Story last updated at 12:32 a.m. Sunday, July 27, 2003

Cher designs pottery before performing
TROY, Ohio (AP) ‹ Ever wonder what pop divas do before they perform?

In Cherıs case, she designs pottery at local arts and crafts shops.

The cultural icon visited WaterStone Fired Arts and Crafts Sunday night before a Monday performance at the Nutter Center at Wright State University in Fairborn.

She also visited Michaels Arts and Crafts at a Beavercreek mall where she was spotted by fans and signed autographs.

³I turned around and there she was,² said shopper Arundi Venkayya Cox. ³She was wearing big 70s-type sunglasses. I thought ŒOh my gosh, I canıt believe how thin she is.ı²

At WaterStone, the 57-year-old chose a large mug, which she designed in a two-toned jade wave pattern that will appear after firing. The mug, which the singer signed on the bottom, will be shipped to her Malibu, Calif., home after itıs fired and cooled.