Elaine Townsend moved to Charlottesville in 1995 and opened
a shop called Ivy House Antiques. After some years, she
opened another shop first named Apropos (then due to some
confusion over pronounciation) changed name of the shop
to Elaine’s Antiques and Gifts.
After 9/11 happened, business as we knew it changed –
since the antiques were slow to sell, Elaine looked into
new ways in which to keep things going. Creatively, she
offered a sewing service and an in-shop work-shop called
Trash into Treasure to teach the art of decorative painting
on furniture. This was fun but it wasn’t very profitable.
After much thought and consideration, Elaine decided to
learn the Art of custom engraving on fine gifts. She offers
a service that is timeless, traditional and thoughtful.
Since the engraving part of her business grew and became
more demanding Elaine chose to “stay with it”
and concentrated her efforts in this department.
Elaine works with a New Hermes IS400
with a diamond cutter - capable of cutting into
Glass, marble, brass, pewter, silver plate and sterling
silver. Many of her items are traditional, such as Thomas
Jefferson Cups, Virginia Cups, Baby Cups, frames, boxes,
clocks and desk accessories to name a few.
But it doesn’t stop there, Elaine isn’t afraid
to try something new, she discovered engraving a custom
monogram on the world famous Mason Pearson Hairbrushes
And filling with gold makes an exceptional personal gift.
They’re costly but are
Handmade in England and are well worth the investment.
Additionally she also embosses leather
items such albums, bibles, planners, wallets and other accessories.
Elaine also discovered she can effectively
use the diamond cutter to cut into glass
and crystal - looks very pretty or handsome (depending on
font style chosen).
Elaine
will help you “personalize your world” by engraving
your name, number etc. on your IPODs.
A small shop that feels as if you are stepping into a jewelry
box filled with all kinds of treasures. Since all the custom
engraving is performed on premises, customers can have as
much design input or simply leave it to Elaine’s judgement.
Elaine is proud of each piece engraved.
