The meerschaum is in block form and is sorted through to choose the best nodules to carve from. This block has been given a rough shape.
After the careful selection of the "Stone" the meerschaum is divided into sections to begin the carving process. The meerschaum has natural "Fault lines" where it must be split for carving.
After the meerschaum is split it is ready to be carved by skilled craftsmen. There are two choices for work in this part of Turkey. One is to mine Meerschaum and the other is to carve meerschaum. The carvers of meerschaum start directly after school (About 12 years old). These carvers will train under the masters who have been carving for dozens of years.
The carving process is not complete until the pipes are sanded perfectly.
The next step in the pipe making process is to dry the meerschaum. When Meerschaum comes out of the red clay in the ground it has a high moisture content. In order to ensure the meerschaum is dry a kiln is used.
After the meerschaum is totally dry it is boiled in beeeswax to seal the pores in the pipe. The pipes are first prepared by inserting a cork into each hole. Then the pipes are ready for the beeswax.
Once the beexwax is dry and the pipes are cool the pipes are buffed and fitted with stems.
Well aside from making the case this pretty much sums up the entire process of Meerschaum Pipe Carving.