Hello Everyone,

I am pleased to say that I have had a relaxing and healing summer. I am feeling great and I am ready to lean into some of the challenges facing me as an artist in Ontario finding alternate ways to share and sell my new colours and designs.

In spite of all the cancellations, closures, restrictions and evolving policies surrounding the pandemic, I have managed enjoy the passing days. I have been working steadily in my studio. The changing moods of Lake Huron offer continual inspiration. Soon the leaves will be changing again. Sunset swims will give way to crisp early-morning hikes with the dog. I’ll put away my summer dresses and pull out my cozy sweaters. My husband will hang up his BBQ tongs and plug in the crockpot to once again enjoy our favourite seasonal soups and stews. In the studio my colours turn to russet, honey and bronze. A combination of charcoal and slate blue, accented with silver and grey, provides a cool representation of the lake in autumn. A group in Burgundy together with shades of green, bronze and grey echo the colours of the vineyards that produce the rich, velvety red wines we enjoy at this time of year. Also look for classic black accented with silver, grey and charcoal; a lovely basic to wear with the deepening shades of the coming season’s wardrobe. And last, bright and bold red contrasted with black, grey and winter white offers a strong statement; beautiful when paired with a simple grey wool tunic, or perhaps with a black, high-necked knit dress or maybe a soft winter-white pull-over.

Join me in one or more of the initiatives listed below as we fall in love all over again with autumn in Ontario and find our way into the Holiday Season looking after one another and learning new ways to connect while we keep each other safe.

Most of the Fall/Holiday Season shows have been cancelled for 2020 but a few organizers are holding out hope that things will turn around. Included with this newsletter is a list of shows that are yet in the running. Please be sure to visit my website www.racheljoyvanrooyenjewellery.com for current information as these dates approach.

I have given it some thought and I have come up with three alternate ways to connect with my customers over the coming months.

#1) Visit my New Online Store! I have taken the time to design a new online forum from which to sell my work. Visit my website www.racheljoyvanrooyenjewellery.com and click on the ‘Store’ tab listed at the top of the page. Browse through a selection of current season colours and designs and read the carefully written descriptions. Place your order. You can pay using Mastercard, Visa or Debit. Enjoy free shipping on orders over $30!

#2) Let’s Make a Facetime Date! I have an Iphone. Do you? If you do too, let’s set a date for a live, Facetime Jewellery shopping experience. I will sweep my phone over my display for you to see. We can talk over the various colours and designs. I can hold items up to give you a closer look and we can discuss which ones will best suit you, just as if we were at a craft show! Make your selections, then pay using Mastercard, Visa, or e-transfer.

#3) The ‘Artist at Home’ project… Included with this newsletter is an invitation to join me in my new “Artist at Home” project. You and up to three other guests from your pod are invited to join me at my home in Kincardine, Ontario, for a live, in person, tax-free, jewellery shopping experience. I will have my display set up just as if we were at a craft show. Each visit will last up to an hour. See my new season colours. Choose from my full selection of designs. Pay with Mastercard, Visa, Debit or Cash. We’ll all wear our masks and I’ll provide the hand sanitizer. Appointments can be made by texting or calling me at (519)525-5382 or emailing me at [email protected] starting Thursday, September 3.