish Lion Rampant or St Andrews, Union Jack, England St George and USA.
All Lanyards are here!

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

The Seventh Day of Christmas

On the seventh day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Seven English Patches
Six Wooden Swords
Five Fairy Rings
Four License Plates
Three British Scarves
Two Scottish flags
and Christmas Songs by Carl Peterson

St George PatchEmbroidered cloth Patch of the England St George Flag. The patch can be ironed or sewn on. Many other flag patches also available. Rectangular and shield-shaped patches.
All Patches are here!


The Sixth Day of Christmas

On the sixth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Six Wooden Swords
Five Fairy Rings
Four License Plates
Three British Scarves
Two Scottish flags
and Christmas Songs by Carl Peterson

Pirate SwordSturdy wooden swords that are great as replicas for display, play or practice. Pirate swords, Excalibur, claymore!
Wooden Swords are here!



Sunday, December 11, 2011

The Fifth Day of Christmas

On the fifth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Five Fairy Rings
Four License Plates
Three British Scarves
Two Scottish flags
and Christmas Songs by Carl Peterson

Fairy RingsThe Fairy Ring is used by fairies to identify humans with a "touch of fae" (those having super natural or magical abilities). On such a person the stones on the ring will glow, but the glow is visible only to fairies.
Fairy Rings are here!

The Fourth Day of Christmas

On the fourth day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Four License Plates
Three British Scarves
Two Scottish flags
and Christmas Songs by Carl Peterson

License PlatesStandard USA size metal license plate, with four mounting holes. Available in Scottish Lion Rampant, Irish Tricolor, UK, St George flag and more!
All License Plates are here!

Thursday, December 8, 2011

The Third Day of Christmas

On the third day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Three British Scarves
Two Scottish flags
and Christmas Songs by Carl Peterson

British Union Flag ScarfLightweight, 100% polyester scarf, 60" long and 8 ½" wide. These attractive scarves make a great accessory for any outfit and are machine washable. Also available in Scottish Lion Rampant, Irish Tricolor and Wales flags.
All Scarves are here!

Friday, December 2, 2011

The Second Day of Christmas

On the second Day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Two Scottish flags
and Christmas Songs by Carl Peterson

Royal Standard of Scotland flagThe Royal Standard of Scotland, also called the Rampant Lion. The lion has been used as a heraldic device by the Kings of Scotland since William I of Scotland in the 12th century. The Rampant Lion appears to have been used first by Alexander II (1214-1249). The rampant lion stands erect, on it's hind legs, with it's head in profile and forelegs extended.

The National Flag of Scotland is the cross of St. Andrew, also known as the Saltire. It is said to be one of the oldest national flags of any country. The official use of this flag, as a national emblem, dates from the 16th Century.

We have flags, stickers, blankets, key rings, lanyards, patches, and many more gifts using these two flags! Lion Rampant flags here and St Andrews flags here.


Wednesday, November 30, 2011

St Andrew's Day

November 30th is St. Andrew's Day! This is the feast day of Saint Andrew.

Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland, and St. Andrew's Day (Latha Naomh Anndra) is Scotland's official national day.

We'll have a wee dram of whisky and a toast to St Andrew!

Saturday, November 26, 2011

The First Day of Christmas

Our own holiday tradition begins again...

On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me
Christmas Songs by Carl Peterson.

On this CD Carl Peterson leads you in singing some of his favorite Christmas songs and carols, and songs for the New Year. Go to the link above to hear samples! Songs include What Child Is This, Deck The Halls, Jingle Bells, Silent Night, The Holly And The Ivy, Auld Lang Syne and many more!


Saturday, October 15, 2011

New: Lion Rampant Pendant!

This just in...

A pewter, two piece pendant. The pendant hangs on an adjustable black cord that is 25" long. The pendant itself is about 1" tall.

Check out the Lion Rampant and other Celtic Knot pendants.

Only $4.95 each these pendants make great Holiday gifts!

Saturday, September 17, 2011

Talk Like A Pirate - Sep 19th

That's right, September 19th is Talk Like A Pirate Day!

