The coiling method is a simple, yet labor intensive process which begins by making a small circular base and stacking snake-like coils of clay and building them up. Once a desired height is acquired, which is usually a ¼ to ½ the size of the piece, the coils are blended together inside and out by using shaping tools. It is through this process that the shaping of the piece takes place and the symmetry, which is extremely critical for having a sound product, is carefully acquired. Once the piece is halfway complete it is set aside to dry for a couple of hours, this allows the clay to dry partially; the clay can now withstand the weight of more clay added on to it. Now, the building process can resume . More coils are added to the piece. These final coils are blended together. The building process is now complete. Then, I thin out the walls by scraping a certain amount of clay off---this helps in acquiring a certain lightness to the piece and at the same time, the vessel is being shaped and refined. After the pot is completely smooth and thinned out to the desired consistency and weight, the 2 to 3 day drying process begins. After the pot is bone dry, the outside surface is ready to be prepared for painting--this process is called burnishing, which is basically taking a small smooth flat stone and rubbing the outside of the pot. This creates a smooth and glossy surface and the painting of the vessel begins.