Tattooed Tree Books - Fort Atkinson, WI

Tattooed Tree Books, Fort Atkinson, WI

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If you’re anywhere near Fort Atkinson and haven’t discovered this indie yet, move it to the top of your to-do list.  The experience I had here is exactly WHY you don’t go online and just click to get a book.  Dena T. is the effervescent and enthusiastic owner of this new bookstore only 5 months old and located in the heart of downtown Fort Atkinson.  My time here was like a mini-course in books, bookstores, and Dena’s journey to Tattooed Tree Books.  When you visit here and meet Dena you’ll be immersed in a true bookstore experience.  Surprisingly, her past wasn’t necessarily destined for this since she was on the path of paleoanthropology as a young adult.  Now, in addition to bookstore ownership, her other jobs include a position in IT, a very creative artist whose work you can see throughout the store, and a mother.  I’ve met many talented and fascinating owners on this journey but Dena takes these attributes to the nth degree.

This one-level indie is in a space that was built in 1898.  Up until 5 months ago it had been many things, including a Sears store.  Tattooed Tree offers all new books and a few used books accepted as donations.  They may expand their used books inventory sometime in the future.  Keep in mind that you can also support the store by ordering  books online through bookshop.org.  There are a wide selection of sidelines including stickers, unique book marks, store merch, puzzles, teas, and locally created items like drawstring bags, tote bags, and jewelry.  Maybe even consider picking up an original work of art created by the bookstore owner herself.  Tattooed Tree has already hosted several events and discovered this is another excellent way to bring people into the store.

One of my favorite things here besides Dena and bookseller Kit, is the store name, Tattooed Tree Books.  I found it confusing until Dena explained it.  The pages in a book come from a tree, right?  The printing on the pages make it a tattooed tree.  Clever, very clever.  There are so MANY intentional and subtle quirks like this that maybe you should consider visiting and discover them yourself.

Hey regulars, bring a friend to this already award-winning bookstore in the Fort Atkinson business community.  Enjoy your visit and savor the time you spend at this special place.  Congrats Dena and Fort Atkinson.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau, Kristin Harmel.  A family living in 1940s occupied France resorts to stealing jewelry to help fund the resistance.  As the Nazis close in on the French Jewish population, they also close in on the jewel thieves.  But sometimes crimes and tragedies that happen back in time, have major implications decades later in a different time and place.  Historical fiction.  One of the best books I read all summer.  Highly recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  Mrs. Mike, Benedict & Nancy Freedman.  

 

Always!

I was lucky to get on street parking but there is also a large parking lot behind the store.  

Spacious front window display.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  This space has lived many lives dating back to 1898.  

You have to see this in person to believe it.  I don't recall seeing anything like this in other indies I've visited.  This is a gigantic replica of a book just inside the entrance and to the right.  I'm over 6 feet tall and the book is taller than me.  It was created by Dena and she may add additional pages that can be turned.  Absolutely remarkable.  Be sure to ask her about the page numbers at the top of each page.  They are intentional.  Great work Dena.  

  

Enlarge this to read Dena's story about The Big Book, pictured above.  

 

Very attractive display in the center of the store.  

 

If I were a regular, this would be my spot.  Perfect for trying out a book or two.  

Go to the left side of the store and enjoy browsing this wall.  

An intriguing book.  

Miniature drawstring bags, created locally.  

Unique blends of teas.  

Locally crafted unique jewelry available here.  In any bookstore, if you see it and you like it, GET IT.  It will be hard to find elsewhere.  

Unique sidelines.  

A few of the stickers available.  

 

The store offers a wide variety of unique sidelines.  I think there is something for everyone.  

Tiny books for big ideas.  There are so many clever things here.  

If you're a feral book nerd you need this shirt.  

Some of Dena's talented art work available and on display.  

A few of the puzzles available.  

A cozy and comfy setting right in the middle of the store.  

I discovered these indestructible books for toddlers a few years ago and think they're still a great idea today.  Drool proof!

Shouldn't all regulars have a Tattooed Tree Books t-shirt?  

View looking into the Chroma Art Studio, in the building behind the bookstore's space.  A perfect partner for an independent bookstore.  

