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With the holidays sneaking up, Boone Designs LLC is excited to announce the new store hours for The Apple Blossom Boutique! Located just above the Rathskeller, at 141 N. Main Street, downtown Monticello. Though it has been available by appointment following its soft opening during Monticello's Homecoming, they are happy to offer regular hours. Starting September 1, 2016, the door will be open Thursdays and Fridays from Noon to 6:00 p.m., Saturdays 9:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m., and by appointment Mondays through Wednesdays.

Boone Designs LLC wanted to open a store while giving tribute to the beautiful community of Monticello and the members that are committed to making Monticello such a wonderful place. So The Apple Blossom Boutique was created. A quaint little shop that offers custom design and repair of fine jewelry. Owner and operator, Katie Boone, began a unique opportunity working for Jared's the Galleria of Jewelry in 2006, which inspired a career in creation and focused on detail of creating and repairing jewelry, which led to working for The Diamond Center as well. In early 2009, she moved to Monticello and began studying under local goldsmith, Beth Lee Stern. In 2011, Katie won First Place in the rings category at the Midwest Jewelers Trade Show, with a gentlemen's ring she carved in wax and cast in sterling silver, set with a Peridot gem. As a student, Katie was competing against other students that entered across eight Midwest states.

Her preferred method of creating custom jewelry is a process known as "lost wax," which can now be done with CAD design system at many large jewelry stores. But she prefers to carve her creations by hand, which is becoming a lost art and is something she was introduced to at a young age by her grandfather, an art teacher in Janesville.

Boone opened Boone Designs LLC in 2014, offering repair and custom requests, plus all the new trends in jewelry. With the hustle and bustle of a young family, she has finally decided to offer a storefront. As it has been a building process to get here, she is looking forward to continue to grow, while showcasing other local creations in her limited space. She currently has photography of Monticello's natural beauty by Renee Croushore on display, aromatherapy and essential oils by Autumn Luminescence, and natural soaps by Walking Mountain Soaps.

Stay up to date on The Apple Blossom Boutique - like us on Facebook, visit http://www.boonedesignsllc.jewelershowcase.com or call (608) 843-4732.