Watercolor, romance and pumpkins ready at Blue Apple Books in September
MADISON – Visual art, affectionate feelings, a celebration and pumpkins . . . yes, pumpkins are early harbingers of approaching autumn at Blue Apple Books.
“Huntsville artist Julia Johnson is one of our most popular South & Pine artist vendors, and her eclectic and versatile style makes us smile every time she brings us new pieces,” Robin Dauma said. Dauma owns South & Pine and Blue Apple Books.
“We’re thrilled that Julia Johnson (will) teach an introductory-level watercolor class, bringing a basic hands-on workshop to a lucky small group who will produce a 5-inch-by-7-inch tree painting, worthy of framing,” Dauma said. Anyone finishing quickly can pursue the optional bookmark project, too.
The class on Sept. 13 will run from 1 to 3 p.m. A workshop ticket costs $60. The ticket will cover Johnson’s professional instruction, all materials, watercolors set and pen brushes, light refreshments and 10-percent discount for Blue Apple purchases on Sept. 13.
Blue Apple Books will commemorate its second anniversary on Sept. 18. “It has been an incredible second year for us at Blue Apple Books, and we are ready to celebrate. On Friday, Sept. 18, we will mark our second anniversary with a party lasting all day long, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.,” Dauma said.
The party will be complete with balloons, special sales (10 percent off all books all day), party favors, giveaways and more, plus a special champagne/sparkling cider toast with live music and cupcakes at 6 p.m.
In addition, shoppers will receive a free sticker with $20 book purchase. “Spend $75 on books, and choose a free birthday surprise book (while supplies last),” Dauma said. At 7 p.m., a drawing will determine the grandprize winner of a $100 gift card (one entry for each $30 purchase online or in-store, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.).
Dauma encourages customers, vendors, staff and supporters who have made this year so special to stop by for a special toast. “Even if you can only stay for a few minutes, it would mean a lot to us to see you and say, ‘Hello,’” she said. “We hope you’ll join us as we commemorate another year of celebrating community, curiosity and creativity!”
On Sept. 19, Blue Apple Books will welcome local author A.J. Beckett from 2 to 3:30 p.m. as Beckett celebrates the release of his first contemporary romance novel, “Becoming.” “No tickets required, but a book purchase at blueapplebookstore. com or at the event will be much appreciated,” Dauma said.
In the book set in Columbia, S.C., Shelby leaves her overly strict mother to attend Harlow University in 1996. No longer does Shelby take commands from her mother to “Stand up straight! Smile more! Speak less!”
Shelby meets Tanner who has specific plans — pre-law track, swim team captain, a future built on discipline and focus. He’s spent years making sure nothing knocks him off course. The connection between Shelby and Tanner is terrifying in completely different ways. Is their connection doomed?
“’Becoming’ is a dual-POV (point of view) story of first love, finding yourself, emotional intimacy . . . and the kind of slow-burn tension that earns every single page,” Dauma said.
Beckett writes contemporary romance where emotion lives in both the body and the mind, where silence carries as much meaning as dialogue and where characters become more fully themselves through the people they cannot ignore. His book trusts tension, physical awareness and ordinary moments that change everything, she said.
To move on from suffocating humidity and heat of summer, South & Pine will host a “Pumpkin Succulent Arrangement” workshop on Sept. 20 at 3:30 p.m. Participants will create a beautiful fallthemed arrangement while enjoying complimentary snacks and drinks.
During the 90-minute workshop, each participant will design and create an arrangement on top of a pumpkin with moss and succulents. This live arrangement will last throughout the season (for eight to 12 weeks) for the perfect seasonal decor in a home.
The workshop fee of $45 includes the guided 90-minute workshop using pumpkin, moss and succulents. Participants will have access to all needed tools and supplies, and they can enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks. Participants are free to arrive early to shop (with a 10-percent discount on the entire purchase).
Blue Apple Book’s address is 14 Main St., Suites B and C in downtown Madison. For more information, call 256-325-1822, email owner@shopsouthandpine.com or visit @blueapplebookstore, @shopsouthandpine or shopsouthandpine.com.
