Gather clay, water, a work surface, a sponge, a knife, and basic shaping tools
Cover your work area to keep it clean
Knead the clay until it is soft and free of air bubbles
Shape the clay by hand, with a coil method, slab method, or on a pottery wheel
Keep your hands and tools slightly damp while working
Smooth cracks and join pieces by scoring and adding a little water or slip
Refine the shape and even out the surface
Let the piece dry slowly until it reaches leather-hard stage
Trim or carve details if needed
Allow the piece to dry completely before firing
Fire the pottery in a kiln if available
Apply glaze if desired
Fire again after glazing according to the glaze instructions
Let the finished pottery cool completely before handling