Aye matey! They even have a website. At darachweb it's a day we always look forward to. Avast! Check out all our pirate stuff. We have flags, stickers, lapel pins, bandanas and much more here. So grab a flagon of rum and join the fun, don't be a bilge rat! We also have great wooden pirate swords.


Arrr, the day wouldn't be complete without music. Carl Peterson sings Pirate Songs, Sea Songs & Shanties. Step up smartly, me hearties, this CD is a must for any Pirate get-together. Listen to song samples!

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Long Island Scottish Festival

We were at the Long Island Scottish Festival yesterday, and there were more people there than expected. It went rather well, despite rain on and off during the day, and threat from the approaching Hurricane Irene.

We left around 2:30pm, along with other vendors (several vendors had opted to not come at all), and made it out of Long Island before Irene officially arrived. In fact, considering the news reports of mandatory evacuations, it was a surprisingly easy drive west, across Manhattan, into New Jersey and home to Pennsylvania.

 

Saturday, July 30, 2011

The Faery Place

NEW! You can now visit our Faery Place where you will find the Fairy Ring, Fairy Flags, Unicorn Flags and, coming soon, the CD of Faery songs, including Up The Airy Mountain, Fairy Ring, Tam Lin, Fairy Boy and much more!

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Brittany Flag

New! We have the Brittany Flag! 3' by 5' in polyester with grommets for hanging.

We have five of the seven Celtic Nations flags. Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Isle of Man and now Brittany.

You can find all of these flags Here!

 

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Office Closed July 6 - July 11

We're off to North Carolina for the Grandfather Mountain Highland Games.

Our office will be closed July 6 to July 11. Orders can be placed during this time, and we will be checking emails. Orders placed during this time will be shipped as soon as possible after July 11.

 

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

St Andrews Cross Colour

Due to the use of natural dyes through it's history the color of the background of the St Andrew's Cross flag has varied from Navy Blue (the color used in the British Union Flag) to a lighter sky blue. In 2003 a committee of the Scottish Parliament adopted a petition to standardize the colour and settled on an azure blue (Pantone 300), somewhere between dark and light.

Our nylon flags are the new lighter blue color (and are made in the USA). Our polyester flags are a darker blue color.

For all St Andrew's Cross flags click Here.

 

Monday, May 23, 2011

Scottish Festival

Had a lovely day at the Colonial Highland Gathering in Fair Hill, Maryland on Saturday. It was the only day in the past nine that it didn't rain here!

 

Friday, May 20, 2011

Half Way Through May

Wow, time just flies sometimes!

We began the month at a Fairy Festival near York, PA. We enjoyed a great day. Lots of activities, music, vendors. Interesting and sometimes scary people! A bit of rain at the end of the day, but it didn't bother us.

We were at a Scottish Festival (as vendors and entertainment) in Bridgeport West Virginia on May 7th. It was a great day, with the requisite afternoon showers.

May 14th was the Open House at the Rodale Institute in Kutztown, PA. Plants, a hike around the organic farm (including the old farm houses), and some rain. The 15th saw us Orienteering at Tyler Park, near Newtown, PA.

Think we should stop and rest for a bit...

 

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

UK Toothpick Flags


The Union Jack Toothpick flags are back in stock! Click here to order the tiny flags for your next British themed party or picnic.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Jewels of the Elements

We are happy to announce that we now carry beautiful necklaces, earrings and bracelets from Jewels of the Elements!

Jewels of the Elements features elegant, hand crafted jewelry inspired by the natural elements. Reveal your natural side and let the essence of Moon and Earth come alive through the creations of my custom jewelry.

The pieces are made up of a combination of semi-precious stones and gems, wooden beads, shells, pearls, ceramic beads, glass beads, hand crafted silver spirals, and much more.


 

Sunday, April 17, 2011

More Faery Songs


On Saturday we worked on "The Fairy Ring", an impish children's song, and "What Must a Fairy's Dream Be", a great song by Stephen Foster that we've never heard, or heard of, before.

I listened to what Carl had done over the week with "The Fairies". Wow! Just wait till you hear it!

