Opening up the center of the clay can be a tricky task.  If you do not manage to keep you hands totally still, the hole in the center will wobble around, even though the outside of the clay appears to still be centered.

(Using you thumb begin the opening)
  While pressing down with the thumb use your other hand to help hold your thumb still.  Also, press your arms into your side to help hold your arms still.  Be careful to leave enough clay for the bottom of the piece.

(Use both hands to widen the opening)
  Use both hands to widen the opening.  If water pools on the inside use a sponge to remove the water.

(A cutaway view)
This has been cutaway to show the bottom to be about 1/4 inch thick and the walls about 3/4 of and inch thick ready to pull up the wall.

(Position your hands)
  This shot shows how to position your hands for pulling the walls up.  Notice the left thumb and fingers the same height to each other.  Also, the right hand is locked around the left thumb to help hold it still.
 
After the the opening is made you are ready to go onto step 3.

To go Step 3 - Pulling up the Walls

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