Ceramics is a fun, creative pastime for get togethers or even some quiet time. A new shop, Creative Cottage Ceramics & Gifts, opened recently in Kettering.

Mother-and-daughter team Dolores Mittelstadt and Amanda Reedy opened the shop Dec. 1.

“It’s lots of fun. Anybody can do this,” Mittelstadt said. “You don’t have to be artistic; if you can hold a paintbrush you can do a beautiful piece.”

The business offers classes from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays; and 10 a.m. to noon and 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursdays. Saturday classes are available upon request.

“A lot of people have already done ceramics in the past and they’re looking for a place to go for a couple of hours with other hobbyists,” Mittelstadt said.

Mittelstadt and her students will submit pieces to the Midwest Ceramics Association Trade Show. The event will be held April 12-13 at Hara Arena.

“It’s something different than pottery,” Mittelstadt said. “Ceramics doesn’t always mean pottery.”

What: Creative Cottage Ceramics & Gifts, 1120 E. Dorothy Lane, Kettering

What the business does: “We are an old-fashioned ceramic shop, which is cast ceramics,” Mittelstadt said. “There was a ceramic shop in every neighborhood in the ‘50s, ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. We use plaster paris mold and we pour, or cast, the ceramic piece. When it comes out of the mold, you have what is called a greenware piece. The next step is to fire it in a kiln, and then you can stain it or glaze it.”

What makes the business stand out: “Dayton has no cast ceramic shops. They have all gone out of business over the years. We take you through the entire process.”

How the business started: “I’ve been doing ceramics since 1970. Years ago I taught classes in my basement, and I had all the molds. I was laid off in October after 23 years. I had to have something to do, so my daughter and son-in-law wanted me to do something with all my ceramics.”

Upcoming goals: “We want to make it through our first six months. We also want to host birthday parties for children; we have cupcake molds. Girl Scouts and Cub Scouts are welcome as well.”

Contact information: Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays; Phone: 397-4722; Website: www.creativecottageceramics.com.