The Chroma Art Studio is a great place to explore, experience, and create.  

A terrific gathering place for events and book clubs behind the bookstore. 

Overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

Only in Wisconsin.  Read the title again so you don't miss it.  

With Kit on the left and Dena on the right, two of the fine people you'll meet at Tattooed Tree Books.  Thanks for a great visit.  

Little Blue Pigeon - Denver, CO

 Little Blue Pigeon, Denver, CO

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My only regret visiting Little Blue Pigeon is I know it is going to show amazing and beautiful growth in the coming months and years.  Already, in its three short months it is off to an impressive start.  In this short time, its success has been excellent and is split 50/50 between tourists and locals.  Owner Paige D.'s vision was to create a neighborhood bookstore vibe, small in size but comfy in spirit and well-curated.  She has definitely hit that mark and then some.  I think the store has an especially good location on one of the few remaining historical Denver squares, Larimer Square, in south downtown Denver.  The street is blocked off creating an ideal area for foot traffic that benefits Little Blue Pigeon and all the other adjacent businesses.  It’s also on the edge of the theater district helping to make it a tourist destination.  The area is surrounded with many apartments and condos that helps the store attract local customers.  As Paige told me, the store already has a solid core of regular customers.  But, to me, best of all I was glad to hear that this terrific location has a very reasonable lease.

The first thing that hit me when I entered this store was the beautiful and expansive blue pigeon-themed mural on the back wall of the store.  This unique masterpiece was created by two talented local women artists, congratulations to them.  The Little Blue Pigeon offers all new books and several noteworthy sidelines including journals, greeting cards, adult coloring books (they’re making a comeback), leather bookmarks, stickers, and silk pajamas hand sewn by a local artist, just to name a few.  Paige has experience creating author events in her previous job and is already putting that talent to good use.  One of those successful events was a book club retreat, held at a renowned local hotel and the club’s book was Ann Patchett’s, Whistler.  Other events are held inside the store’s space or off-site for larger events.  Always remember if you can’t support the store in-person you can always make a purchase online at bookshop.org.

When you visit historic Larimer Square you will discover no shortage of fun things to do and places to visit.  Whatever you do, make sure to see this beautiful new bookstore to make your visit complete.  Go to an indie and buy a book.  Bonsoir.

JUST FINISHED:  Signs: The Secret Language of The Universe, Laura Lynne Jackson.  An absolutely fascinating book that includes stories of how loved ones continue to try and communicate with us after they have passed.  Lots of examples through anecdotes and also the many ways our Teams of Light and the universe/God try to reach us.  The author is a psychic medium and I thought her book was very credible.  Recommended.  

CURRENTLY READING:  The Stolen Life of Colette Marceau, Kristin Harmel.  

RECENTLY PURCHASED:  Beloved, Toni Morrison.  

Enter here.  

Beautiful storefront and lots of window space for natural light. 

 

Larger picture of the store's building and the adjacent Lincoln Hall.  

I love the store logo.  

View looking into the store from the front entrance.  

One of a kind silk pajamas just to the right after entering.  

Attractive table display front and center.  

A very cozy nook to sample a book, inside the front door and curl around to the left.  

Table display for the young and the young in heart.  

Browse these shelves on the left side of the store.  

Hip and fashionable.  

A few of the Young Adult books offered.  

Roll the dice and take a chance on a blind date with a book.  

Very attractive journals.  

A few of the stickers available.  

Adult coloring books are making a comeback at this indie.  

This was really cool.  Paige told me to write a letter to myself in the future.  She kept it and will mail it to me in a year.  If you visit this bookstore, be sure to do this.  

An ideal place for little readers.  

Overview of the store looking from the back toward the front entrance.  

Kids will love visiting here.  

This blank wall on the left side of the store will hopefully become home to various antique mirrors of all shapes and sizes. 

My picture doesn't do this remarkable mural justice which means you have to go see it in person.  

You will need a tote for all the books you'll buy.  

A very fun Denver-themed bingo card.  

With Paige, the fine owner at Little Blue Pigeon.  Thanks for a great visit.