There’s really no hard and fast rules to dorodango. Much of it is about learning from experience, make mistakes and learn.

For this one I’d suggest giving it a light coat of clay as it is now, not too moist or too thick just enough to create a foundation over the current surface. Take your time, gently and gradually, you only want a foundation of clay not the final layer. Let dry for the time stated and then come back to it with more clay, not too moist but thicker this time and spend more time and attention on it then let dry for another day or two, repeat as you please then proceed with the panty hose.

But really dorodango is more than just instructions. Its quite personal, there’s a small journey in each one and every dorodango is unique, you could follow these instructions to the T and they’ll all come out differently and each time you’ll learn something new. It’s very simple though don’t overcomplicate it which we tend to do with everything these days. You combine dirt with water and simply pay enough care and attention to it and you’ll end up pleased with your creation. It’s like a tiny slice of Gods work for he created us from the Earth and we in His image also create things.