We finished the day with "King of the Fairies", a traditional instrumental.

In the picture Carl plays the bodhran. You can't really see, but many years ago Carl's daughter adorned the head of this bodhran with some of her artwork. It doesn't seem to have effected the sound!

 

Friday, April 15, 2011

St George and The Wedding

Two British events happening later this month.

The lesser known event is St George's Day which occurs every April 23rd, which is the traditionally accepted date of Saint George's death in 303 AD.
At one time it was a traditional custom to wear a red rose in one's lapel on St George's Day. Another custom is to fly or adorn the St George's Cross flag in some way. We have a full selection of St George Cross flags and gift items.

The more well known British event is "The Wedding" on April 29. All I'm going to say about that is that we still have lots of Union Jack flags and gift items, so check it out if need something to adorn your wedding event.


 

Sunday, April 10, 2011

darachweb on Facebook

We're slowly coming into the 21st Century :) and have finally put a page on Facebook. You can see (and "like") us here: darachweb on Facebook

We'll be updating the events section so our families can see where we are and customers and friends can see where to find us!

 

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Carl Peterson's book is now an ebook!

Now's the Day and Now's the Hour by Carl Peterson is now available as an eBook from:

Barnes & Noble Nookbooks

Amazon for Kindle

Sony Reader Store

iBooks available on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch and on your computer with iTunes.

Enjoy!

 

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Now's the Day on Kindle


Now's the Day and Now's the Hour the book by Carl Peterson, is now available on Amazon for your Kindle.

Book available Here

This book examines the role of Scotland at the Alamo and in Texas history. A unique combination of history and music that connects the spirit and background of the Alamo defenders to Scotland. Also contains melody, lyrics and historical notes on all the songs from the CD Scotland Remembers the Alamo. The double CD is also available on Amazon.

Double CD Here

 

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Happy St Patrick's Day!

As we celebrate the Patron Saint of Ireland, we give to you this old Celtic blessing:

May the blessing of light be on you—
light without and light within.
May the blessed sunlight shine on you
and warm your heart
till it glows like a great peat fire.

Sláinte!

 

Sunday, March 13, 2011

A Couple more Fairy Songs

There were some technical difficulties this week, but we managed to get them sorted out. This is a picture of our current setup.

On Saturday we recorded:
  • Fairy's Love Song (also called "Tha Mi Sgith") - an old Gaelic song
  • The Fairies - poem by William Allingham, tune: C. Peterson

 

Saturday, March 12, 2011

Sale Ends Soon!

To celebrate St David's Day (March 1) and St Patrick's Day (March 17) all customers receive 15% off your entire order (excluding shipping).

Hurry! This sale ends March 17, 2011!

 

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

More Faerie Songs

Faery, Faerie, Fairy?

This past Saturday we did more recording on three songs:
  • The Fairy Fiddler
  • The Fairy Boy
  • The Elfin Knight

And started two new songs. It was a very productive day!
  • Tam Lin (Child #39)
  • Queen of Elfin's Nurse (Child #40, tune: Dainty Davie and C. Peterson)

 

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Work continues on Faery Songs CD

Over the past two weeks Carl has been re-learning how to use Sonar (by Cakewalk, this is the software we use for recording). After the fire of two years ago, Carl discovered that the computer itself was still fine, so nothing there was lost. But the keyboard and mouse had to be replaced and the mixing board we'd been using had to be replaced, along with the amplifier, various cables, speakers, etc.

Anyway, during the past two weeks Carl recorded basic tracks for:
  • The Fairy Boy, written and composed by Samuel Lover (1797 - 1868)
  • The Wee Wee Man, Child #38, music by Carl Peterson
  • The Fairy Fiddler, this was re-recorded in a new key.

On Saturday, the 19th, we worked on
  • Thomas the Rhymer - this we recorded at a slower tempo then the previous version.
  • Monday Tuesday - this was recorded at a faster tempo then the previous version.
  • The Wee Wee Man - recorded new voice and guitar tracks a bit faster, but we decided the original tracks Carl had done during the week sounded better!

