Published: November 07, 2008 07:27 pm      

Custom engraved crystal

Grand opening celebration for gift shop on Nov. 14-15

FROSTBURG — Etchings By Mindy, offering engraved crystal glass and special gift items, will open for business at 20 Broadway with its grand opening Friday and Saturday.

Owned and operated by Melinda Alderton, Etchings by Mindy has operated the last two years from her home as an Internet business in addition to serving the needs of many repeat customers from the tri-state area.

Customer demand factored in the decision to open the storefront business in the heart of Frostburg’s business district.

“To locate next to a candies and fine chocolate shop and near a bakery and several other businesses makes this an ideal location. The recent renovation of the street itself with new lighting and sidewalks and plenty of parking attracted me to this location,” said Alderton, who has been in the glass-engraving business for nearly 10 years.

“I learned the art of glass engraving from Ella Snyder, my dear friend who operated Snyder’s Cut Crystal Shop on North Centre Street in Cumberland until her death a little more than two years ago. Ella was an excellent businesswoman and a skilled artist who taught me this business. If it were not for her, I would not have been able to bring this niche business to the city of Frostburg,” she said.

Featuring engraved, customized glass items for every occasion, Etchings By Mindy specializes in wedding and anniversary gifts, engraved bakeware and customized restaurant glassware, corporate and sports awards, retirement gifts and personalized items.

Engraved wine bottles for weddings, new home gifts, anniversaries and other occasions are also offered. A bridal registry is available along with free gift wrapping.

Specially selected gift items in addition to glassware are also featured.

The business Web site, www.etchingsbymindy.com, affords customers the opportunity to view some of the store inventory prior to visiting the shop.

The business will be open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. and Sunday during the visit of scenic railroad passengers upon their arrival at the Depot.

Extended hours will be offered in December, and regular business hours may be expanded in the future. This week’s grand opening celebration will include gift certificates with hourly drawings Friday and a one-time, special gift certificate awarded Saturday. Refreshments will also be offered.

A native of Frostburg and resident for the past 14 years, Alderton will operate the business with the assistance of her husband, Jeff, and their daughters, Carly and Kristen.

Etchings By Mindy may be contacted at (301) 689-3399 or (301) 876-8385.