Figure 1 Use the fettling (potters) knife (tool #4) to trim off the excess clay. Figure 2 The clay slab is now cone shaped.

Figure 3 Starting at the seam line, make a curved cut with the fettling knife to the opposite side of the cone (dotted line). This curved edged part of the clay slab can now be pressed over the larger, rounded end of the mold. Moisten the curved edge with water. (arrows)

Bring the large flap of clay (indicated by the arrows) over the top of the mold and press over the curved, dampened, clay edge that was just cut.

Tear off the excess clay and finish pressing the seam closed.