WEST CHESTER TWP. — There might not be much shopping time to kill before Christmas, but Kil'n Time Cafe — a little ceramics store along Cincinnati-Dayton Road — could be just the ticket for an unusual Christmas gift.

        The store, in a turn-of-the-century garage once used as an airplane hangar, provides a retreat for the creative artist, the novice and many youngsters.

        “The concept originated on the West Coast,” said Kil'n Time's owner, D.J. Brennan, who has five stores — four in Ohio and one in Parkersburg, W.Va. “It is basically a way to enjoy ceramics without the mess of pouring and cleaning pottery” and owning a kiln.

        Kil'n Time's shelves are full of holiday ceramic green ware ready for the artist. Christmas and Hanukkah are represented.

        “The old garage and the way we have decorated it really helps out. It adds great atmosphere — rather than if we were in, say, a strip shopping center.” said Andrea Bolton, manager of the West Chester store.

        Ms. Bolton said youngsters looking for a personal gift for grandparents or parents for the holidays, or adults looking to put a personal touch on Christmas might want to to try ceramics.

        The shop also offers mosaics and candle making.

        A visit involves a $6 to $8 studio fee plus the cost of the items or materials. Most work can be done in a day. Kil'n Time will fire pieces in its kiln. The pieces can be picked up in about a week.

        Recently, Ann Troescher brought her son Adam, 10 and nephews Kyle Hopfensperger, 13, and brother Nathan, 10, to Kil'n Time for a short visit to create some small ceramic pieces — an ice cream cone, iguana and a cat.

        Kyle and Nathan were visiting from South Carolina, “so we went out and did various things today and we decided to stop here for an hour before we have to be home — just to see what we can do,” Mrs. Troescher said.

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