AMES WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Clay on the Garden Edge: Wheel-Thrown Pots and Leaf-Pressed Vessels at Reiman Gardens
A hands-on pottery workshop at Reiman Gardens where instructor Nathan guides participants on portable wheels to throw and botanically press terracotta pieces; fired work is available for pickup 4–5 weeks after the session.
Clay on the Garden Edge: Wheel-Thrown Pots and Leaf-Pressed Vessels at Reiman Gardens.
Set within Reiman Gardens in Ames, this compact workshop brings Nathan & Clay’s portable wheel studio to a garden setting: eight portable pottery wheels, stools, clay, tools, buckets and glazes arranged so students can throw, texture and press real leaves into their work amid the serenity of the Gardens.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Nathan-led, hands-on guidance
The workshop is run by Nathan (Nathan & Clay), who brings the full pottery setup and provides step-by-step instruction at each wheel so attendees can shape their own wheel-thrown pieces.
Wheel-throwing with botanical pressing
Participants create terracotta pots or leaf-embossed pieces on portable wheels, then press real leaves into the clay surface to add botanical texture.
Fired work returned for pickup
All pieces will be fired by the instructor and returned to Reiman Gardens for students to pick up 4–5 weeks after the workshop.
What the day feels like
What the Workshop Feels Like
Sessions are compact and focused: on arrival you take a seat at one of eight portable wheels, work with provided clay and tools under Nathan’s direction, and finish by impressing a leaf into the wet surface; the instructor handles firing and returns finished work to Reiman Gardens for later pickup.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this workshop suits and who should plan ahead.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The instructor supplies eight portable pottery wheels, stools, clay, tools, buckets and glazes for the session.
Glazes and basic tool sets are provided as part of the workshop materials brought by Nathan & Clay.
The experience is a portable studio setup brought to Reiman Gardens featuring wheels and the associated supplies listed above.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When is the workshop held?
Saturday, July 25 with three sessions: 10:00 AM–12:00 PM, 1:00 PM–3:00 PM and 4:00 PM–6:00 PM.
Where does the class take place?
The workshop takes place at Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa.
How do I reserve a spot?
Preregistration with prepayment is required; bookings are handled through the operator’s reservation link.
What equipment and materials are provided?
The instructor brings eight portable pottery wheels, stools, clay, tools, buckets and glazes for participants to use.
When and how do I get my fired piece?
Pieces will be fired by the instructor and returned to Reiman Gardens for students to pick up 4–5 weeks following the workshop.
Who runs the workshop?
The workshop is presented at Reiman Gardens with the pottery experience brought by Nathan & Clay.