 

Saturday, February 19, 2011

Saints Days Sale: 15% Off

To celebrate St David's Day (March 1) and St Patrick's Day (March 17) all customers receive 15% off your entire order (excluding shipping).

Hurry! This sale ends March 17, 2011!

 

Sunday, February 13, 2011

Alamo: 175th Anniversary

The year 2011 marks the 175th anniversary of the Battle of the Alamo!

For 13 days in 1836, around 200 Texas defenders held the Alamo from over one thousand of General Santa Anna's troops. The defenders, along with their leaders William Travis, Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, would die fighting overwhelming odds for freedom.

The battle, that is still remembered, ended March 6, 1836.

At the Alamo in 1836 was (at least) a bagpiper and a fiddler. The men at the Alamo played and sang songs that were brought to the New World from Scotland, Ireland and England. These songs were later used as tunes for ballads and stories written about the Alamo and the Texas revolution. Carl Peterson now presents these songs, many for the first time, in an incredible double CD collection, Scotland Remembers the Alamo.

And don't miss the accompanying book Now's the Day and Now's the Hour by Carl Peterson, that examines the role of Scotland at the Alamo and in Texas history, and also includes the lyrics and music for the songs on Scotland Remembers the Alamo CD.

Purchase the CD and Book at either of these locations:
Carl Peterson
darachweb

 

Sunday, February 6, 2011

More work on Carl Peterson's new album

Finally got another day of recording on the new album. Worked on two songs today.

  • Thomas the Rhymer (also called True Thomas) Child #37
  • Monday Tuesday

For the record, Carl does work on the songs between our recording dates!

 

Saturday, February 5, 2011

Work on new Carl Peterson album has begun!

It was two years ago in February 2009 that there was a fire in the studio at Darach Recordings. Although the studio itself suffered only smoke damage, it was pretty extensive. Carl has finally been able to get and set up new equipment so he can start recording again!

We started three weeks ago on an album of songs that includes intervention, intrusion, kidnapping, and other hi-jinks by faeries and other supernatural beings.

On January 15th basic tracks were recorded for three songs:
  • The Fairy Fiddler (poem by Nora Jane Hopper Chesson, music by Carl Peterson)
  • The Elfin Knight (Child Ballad #2, music by Carl Peterson)
  • Paul's Little Hen (traditional)

No title yet for the album, but stay tuned for updates as it progresses!

 

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Happy Birthday Robert Burns!

"At the height of his literary celebrity, Robert Burns proudly informed a correspondent: 'I was born a very poor man's son'. Yet he became a legend in his short lifetime and an enduring international institution after his death."

Robert Burns was born on January 25th, 1759 in Alloway, Ayrshire, Scotland. He was the eldest of seven children of William Burnes and Agnes Broun (Burnes' children later removed the 'e' from their name). The family was close-knit and happy, although they were often exposed to hard-times and poverty.

I was going to include a lengthy biography of Robert Burns, but you all know the story, or know where to look for it!

So a song, instead...

Robert Burns wrote this song in 1785. This song provides a vivid forecast of the author's coming fame. It was rumored, but never substantiated, that a way-faring woman, present at Burns' birth, actually announced a similar prophecy when the child was placed in her arms.

A toast to Robert with this (autobiographical?) song.

There was a lad was born in Kyle
But whatna day o' whatna style
I doubt it's hardly worth the while
To be sae nice tae Robin

Robin was a rovin' boy
Rantin', rovin', rantin', rovin'
Robin was a rovin' boy
Rantin', rovin' Robin

Our monarch's hindmost year but ane
Was five-and-twenty days begun,
'Twas then a blast o' Janwar' win'
Blew hansel in on Robin.

The gossip keekit in his loof
Quo scho: "Wha lives will see the proof,
This waly boy will be nae coof:
I think we'll ca' him Robin.

"He'll hae misfortunes great an' sma',
But ay a heart aboon them a',
He'll be a credit till us a':
We'll a' be proud o' Robin!

Robin was a rovin' boy
Rantin', rovin', rantin', rovin'
Robin was a rovin' boy
Rantin', rovin' Robin