Some things I've learned about clay

Sometimes the dried hard clay needs broken up and a little water added to it so that it will be usable again. Sometimes it needs to be kneaded because it has sat idle too long and needs to regain it's consistency. Some smashing may occur. Some forcing will occur. There will be a LOT of shaping. But most of all, the clay cannot be formed of itself, it needs the hands of a skilled potter.