Process notes

Steady and consistent pressure will move the clay up and down two times. 'Coning up' and 'centring down'. This twists the clay as it does, making the clay more cooperative through following stages. At the end of this important step the ball will be centred.

The depth of the hole is found first by pushing an index finger down the centre of the clay. Leaving around 1cm of clay for the base is ideal. From there the base is opened out horizontally to set the base width of the pot. 

The hand position changes here to fingertips on both hands opposite each other in a lightly pinching action. The first pull sets up the shape in the right shape and makes the walls a more consistent thickness. A good half way shape at this stage enables the shape to progress in the right way to achieve the final form.

The walls of the pot are developed to their final thickness here. Achieved by pinching in at the base to reduce the thickness of clay here and lifting the now thicker clay above until the top is reached. This is repeated until the desired thickness is arrived at.

Detailing comes next.The rim can be shaped and finished with a sponge or wet shammy leather for a more refined finish. The thickness of the rim can contribute to the character of the pot so is worth consideration.

The base can be left with a little extra unwanted clay. The simplest way to tidy this is to trim it away with a pointed wooden tool. This also prepares it for easier trimming the foot once the clay is half dry, at the 'leather hard' stage.