Burnish a small pot with a spoon

Burnishing compresses the clay surface until it becomes shiny, no glaze needed. It's meditative, physical work.

What you need

• A leather-hard pinch pot or small bowl
• The back of a metal spoon (stainless works great)
• Patience

Technique

• Hold the spoon at a low angle against the surface
• Press firmly and drag in overlapping strokes
• Work in one direction, then cross over perpendicularly
• Keep going until the surface develops a visible sheen

Signs you're doing it right

• The clay darkens slightly under the spoon
• A subtle sheen appears where you've worked
• The surface feels slick under your fingertip

Signs you're not

• Scratches or gouges (pressing too hard or too steep an angle)
• No sheen forming (the clay might be too wet; let it firm up)