In order to give your pot added security against cracking and breaking apart, lightly weld the outer surface of each joint, using the rounded end of the wooden tool. Gently supporting your pot at an angle to your work surface, lightly tap the bottom edges of your pot to help smooth it and create a slightly beveled slope where the pot will rest on a table. (This slight bevel gives the pot a visual lift, which is more pleasing to the eye.)
If your pot's upper edge is uneven, use your potter's needle to cut away the excess. Remember to support the pot's sides with your fingers against the pressure of the needle. Smooth the upper edge by wetting your finger tips with a bit of slurry and gently running your moistened fingertips across it. Weld and smooth each upper joint together with your fingers, being certain to support the clay with one hand as you apply pressure with the other.
